It is true that numerous Bible verses speak of the promise of salvation with no mention of repentance. These verses merely say to "believe" on Jesus Christ and you shall be saved (Acts 16:31; Romans 10:9). However, the Bible makes it clear that God is holy and man is sinful and that sin makes a separation between the two (Isaiah 59:1,2). Without repentance from sin, wicked men cannot have fellowship with a holy God. We are dead in our trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1)and until we forsake them through repentance, we cannot be made alive in Christ. The Scriptures speak of "repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts 20:21).
The first public word Jesus preached was "repent" (Matthew 4:17). John the Baptist began his ministry the same way (Matthew 3:2). Jesus told His hearers that without repentance, they would perish (Luke 13:3). If belief is all that is necessary for salvation, then the logical conclusion is that one need never repent. However, the Bible tells us that a false convert "believes" and yet is not saved (Luke 8:13); he remains a "worker of iniquity." Look at the warning of Scripture: "If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth" (1 John 1:6). The Scriptures also say, "He that covers his sins shall not prosper, but whoso confesses and forsakes them [repentance] shall have mercy" (Proverbs 28:13). Jesus said that there was joy in heaven over one sinner who "repents" (Luke 15:10). If there is no repentance, there is no joy because there is no salvation.
As Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost, he commanded his hearers to repent "for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38). Without repentance, there is no remission of sins; we are still under God's wrath. Peter further said, "Repent ... and be converted that your sins may be blotted out" (Acts 3:19). We cannot be "converted" unless we repent. God himself "commands all men everywhere [leaving no exceptions] to repent" (Acts 17:30). Peter said a similar thing at Pentecost: "Repent, and be baptized every one of you" (Acts 2:38).
If repentance wasn't necessary for salvation, why then did Jesus command that repentance be preached to all nations (Luke 24:47)? With so many Scriptures speaking of the necessity of repentance for salvation, one can only suspect that those who preach salvation without repentance are strangers to repentance themselves, and thus strangers to true conversion.
From the Evidence Bible [Ray Comfort]
So, is repentance necessary for salvation? If Jesus preached it, shouldn't we? If his apostles, who knew Jesus and his message better than anyone who lived, preached it to the Jews and the Gentiles, shouldn't we? Shouldn't we stick to the Biblical message of salvation which was established by Jesus, the basis for the foundation of the church in the first place, and confirmed by the apostles as the gospel? Why do we often (with good intentions) try to change the message as if to say that we know better.
Sure, times change. But what takes people to Hell hasn't changed -- SIN. That is what must be adressed. Sin can only be dealt with through repentace toward God (whom are sins are against) and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ (who died to pay the price for those crimes against God and who is "the only name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved").
So, I implore you brothers and sisters to preach repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
To the glory of God,
--Josh
Thursday, May 25, 2006
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9 comments:
We are beckoned by Christ to evangelize to all the nations. It is said to see that message "sugar-coated" so as to supposedly bring more people to Christ. I guess "fire and brimstone" just isn't the only interpretation to be gotten from preaching that repentance is necessary :D.
~Lovely
Josh,
Amen brother. Sounds like John Macarthur refuting what is often called "Easy Believism". This doctrine says, say this prayer and you are saved. Walk the aisle and you are saved. But it takes true repentance and biblical humility to be truly converted to Christ. Well put and well blogged. Thanks for the reminder of the importance of those words "Repent" that Jesus and John gave us!
Josh,
When I got saved, the preacher told me to walk the aisle and make a decision for Christ. And I got saved! He was very gentle and loving and made sure not to offend me when he made me repeat after him in prayer. Then I filled out a card and got my picture taken. He said that Jesus was the Answer to my problems and the source of my joy. He also told me that Jesus was better than anything I've ever tried before and that if I asked him into my heart, I'd live a truly happy life of peace and joy! Are you telling me that if I haven't "repented" that I am not saved? How arrogant of you!
-Offended Christian
Offended Christian,
The Bible is telling you that if you haven't repented that you are not saved. In that I agree with the Word of God, I am also saying that. No repentance, no salvation.
If our punishment in Hell is the result of our sins against a Holy, Just God, then how can we be saved from that if don't turn away from our sins -- that's what repenting is. But don't take my word for it, take God's.
Acts 2:38; 3:19; 5:31; 8:22; 11:18
Acts 17:30 -- "God commands all people everywhere to repent."
Acts 20:21; 26:20;
Luke 13:3 -- "but unless you repent you will all likewise perish."
Listen to what John MacArthur (great Bible teacher, probably better than we will ever be) says about repentance:
"This refers to a change of mind and purpose that turns an individual from sin to God (1 Thess. 1:9). Such change involves more than fearing the consequences of God's judgment. Genuine repentance knows that the evil sin must be forsaken and the person and work of Christ totally and singularly embraced. Peter exhorted his hearers to repent, otherwise they would not experience true conversion" (MacArthur Study Bible notes to Acts 2:38). And "genuine repentance is inseparably linked to a changed lifestyle" (ibid. notes to Acts 26:20).
Without repentance there is no conversion. People who come for a better life or because they are sorry for the earthly consequences of sin, those who ask Jesus into their hearts (what Bible verse is that?), those who make a decision for Christ that doesn't involve true repentance (see John 1:12-13), and those who merely believe or have head knowledge ARE NOT true converts and therefore ARE NOT SAVED!
That isn't my opinion, this is what the Bible teaches. It isn't one verse it is all of Scripture. It is undeniable.
I am sorry if you had a false conversion experience, but there is good news. Knowing what you know now, it is NOT TOO LATE to humble yourself, repent of your sins, and exercise faith in Christ and trust him like you trust a parachute. Your life is not over yet. You still have time. Surrender your life and will to Him daily. Read the Bible everyday and OBEY what you read.
If you are upset, take consolation in what Paul told the Corinthians. He offended them but they began to examining themselves and that led to repentance. Praise God! (2 Cor. 7:8-13)
I do hope that you will examine yourself (2 Cor. 13:5)
For God's glory only,
--Josh
Josh,
Okay so repentance is a must. But what about God's forgiveness and goodness. Doesn't He forgive all who are willing to be saved? I believe He forgave me. My life has changed for the better. But I still struggle with sin. How can I truly repent if I'm human and still struggle with sin? Does God expect me to be perfect or something? That's impossible. I know Christ was, but how can I be like Him if I am tainted with sin?
So what is biblical salvation is the heart thing and decision thing aren't in the bible? And everytime I sin do I have to repent and be saved again? It just doesn't make sense.
-Offended & Confused Christian
Offended Christian,
I think you've stumbled upon some legalists on this blog. Much about the letter of the law and not a whole lotta room for grace.
Salvation is by grace through faith. It's a result of the finished work of Christ on the cross. You are saved when you put your faith in him. A little child doesn't have much to repent of and certainly doesn't understand the deeper concepts of the Word like these guys on this blog. Suggest you don't get blogged down here. Go elsewhere.
Dear anonymous,
Have you read your bible friend?
Jam 4:6 "But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."-KJV
1Pe 5:5 "Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all [of you] be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble."
Rom 7:7 "What shall we say then? [Is] the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet."
Gal 3:24 "Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster [to bring us] unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith".
Psa 19:7 "The law of the LORD [is] perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD [is] sure, making wise the simple."
Rom 3:19 "Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God."
-Dear anonymous, read and re-read these verses. I had to before I understood that God used the law to talk to the proud sinner, and grace to administer to the humble sinner. Even Paul said above that he didn't know what sin was until the law entered in and told him. That means most sinners don't know what "sin" is. Often people use "Romans Road", which is good, but a bit incomplete in personalizing sin to the sinner:
Rom 7:13 "Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful."
-You see? We must show the sinner that their sin is exceedingly sinful. And the best way to do that is through the Law of God, the Ten Commandments. It is perfect and converts the soul. It stops the sinners mouth and leaves the sinner with no excuse. That means they can't justify their sin or wrong deeds because the law shuts them up so to speak.
I know this is a lot to digest, but bear with me.
So we can use the law to show a sinner how he has sinned against God. And then administer the grace. It's what Jesus did:Matthew19:16, Mark 10:17, Luke 18:18. This is where the rich young ruler came to Jesus and Jesus took him through the commandments to show him is error. The ruler kept them from his youth but had to leave and sell all of his possessions. Jesus also took the woman at the well through a commandment and then gave her the grace(John4:7). Both times Jesus used the Law to prepare the sinner's heart for grace. We must do the same. So please consider our motivation which is love for the Lost man to see him/her get saved.
go to:
www.livingwaters.com
-click on Hell'sBestKeptSecret
www.wayofthemaster.com
In Christ,
jonathan
You can't give grace to a self-righteous proud arrogant sinner, b/c it won't make sense. Grace is for the humble. Test it to the bible friend.
jonathan
Hello Offended christian, :o)
Don't be! When we get saved, our soul gets saved, our Dead Spirit is quickened, But our flesh is still flesh. We are in a battle against 3 enemies , the world , the devil and the flesh. The flesh will not be changed until Jesus comes and changes us.
1Cr 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be CHANGED.
I just found out who this guy is( and he needs prayer. :o)
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