I have a simple question for you who think repentance is simply a turning from sin. VVhen you pray to the Lord and tell Him, "Lord I'm sorry for what I've done. I won't do it again, ever. I am so so sorry." are you capable of fulfilling this promise? This oath? Or is it empty? How often have you repented of a particular sin but you continue to repeat it again and again? So then, tell me, what good does your form of repentance serve you when you're still stuck in the same sin over and over again? VVhere is the power in this repentance? VVhat good are the tears, sulking, and show when you are incapable in your flesh to fulfill this promise to God?
That is the way I see your repentance. People have been attacking hyper-grace and saying that its a license to sin (which is false) and also disagreeing with its presentation of repentance ("a change of mind"). Yet, my question is, what good is your repentance? Hasn't history shown the fruit of the traditional concept of repentance? It is void of confidence before the Lord, assurance in salvation, and the love of God (and the grace of God). In some ways it actually completely ignores what Jesus accomplished at the cross. Confession of sin for the sake of forgiveness? Has Christ died in vain? Did not His shed blood give you the remission of your sins?
There is so much more than meets the eye when it comes to repentance. It is tainted with religion and self righteousness. It tries to acknowledge Jesus, but treats His blood as if common. Incapable of doing that which God set out to do. Granting us forgiveness, taking our sins away and justifying us before God. Jesus being able as our High Priest to save us completely. All of this is tossed aside for a concept of repentance that deals with sin confession as if it maintains salvation. That is where people should truly repent. Change your mind about sin confession for forgiveness because it misses the mark that is Christ Jesus on that cross paying for your sins. You are forgiven, it is not something you seek. It is found in Christ.
This could go on for another couple paragraphs to define repentance, but I will keep it short. Repentance happens daily, it is through mind renewal. It is, after all, a change of mind. It is coming into agreement with God (yes, even about your sins) and then coming into the reality that Jesus has set you free from sin because you're a new creation. Also too, under grace sin's dominion is broken. So the accusation of licentiousness (license to sin) is unfounded because people are explicitly stating that we are set free from it and are dead to it. VVe don't ignore sin. VVe turn to God for His strength. VVe repent in that of growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. In Him is victory found.
