How to Spot a Legalist

[notuptome]

It is not sliding crossnote it is simple truth; If you believe and trust in the Lord for salvation, then you believe and trust in what He said to do also.

Even our Lord Jesus points out this simple truth !!!







I have already received Christ and you false accusations are unbecoming of a Christian...

You can not change the biblical standard of Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19, and Acts 19:2-6, and to do so is twisting His word.

The Holy Spirit does do as you say but that is when you receive Him and that is not a minute one of faith unless you have automatically repented and got baptized in Christ at that minute as well.

You can call me not saved all you want because I do not have to answer to you, and you do realize stating that on somebody is improper judgment???

I answer to the Lord our God and not man, and by the Holy Spirit I know I have in me I trust He is guided me in the Truth because what He says aligns with the word.

But I think I remember you say at one time that the Holy Spirit only speaks through the word and not personally to the believer, am I right on that ???? If so I can tell you that is not right because I hear Him speaking to me even when I don't have a bible in front of me !!!

You are able to assert what ever you wish but if what you say does not line up with scripture you have not believed in accordance with Romans 10:9-10

Scripture teaches that it is the Holy Spirit that is the regenerator of God. One cannot be saved until the Holy Spirit enter into the heart. This is the baptism of the Holy Spirit and has nothing to do with tongues or water.

We are saved by grace. Grace received by faith. Faith created by hearing the word of God.

I can attest that the moment I prayed for Jesus to save me He did. The Holy Spirit cleansed my heart and I became a new creation in Christ. I was born again the very moment I trusted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior. All this was according to the scriptures.

For the cause of Christ
Roger

 

[KennethC]

You simply don't understand what a gift is do you?

Romans 5:15-17 (KJV)
15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.
17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

psst, it comes packaged in the Person of Jesus Christ.

Again though this passage in Romans 5 does not do away with keeping and following the Lord's teachings and commands, as you would need to keep reading to get the whole understanding and not just go by this one passage in that chapter and even the whole NT.

Because you need to carry over to Romans 6 where Apostle Paul then goes into how are we to contend/walk in the faith, and he says if you continue to serve/obey sin that is your master and it will lead you to death, but serving/obeying righteousness leads to eternal life.

We have become slaves to righteousness now, and no longer slaves to sin !!!

Then look at the next to last verse of Romans 6:

Romans 6:22
But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

 

[crossnote]

I'll concede and admit I made the 5th post on the thread as follows;

I wasn't naming any names yours or kens, just the fact that it was going according to the OP topic until some started challenging...but I guess that is the nature of the beast called BDF.

 

[crossnote]

Again though this passage in Romans 5 does not do away with keeping and following the Lord's teachings and commands, as you would need to keep reading to get the whole understanding and not just go by this one passage in that chapter and even the whole NT.

Because you need to carry over to Romans 6 where Apostle Paul then goes into how are we to contend/walk in the faith, and he says if you continue to serve/obey sin that is your master and it will lead you to death, but serving/obeying righteousness leads to eternal life.

We have become slaves to righteousness now, and no longer slaves to sin !!!

Then look at the next to last verse of Romans 6:

Romans 6:22
But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

why stop at Rom 6?

Romans 7:4-6 (KJV)
4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.
5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.
6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.

Or evev Rom 8..

Romans 8:1-3 (HCSB)
1 Therefore, no condemnation now exists for those in Christ Jesus,
2 because the Spirit's law of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.
3 What the law could not do since it was limited by the flesh, God did. He condemned sin in the flesh by sending His own Son in flesh like ours under sin's domain, and as a sin offering,

Ad infinitum ad nauseum.

 

[KennethC]

You are able to assert what ever you wish but if what you say does not line up with scripture you have not believed in accordance with Romans 10:9-10

Scripture teaches that it is the Holy Spirit that is the regenerator of God. One cannot be saved until the Holy Spirit enter into the heart. This is the baptism of the Holy Spirit and has nothing to do with tongues or water.

We are saved by grace. Grace received by faith. Faith created by hearing the word of God.

I can attest that the moment I prayed for Jesus to save me He did. The Holy Spirit cleansed my heart and I became a new creation in Christ. I was born again the very moment I trusted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior. All this was according to the scriptures.

For the cause of Christ
Roger

According to your understanding because I do remember you trying to say Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:16, and Acts 2:38 is Holy Spirit baptism..................

Problem men can not administer that baptism, for He is given by God !!!

 

[KennethC]

why stop at Rom 6?

Romans 7:4-6 (KJV)
4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.
5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.
6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.

Ad infinitum ad nauseum.

I did not say stop at Romans 6 as I said the whole NT !!!

Romans 7 does not work either because Apostle Paul is talking about what believers go through when they first convert to the belief, and he uses his own life for an example.

Romans 8 Paul goes on to show the way he spoke in 7 he could not continue to walk that way of a carnal mind set sold under bondage to the law. He was explaining still warring with the flesh, but then in 8 he now walks fully by the Spirit and by that way there is no condemnation.

A person can not be carnally minded and think they are saved !!!

 

[KennethC]

I wasn't naming any names yours or kens, just the fact that it was going according to the OP topic until some started challenging...but I guess that is the nature of the beast called BDF.

All I came into do is show people how the true meaning of legalism is not including Jesus teachings and commands from the gospel books that a few were trying to say they are.

True legalism is defined -- only those who try to force the physical ordinances of the Mosaic laws on believers that they have to be kept for salvation.....

Neither me nor anybody else has done that, not even just-me !!!

Yet some still want to try and pass that false allegation on us no matter how much we speak the truth on where we really stand. They want to stay contentious against others instead of just keep the debate respectful and friendly.

 

[BenFTW]

I did not say stop at Romans 6 as I said the whole NT !!!

Romans 7 does not work either because Apostle Paul is talking about what believers go through when they first convert to the belief, and he uses his own life for an example.

Romans 8 Paul goes on to show the way he spoke in 7 he could not continue to walk that way of a carnal mind set sold under bondage to the law. He was explaining still warring with the flesh, but then in 8 he now walks fully by the Spirit and by that way there is no condemnation.

A person can not be carnally minded and think they are saved !!!

Let me introduce you to the Corinthian church, who were in all manner of sin and yet the Apostle Paul called them saints and said that they would be blameless on the day of the Lord's return. He thanked God for the grace that was revealed to them.

When will you guys understand that while we are to be sanctified, sanctification throughout our lives is not the means to salvation. If you died today, you surely have not been sanctified into perfection and would still be falling short of God's glory. You now or in twenty years would still be just as completely and totally dependent upon Jesus for your salvation. The more sanctified you in twenty years is no more secure in his salvation than where you are now.

 

[KennethC]

Let me introduce you to the Corinthian church, who were in all manner of sin and yet the Apostle Paul called them saints and said that they would be blameless on the day of the Lord's return. He thanked God for the grace that was revealed to them.

When will you guys understand that while we are to be sanctified, sanctification throughout our lives is not the means to salvation. If you died today, you surely have not been sanctified into perfection and would still be falling short of God's glory. You now or in twenty years would still be just as completely and totally dependent upon Jesus for your salvation. The more sanctified you in twenty years is no more secure in his salvation than where you are now.

You need to give biblical references to back up your claim.............

1 Corinthians 2.............Apostle Paul is speaking on going by the wisdom of God by the Spirit and not of man

1 Corinthians 3.............Apostle Paul tells them they are still carnal and not ready to receive the meat, and tells them how we are the temple and if any defiles the temple they will be destroyed.

1 Corinthians 4............Apostle Paul states being faithful and imitating him as he imitates Christ

1 Corinthians 5............Apostle Paul talks about shunning and casting out the sexual immoral ones from the church

1 Corinthians 6............Apostle Paul speaks on how the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom and to flee unrighteousness

1 Corinthians 7............Apostle Paul speaking on marriage and not giving into lustful passions

8 is about idols, 9 is living how the gospel states to live, 10 baptism and idols again, and communion, 11 he says to imitate him again, and this can go on and on.........

But I see nowhere in that epistle where it says if they continued in those ways that Apostle Paul was telling them they can not continue in are they still saved !!!

 

[PennEd]

I know I said there might not be much fruit trying to convince the Grace PLUS something gang, (I have truly come to despise dissension), but this article hit chord with me. Maybe it will for the Grace PLUSSERS too:
[h=1]3 Reasons Why I Don’t Preach on Repentance (“Turn from Sin”)[/h]NOVEMBER 28, 2011 BY PAUL ELLIS

Religious people often complain that we grace preachers don’t emphasize repentance sufficiently. It’s true. I hardly emphasize it at all. But then neither did the Apostle John. You’d think if salvation hinged on our repentance then it would be in the gospels but John says nothing about it. Not one word. Neither does he mention repentance in any of his three letters. I guess John must’ve been a grace preacher.
Here’s something that will fry your mind: Repentance is one of the most important things you’ll ever do but it’s not worth an entire sermon. How can you say such heresy Paul? I’ll answer that question in a moment. But first, let me ask you which of the following is the best definition of repentance:
1. Repentance means to turn from sin
2. Repentance means to change your mind
As we saw in the last post, repentance is a lot like football. It means different things to different people. But Biblical repentance simply means “change your mind.” You can change your mind about anything, but Jesus called us to change our mind and believe the good news (Mk 1:15).
Your definition of repentance will reveal whether you are living under grace or works. In the Old Testament, sinners repented by bringing a sacrifice of penance and confessing their sins (Num 5:7). But in the new we bring a sacrifice of praise and confess His name (Heb 13:15). We don’t do anything to deal with our sins for Jesus has done it all. Our part is to change our mind, believe the good news, and say thank you Jesus! If that’s not practical enough for you, then start praising Jesus who died to free us from sin and whose grace empowers us to sin no more. See yourself as dead to sin and alive to Christ.
No matter how much I preach on grace, some people just can’t see the cross for their sins. They write to tell me I’m under-selling repentance. What they really mean is, “Paul you’re not telling people to turn from their sin.” In many churches this is exactly the message you will hear. “God is holy and He won’t accept you unless you turn from sin.” It’s sold as a “message of repentance” and it appeals to our sense of right and wrong but it’s utterly false. It’s a lie from the pit of hell designed to promote the flesh and keep you from coming to Jesus. The truth is God is holy and He won’t accept you no matter whatyou do. His acceptance and favor come by grace alone. Got a sin-problem? Then come boldly to the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace. His grace is your only hope.
Here are three reasons why you should reject any message that defines repentance as turning from sin:
1. It puts people under law
If you preach “turn from sin or you’re not saved” you are preaching pure law. You are prescribing sin-rejection as a means for salvation. This false gospel actually leaves sinners worse off because it empowers the sin that enslaves them while scorning the grace of God that might otherwise save them (1 Cor 15:56, Rm 11:6). The righteousness that God offers is not conditional on your ability to perform. Neither your good works nor your bad works enter the equation. The gospel of grace reveals the gift of righteousness that is received by faith from first to last (Rom 1:17).

2. It doesn’t lead people to salvation
Let me give you a picture to illustrate true repentance. Suppose I call you up and give you an invitation to come to my house. You’ve never been here before so you need directions. There are two ways I could direct you. I could give you my address and provide an accurate picture of where I live. Or I could say, “flee from your house – just drive from your house as fast as possible and don’t look back.” Do you see the difference? In both cases you’re going to leave your house. That’s guaranteed. But only by trusting my directions will you arrive at my house. Repentance is just like that. It’s not fleeing from sin like a Pharisee. It’s turning to God in faith. In both cases you will leave your sin. But only by trusting God will you actually arrive someplace better than where you started.
To get people to repent (change their minds) Jesus preached the good news of the kingdom. He painted a picture of where God wanted them to be (with Him here and now) and He gave them clear directions on how to get there (have faith in God). It was the same with Paul. He didn’t walk into Corinth, one of the world’s most depraved cities, and preach “turn from sin.” Instead he resolved to know nothing but “Christ and Him crucified” (1 Cor 2:2). Sinners need to learn how much God loves them. They need to hear about His unconditional favor and grace. The best way to tell them is to reveal the finished work of the cross. When the Corinthian Christians later fell into sin, Paul still didn’t preach “turn from sin.” Instead he reminded them of their identity in Christ. He understood that grace, not works, is the cure for sin.
3. We’re called to preach the gospel, not repentance
Should you repent? Of course! I actually think there needs to be far more repentance, particularly from believers. Repentance should be our life-style. You cannot renew your mind without repenting for repenting means to change your mind. When I discover something new about the goodness of God, I repent – I change my way of thinking so that my life lines up with what is true. I repent every day and it’s wonderful. I’m not the same person I was even six months ago because I am in the habit of repenting.
Repentance is one of the most important things you’ll ever do but you don’t get people to repent simply by telling them to repent. You just give them a good reason to repent and they’ll repent. Paul said repentance comes as a consequence of learning about the goodness of God (Rom 2:4). So if you want people to repent, tell them how good God is! Preach the good news! Faith and repentance are two sides of the same coin. Repentance, like faith, is a positive response to something God has done.
Paul said, “the only thing that counts is faith expressed in love” (Gal 5:6). God loves you, He died for you and He offers you His righteousness. Do you believe it? God’s power for salvation – for your forgiveness, healing, deliverance and provision – is revealed in the good news of grace. Do you believe it? All the blessings of God come to us by grace alone. Do you believe it?
John doesn’t say one word about repentance but he talks about believing over and over. He said that he wrote his book so “that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (Joh 20:31). The key to life is not in turning from sin but trusting in Jesus.
You want others to repent? Then preach the gospel that reveals the goodness of God: Jesus has done it all!

 

[mpaper345]

There is only one law we have to follow in the New Testament that will amount to anything spiritual,and that is the law of love.Love works no ill towards their neighbor,therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

We are saved by grace,through faith,but faith without works is dead,so we have to have works to have faith active in our life,to receive grace.

These works are being led of the Spirit,doing works of love,for no work according to the flesh,like the Old Testament physical laws,will do any good in our salvation,or any works other than the works of love.

The only works we do is being led of the Spirit,doing works of love in the New Testament,for that is the only thing that will have any impact on us spiritually,but if we are saved we will do those works anyway,and we know we have to be led of the Spirit,therefore no man can boast,because we are doing works of the Spirit,and not the physical ordinances of Israel,or any works of the flesh,that have no spiritual impact on us.

[SUP]28 [/SUP]For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
[SUP]29 [/SUP]That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well(Acts 15:28-29).

This is the only thing that the book of Acts says we are to do,is to keep from eating meats in an improper manner,other than that we only go by the laws of love,being led of the Spirit.

 

[dcontroversal]

What about faith without works? as in James 2:14-26 14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

The context is clear..James said...SHOW ME YOUR FAITH.....a man's faith is justified before men and evident based upon the works he does.....Paul said that before God we are justified by faith without the works of the law.....

Before God<--justified by faith without the deeds of the law or works
Before men<--our inward, invisible faith is seen by the things we do (works)

That is the truth that is laid bare, yet the workers for salvation will deny this straight to the pit!

 

[crossnote]

All I came into do is show people how the true meaning of legalism is not including Jesus teachings and commands from the gospel books that a few were trying to say they are.

True legalism is defined -- only those who try to force the physical ordinances of the Mosaic laws on believers that they have to be kept for salvation.....

Neither me nor anybody else has done that, not even just-me !!!

Yet some still want to try and pass that false allegation on us no matter how much we speak the truth on where we really stand. They want to stay contentious against others instead of just keep the debate respectful and friendly.

The first mean jab came in at post 22 and the second at #35..I'm ashamed at the ones who gave those 'likes'.

 

[dcontroversal]

Let me introduce you to the Corinthian church, who were in all manner of sin and yet the Apostle Paul called them saints and said that they would be blameless on the day of the Lord's return. He thanked God for the grace that was revealed to them.

When will you guys understand that while we are to be sanctified, sanctification throughout our lives is not the means to salvation. If you died today, you surely have not been sanctified into perfection and would still be falling short of God's glory. You now or in twenty years would still be just as completely and totally dependent upon Jesus for your salvation. The more sanctified you in twenty years is no more secure in his salvation than where you are now.

Amen to this....they will never figure it out unless they actually open up to learning and instruction.....they have to work their way.....Lord, Lord did we not do many wonderful works in your name........workers of iniquity because they trust in themselves, their works, watered down blood and a pseudo gospel which has no power to save.....

Paul concluded that a man was justified before God by faith and faith alone....having had the righteousness of Christ applied dia the blood and faith void of human effort, works and or any other hoop jumping foolishness!

 

[shotgunner]

The works crowd are always conscious of their own sins. They forever are trying to become acceptable to God. They can't seem to grasp that God accepts up in our sins and he is the one who makes us righteous. Just as Jesus committed no sin but was made to be sin, the one who believes on Jesus commits no righteousness but is made to be righteous.

Let me show you something that will blow the mind of anyone struggling with the idea of their own sin. We are not to even be conscious of our sins. We are to be so caught up in Jesus that our own identity is only in him.

Hebrews 10:1-2King James Version (KJV)10
For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

[SUP]2 [/SUP]For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.

Hebrews 1:3King James Version (KJV)
[SUP]3 [/SUP]Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:

Praise God! Jesus has purged our sins by himself, with no help from us. Now we should have no more conscience of sins.

 

[eternally-gratefull]

The works crowd are always conscious of their own sins. They forever are trying to become acceptable to God. They can't seem to grasp that God accepts up in our sins and he is the one who makes us righteous. Just as Jesus committed no sin but was made to be sin, the one who believes on Jesus commits no righteousness but is made to be righteous.

Let me show you something that will blow the mind of anyone struggling with the idea of their own sin. We are not to even be conscious of our sins. We are to be so caught up in Jesus that our own identity is only in him.

Hebrews 10:1-2King James Version (KJV)10
For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

[SUP]2 [/SUP]For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.

Hebrews 1:3King James Version (KJV)
[SUP]3 [/SUP]Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:

Praise God! Jesus has purged our sins by himself, with no help from us. Now we should have no more conscience of sins.

that's why they have to hide sin, be blind to sin, or water the law down to a law they can live up to. While they judge this sin, that sin, and every other sin, whatever makes them feel better.

Again, it is the "thank God I am not like the sinner (the homosexual) because they refuse to get on their knees as the tax collector.

 

[FreeNChrist]

A true faith in the Lord Jesus Christ that puts us under God's grace is what saves........................not obedience to the Mosaic law..........Again Jesus teachings and commands are not the LAW, and until you realize that this debate will go nowhere !!!

You have that backwards. We are saved BY grace.....through faith. Grace is not Gods response to our faith. Faith is our response to the grace of God. Whether Jesus teachings and commands are law or not, they are law unto you. And you have substituted your law for the reality of the living Christ.

 

[FreeNChrist]

Who became the contentious ones though, and who do you consider a legalist ???

Because I have not gotten contentious with anybody, and a legalist is only a person who tries to force written ordinances of the Mosaic law on believers. Both of which I have not nor do not do !!!

Any teaching other then that of the forcing to the written ordinances of the Mosaic laws on believers as being legalism is a lie..............

You didn't really read the OP did ya?

 

[BarlyGurl]

The works crowd are always conscious of their own sins. They forever are trying to become acceptable to God. They can't seem to grasp that God accepts up in our sins and he is the one who makes us righteous. Just as Jesus committed no sin but was made to be sin, the one who believes on Jesus commits no righteousness but is made to be righteous.

Let me show you something that will blow the mind of anyone struggling with the idea of their own sin. We are not to even be conscious of our sins. We are to be so caught up in Jesus that our own identity is only in him.

Hebrews 10:1-2King James Version (KJV)10
For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

[SUP]2 [/SUP]For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.

Hebrews 1:3King James Version (KJV)
[SUP]3 [/SUP]Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:

Praise God! Jesus has purged our sins by himself, with no help from us. Now we should have no more conscience of sins.

Please explain how "HAVING NO CONSCIENCE OF SIN" is going to work in harmony with RENEWING YOUR MIND IN CHRIST? If there is no conscience of sin how can you renew your mind to what is RIGHT if you have no conscience of WRONG. Which CLEARLY everybody DOES have conscience of right and wrong and there is no shortage of people who want to call people they label as "LEGALIST" as sinning or having sinful doctrine or being of the devil... so perhaps you can unravel this problem and make it harmonize with the full counsel of the scripture???

 

[FreeNChrist]

I know I said there might not be much fruit trying to convince the Grace PLUS something gang, (I have truly come to despise dissension), but this article hit chord with me. Maybe it will for the Grace PLUSSERS too:
3 Reasons Why I Don’t Preach on Repentance (“Turn from Sin”)

NOVEMBER 28, 2011 BY PAUL ELLIS

Religious people often complain that we grace preachers don’t emphasize repentance sufficiently. It’s true. I hardly emphasize it at all. But then neither did the Apostle John. You’d think if salvation hinged on our repentance then it would be in the gospels but John says nothing about it. Not one word. Neither does he mention repentance in any of his three letters. I guess John must’ve been a grace preacher.
Here’s something that will fry your mind: Repentance is one of the most important things you’ll ever do but it’s not worth an entire sermon. How can you say such heresy Paul? I’ll answer that question in a moment. But first, let me ask you which of the following is the best definition of repentance:
1. Repentance means to turn from sin
2. Repentance means to change your mind
As we saw in the last post, repentance is a lot like football. It means different things to different people. But Biblical repentance simply means “change your mind.” You can change your mind about anything, but Jesus called us to change our mind and believe the good news (Mk 1:15).
Your definition of repentance will reveal whether you are living under grace or works. In the Old Testament, sinners repented by bringing a sacrifice of penance and confessing their sins (Num 5:7). But in the new we bring a sacrifice of praise and confess His name (Heb 13:15). We don’t do anything to deal with our sins for Jesus has done it all. Our part is to change our mind, believe the good news, and say thank you Jesus! If that’s not practical enough for you, then start praising Jesus who died to free us from sin and whose grace empowers us to sin no more. See yourself as dead to sin and alive to Christ.
No matter how much I preach on grace, some people just can’t see the cross for their sins. They write to tell me I’m under-selling repentance. What they really mean is, “Paul you’re not telling people to turn from their sin.” In many churches this is exactly the message you will hear. “God is holy and He won’t accept you unless you turn from sin.” It’s sold as a “message of repentance” and it appeals to our sense of right and wrong but it’s utterly false. It’s a lie from the pit of hell designed to promote the flesh and keep you from coming to Jesus. The truth is God is holy and He won’t accept you no matter whatyou do. His acceptance and favor come by grace alone. Got a sin-problem? Then come boldly to the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace. His grace is your only hope.
Here are three reasons why you should reject any message that defines repentance as turning from sin:
1. It puts people under law
If you preach “turn from sin or you’re not saved” you are preaching pure law. You are prescribing sin-rejection as a means for salvation. This false gospel actually leaves sinners worse off because it empowers the sin that enslaves them while scorning the grace of God that might otherwise save them (1 Cor 15:56, Rm 11:6). The righteousness that God offers is not conditional on your ability to perform. Neither your good works nor your bad works enter the equation. The gospel of grace reveals the gift of righteousness that is received by faith from first to last (Rom 1:17).

2. It doesn’t lead people to salvation
Let me give you a picture to illustrate true repentance. Suppose I call you up and give you an invitation to come to my house. You’ve never been here before so you need directions. There are two ways I could direct you. I could give you my address and provide an accurate picture of where I live. Or I could say, “flee from your house – just drive from your house as fast as possible and don’t look back.” Do you see the difference? In both cases you’re going to leave your house. That’s guaranteed. But only by trusting my directions will you arrive at my house. Repentance is just like that. It’s not fleeing from sin like a Pharisee. It’s turning to God in faith. In both cases you will leave your sin. But only by trusting God will you actually arrive someplace better than where you started.
To get people to repent (change their minds) Jesus preached the good news of the kingdom. He painted a picture of where God wanted them to be (with Him here and now) and He gave them clear directions on how to get there (have faith in God). It was the same with Paul. He didn’t walk into Corinth, one of the world’s most depraved cities, and preach “turn from sin.” Instead he resolved to know nothing but “Christ and Him crucified” (1 Cor 2:2). Sinners need to learn how much God loves them. They need to hear about His unconditional favor and grace. The best way to tell them is to reveal the finished work of the cross. When the Corinthian Christians later fell into sin, Paul still didn’t preach “turn from sin.” Instead he reminded them of their identity in Christ. He understood that grace, not works, is the cure for sin.
3. We’re called to preach the gospel, not repentance
Should you repent? Of course! I actually think there needs to be far more repentance, particularly from believers. Repentance should be our life-style. You cannot renew your mind without repenting for repenting means to change your mind. When I discover something new about the goodness of God, I repent – I change my way of thinking so that my life lines up with what is true. I repent every day and it’s wonderful. I’m not the same person I was even six months ago because I am in the habit of repenting.
Repentance is one of the most important things you’ll ever do but you don’t get people to repent simply by telling them to repent. You just give them a good reason to repent and they’ll repent. Paul said repentance comes as a consequence of learning about the goodness of God (Rom 2:4). So if you want people to repent, tell them how good God is! Preach the good news! Faith and repentance are two sides of the same coin. Repentance, like faith, is a positive response to something God has done.
Paul said, “the only thing that counts is faith expressed in love” (Gal 5:6). God loves you, He died for you and He offers you His righteousness. Do you believe it? God’s power for salvation – for your forgiveness, healing, deliverance and provision – is revealed in the good news of grace. Do you believe it? All the blessings of God come to us by grace alone. Do you believe it?
John doesn’t say one word about repentance but he talks about believing over and over. He said that he wrote his book so “that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (Joh 20:31). The key to life is not in turning from sin but trusting in Jesus.
You want others to repent? Then preach the gospel that reveals the goodness of God: Jesus has done it all!

Ellis is great. Nothing comes watered down from him.