Does God cause repentance?

CherieR · Oct 19, 2021

“I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus; Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke: turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou art the Lord my God. Surely after that I was turned, I repented; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh: I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭31:18-19‬ ‭KJV‬‬

https://www.bible.com/bible/1/jer.31.18-19.kjv

The bolded part of these verses I find particularly interesting. Does this suggest that God works in a person to bring to repentance?

Deuteronomy · Oct 19, 2021

Hello @CherieR, I believe that He does, both inwardly and outwardly

For instance,

Ezekiel 36

26 “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.

27 I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.”

Romans 2

4 Do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?

God bless you!

~Deut

2 Corinthians 5

17 If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

Gideon300 · Oct 19, 2021

CherieR said:

Absolutely.

Acts 5: 30-32 …The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging Him on a tree. God exalted Him to His right hand as Prince and Savior, in order to grant repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.”…

2 Timothy 2: 24-26 And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing. He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, who has taken them captive to his will.…

BroTan · Oct 19, 2021

CherieR said:

I believe so. Jesus says in Luke 5:32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Let's take a quick look at Saul who later became Paul in Acts 9: 1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2 and desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. 3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4 and he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 2: 9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. Because at that time, Saul thought he was doing right in the name of the Lord. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. (1 John 3: 20, 21)

JohnDB · Oct 19, 2021

BroTan said:

I believe so. Jesus says in Luke 5:32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Let's take a quick look at Saul who later became Paul in Acts 9: 1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2 and desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. 3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4 and he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 2: 9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. Because at that time, Saul thought he was doing right in the name of the Lord. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. (1 John 3: 20, 21)

Yeah....
One of those verses you quoted was a severe rebuke of the Pharisees and Scribes...

Jesus also said that he came for the sick and not the healthy too ...

"Do you want to be well?"

Baptists have a wonderful expression...."If you feel guilty; you are"

I'm just a sinner who wants desperately to be a saint...

I wanna be a heavenly messenger...AKA Angel.
Unfortunately I'm just a Satan.

akaBeliever · Oct 19, 2021

CherieR said:

Yes, indeed….

John 6:44, 63-65 NKJV

44 No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.

63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. 64 But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him. 65 And He said, “Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.”

BroTan · Oct 19, 2021

JohnDB said:

In the scriptures it's written in Zechariah 3:2 And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? 1 Timothy 5:20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. If you truly love God, then you will obey "Every word" that proceeds out of his mouth (Matthew 4:4). Baptism is one of those words. In order to be baptized, certain events must take place: You must give up a lifestyle where sin has dominion, (ruler ship) over you. Sin according to 1 John 3:4, Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression (breaking) of the law. You must be taught "The Word", before you can adhere to God's commandments (judgments\statues). These laws are found in the Holy Bible; beginning with Genesis and ending with Revelation.
Then Peter said unto them, "repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38).

JohnDB · Oct 19, 2021

BroTan said:

In the scriptures it's written in Zechariah 3:2 And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? 1 Timothy 5:20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. If you truly love God, then you will obey "Every word" that proceeds out of his mouth (Matthew 4:4). Baptism is one of those words. In order to be baptized, certain events must take place: You must give up a lifestyle where sin has dominion, (ruler ship) over you. Sin according to 1 John 3:4, Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression (breaking) of the law. You must be taught "The Word", before you can adhere to God's commandments (judgments\statues). These laws are found in the Holy Bible; beginning with Genesis and ending with Revelation.
Then Peter said unto them, "repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38).

Basically Jesus was talking about self righteousness...
Of course you have to live a less sinful lifestyle...one not categorized by sin at a minimum.

Laura798 · Oct 19, 2021

The title was "Does God cause repentance?"

The definition of cause: a person, event, or condition, that is responsible for an action or result

Words are important. In this context, no I don't believe God causes us to repent. God has thankfully made us'free agents', he wants us to choose to repent., but it is also a command--a command we can choose to obey...or not. (Bible verses on repentance below)

I do believe He draws men to him and the Holy Spirits moves us to repentance--but that is not the same as cause.

The NIV words the Jeremiah verses a bit differently:

“I have surely heard Ephraim’s moaning:
‘You disciplined me like an unruly calf,
and I have been disciplined.
Restore me, and I will return,
because you are the Lord my God.
19 After I strayed,
I repented;
after I came to understand,
I beat my breast.
I was ashamed and humiliated
because I bore the disgrace of my youth.’

Bible verses on repentance:

"From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”--Matthew 4:17
"For the Lord your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn his face from you if you return to him."-- 2nd Chronicles 30:9
"19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,"--Acts 3:19
"I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus."--Acts 20:21
"4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?"--Romans 2:4 (what is leading/drawing? The Lord's kindness, but this is not again, causing)

That's just a portion....[/QUOTE]

Jasper · Oct 20, 2021

CherieR said:

“I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus; Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke: turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou art the Lord my God. Surely after that I was turned, I repented; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh: I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭31:18-19‬ ‭KJV‬‬

https://www.bible.com/bible/1/jer.31.18-19.kjv

The bolded part of these verses I find particularly interesting. Does this suggest that God works in a person to bring to repentance?

It is the kindness of God that leads to repentance….Romans 2:4

Jackson123 · Oct 20, 2021

I believe God invite every body to repent but not by force people have a free will to chose.

justbyfaith · Oct 20, 2021

Eze 36:25, Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.
Eze 36:26, A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
Eze 36:27, And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

Phl 2:12, Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Phl 2:13, For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Jhn 1:12, But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Jhn 1:13, Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

justbyfaith · Oct 20, 2021

Jackson123 said:

I agree.

p_rehbein · Oct 20, 2021

CherieR said:

Yes, God works within and around us to draw us to Him. However, it is the decision of the person to "repent"/turn away from their evil lives and turn to Him........

Too many Scriptures to show this.....most basic Scripture is John 3:16 of course.

pottersclay · Oct 20, 2021

Our choices cause consequences.
All throughout history God has shown his love and grace to all of his people.
His continuous plea is to return to him.
A father's love is found in the correcting of his son.

Pilgrimshope · Oct 20, 2021

CherieR said:

hearing the truth of Jesus Christ causes repentance it’s the call of hearing and believing the gospel

“But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭9:13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.”
‭‭John‬ ‭18:37‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The operation of repentance comes from hearing the truth

“In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.”
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2:25-26‬ ‭KJV‬‬

freedom from sins dominion comes from knowing the truth

“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”
‭‭John‬ ‭8:31-32, 34, 36‬ ‭

the truth that we are sinners if we are bold enough to acknowledge our sins , brings sorrow which is part of the operation of repentance

“Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭7:9-10‬ ‭

to hear the gospel brings us into a change of what we believe a change of belief in mind and heart a new compass for right and wrong is formed and brings us to repentance all because we hear and believe the gospel

Lanolin · Oct 20, 2021

Good question
I suppose for our part we think that we do the repenting, Ive never really heard of people saying 'God repented me' but definitely the holy spirit can convict us.

CherieR · Oct 20, 2021

Lanolin said:

It seems there is a big part God does . Perhaps in leading one to repentance and giving the grace and ability to believe and receive the gospel. Ever breath of life comes from God so it would also appear that there is a grace given for people to turn to God.

Pilgrimshope · Oct 20, 2021

Lanolin said:

an adulterer is called to repentance through hearing and believing the gospel

“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:

But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:27-28‬ ‭KJV‬‬

if we follow what Jesus is saying of the spirit it calls one into a change of thinking and results in change of actions . The adulterer commits adultery because we first allow it into our minds and hearts and harbor the intent and fantasy. Eventually what is in us comes out in our deeds.

Jesus is offering us repentance as a doctrine an adulterer who believes the word of Christ will begin to get control over how they look at others what intents are present when looking at someone of the opposite sex . No one commits adultery accidentally but it comes because they allow it into thier faith and heart where it festers and eventually leads us to sin

if we learn to walk having control of our inner man and his thoughts and intents we can walk in repentance and righteousness in that area . The gospel forst addresses our flaws and then provides the way out

Pilgrimshope · Oct 20, 2021

CherieR said:

Amen

“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”
‭‭John‬ ‭1:17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Does God cause repentance?

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