When do people truly repent of their sins, before or after truly believing in Jesus?

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.
Dec 12, 2024
45
15
8
#1
2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
 

bluto

Senior Member
Aug 4, 2016
2,116
537
113
#2
2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Before! Please read the account of one of the thieves on the cross with Jesus at Luke 23:39-43. Matthew 27:38, and Mark 15:27.

IN GOD THE SON,
bluto
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
25,587
13,857
113
#3
Why would anyone repent if they don't believe that repentance brings any benefit? It makes sense to me that people would only repent after believing in Jesus. However, it's not exactly a stepwise process, but more of a concurrent/cyclical process.
 

bluto

Senior Member
Aug 4, 2016
2,116
537
113
#5
Why would anyone repent if they don't believe that repentance brings any benefit? It makes sense to me that people would only repent after believing in Jesus. However, it's not exactly a stepwise process, but more of a concurrent/cyclical process.
Now your getting into the area of knowing the operation of one's mind, you don't know it. The thief was convinced that what he did was wrong and he deserved the punishment he was given.

I doubt very much he had some sort of benefit in mind. I base that assumption on the fact that Jesus knew all men and Jesus was convinced the thief repented in his heart.

IN GOD THE SON,
bluto
 

Deuteronomy

Well-known member
Jun 11, 2018
3,344
3,719
113
68
#6
Hello @Intersection, I spent years knowing that I was sinning and, at least on one hand, wishing that I could make myself stop (because I had been baptized and then raised in the church from childhood, and I knew that it was wrong). The thing is, I wasn't able to, not for long anyway, because it was part of my nature to do so (e.g. Ephesians 2:1-3) and, quite frankly/sadly, I liked sinning back then (most of the time anyway).

However, once the Lord quickened and changed the old me (Ezekiel 36:26-27; Ephesians 2:4-5), and I was born again and came to saving faith in Him (and became a new man with a new nature), I finally had a new sense and understanding of just how horrible sin really is. Then, both knowing and understanding in that moment all that the Lord had done for me (to save me from my sins and the great burden of the guilt that I felt because of them), all I wanted to do going forward was to please and glorify Him (because I suddenly realized how displeasing my life must have been to Him up until that point in time).

So, I believe that a life and/or lifestyle that is normally characterized by righteousness and obedience to God (and contrition & penitence when we fail) can only be had by someone who God has already been changed and made into a new creature in Christ (with a new nature and a new set of desires).

I hope that makes sense!

God bless you!!

~Deuteronomy
 
Nov 3, 2024
32
22
8
#7
I believe it to be latter. After knowing the Christ.
The followers were examples of this . Thoughts, intents, such as calling down fire, dismissing the children, Peter raising his sword.
Who's the greatest in the kingdom, not liking Matthew the tax collector, doubting Jesus, Peter's denial ect.
As we walk with Jesus our minds should be transformed, our thoughts be discipline. Eyes focused.
As the Holy Spirit convicts those thoughts and things that are not of God.
As John the Baptist said.." I must decrease he must increase ".
 

Deuteronomy

Well-known member
Jun 11, 2018
3,344
3,719
113
68
#8
Whoops, sorry about the missed typo in my last post. Too late to change it now however.
So, I believe that a life and/or lifestyle that is normally characterized by righteousness and obedience to God (and contrition & penitence when we fail) can only be had by someone who God has already been changed and made into a new creature in Christ (with a new nature and a new set of desires).
~Deuteronomy
p.s. - since I'm posting the correction, I will quickly add this thought to the thread (with the help of the Scriptures).


1 Corinthians 2
12 We have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God,
13 which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.
14 But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.
15 But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one.

16 For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM? But we have the mind of Christ.
 

wattie

Senior Member
Feb 24, 2009
3,257
1,146
113
New Zealand
#9
2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Repent before..but this isnt really 'turn from sins' if that is meant by trusting in your own turning, rather than the object of the faith, Jesus.

Repent, is a change of mind, heart. I believe the bible teaches it is going from unbelief in Jesus to belief in Him.

I believe we can 'turn from our sins' once we are given eternal life. Because that to me is good behaviour..which isnt part of getting saved.
 
Nov 3, 2024
32
22
8
#10
Repent before..but this isnt really 'turn from sins' if that is meant by trusting in your own turning, rather than the object of the faith, Jesus.

Repent, is a change of mind, heart. I believe the bible teaches it is going from unbelief in Jesus to belief in Him.

I believe we can 'turn from our sins' once we are given eternal life. Because that to me is good behaviour..which isnt part of getting saved.
Jesus said ....repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. He also said...not all that call me Lord shall enter. But those that do the father's will. ....he also said....one must be born again.

It's hard for me to consider a one and done thing I believe it to be a process. It's not by works that one can enter . But Christ is offering a life like no other. Are we willing to pick up our cross and follow? To live for him and not ourselves? To be obedient even unto death?
Surely we need all the Grace and mercy God will provide or at least of all I will.
The King of Righteousness has offered and provided a way for all that believe a seat at the table, and as Paul said...pray that he finds you worthy.
 
Oct 19, 2024
1,738
441
83
#11
Why would anyone repent if they don't believe that repentance brings any benefit? It makes sense to me that people would only repent after believing in Jesus. However, it's not exactly a stepwise process, but more of a concurrent/cyclical process.
Yes, as one turns toward Jesus he/she turns from sin and vice versa.
 
Oct 24, 2012
16,705
542
113
#12
Amazing testimonies, y'all amazing
God is good all the time as good is God all the time. Just not always seen as we all go through adversities too
I see the book of Job, and see Job not deny God, and even got tired of worldly counselors accusing him of sin, that these troubles would not be if he did not sin. John got angered over this constant accusations from them to him.
God then took Job in and revealed to Job (to me) watch out for being haughty and better than others also.
Humility is what changed, changes me, to not think I am any person better than any other person as in Luke 18:9-14 tells me about

thanking God all in all for Son's done work that gets anyone in with Father to hear truth over error and abide new in that truth given them. Me I am in process also y'all
 
Dec 12, 2024
45
15
8
#13
Before! Please read the account of one of the thieves on the cross with Jesus at Luke 23:39-43. Matthew 27:38, and Mark 15:27.

IN GOD THE SON,
bluto
The one thief on the cross repented after believing in Jesus. This thief on the cross didn't repent right away because he was not yet a believer.
 
Dec 12, 2024
45
15
8
#14
Repent before..but this isnt really 'turn from sins' if that is meant by trusting in your own turning, rather than the object of the faith, Jesus.

Repent, is a change of mind, heart. I believe the bible teaches it is going from unbelief in Jesus to belief in Him.

I believe we can 'turn from our sins' once we are given eternal life. Because that to me is good behaviour..which isnt part of getting saved.
Repent before..but this isnt really 'turn from sins' if that is meant by trusting in your own turning, rather than the object of the faith, Jesus.

Repent, is a change of mind, heart. I believe the bible teaches it is going from unbelief in Jesus to belief in Him.

I believe we can 'turn from our sins' once we are given eternal life. Because that to me is good behaviour..which isnt part of getting saved.
Hebrews 10:26
For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
 

Aaron56

Well-known member
Jul 12, 2021
3,038
1,796
113
#15
Hebrews 10:26
For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
I understand it differently.

Certainly there are many warnings about partaking of sin once one is born again.

This section talks about how it is impossible to be born again after being born again. It is impossible to renew such a person in the manner in which they were brought into salvation. Now that they are a child of God they will face correction, punishment, or even excommunication with the intent to produce godly sorrow so that they might confess their sins and turn from their ways.

Furthermore, no man may crucify the Lord for themselves. It is impossible. And no man may bring shame upon the Lord. That is also impossible. The believer caught in sin, if he repents, is not AGAIN born of the spirit. But because he is born of the Spirit and of the house of God, he will face the correction that God brings to him; first through the saints and lastly by His own hand. It is always best to heed the word of correction spoken by the elders than to have the Lord intervene directly.
 
Dec 12, 2024
45
15
8
#16
I understand it differently.

Certainly there are many warnings about partaking of sin once one is born again.

This section talks about how it is impossible to be born again after being born again. It is impossible to renew such a person in the manner in which they were brought into salvation. Now that they are a child of God they will face correction, punishment, or even excommunication with the intent to produce godly sorrow so that they might confess their sins and turn from their ways.

Furthermore, no man may crucify the Lord for themselves. It is impossible. And no man may bring shame upon the Lord. That is also impossible. The believer caught in sin, if he repents, is not AGAIN born of the spirit. But because he is born of the Spirit and of the house of God, he will face the correction that God brings to him; first through the saints and lastly by His own hand. It is always best to heed the word of correction spoken by the elders than to have the Lord intervene directly.
Hebrews 10:26
For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
 

Aaron56

Well-known member
Jul 12, 2021
3,038
1,796
113
#17
Hebrews 10:26
For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
Yeah, I quoted you the first time. That's what it says.

Bolding and underlining certain words doesn't change the meaning. Look to my post above for the meaning.
 
Dec 12, 2024
45
15
8
#18
Yeah, I quoted you the first time. That's what it says.

Bolding and underlining certain words doesn't change the meaning. Look to my post above for the meaning.
This Bible verse means what it says. You will never be able to get away with trying to change the clear meaning of this Bible verse like you are trying to do.

Hebrews 10:26
For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
 
Feb 22, 2021
3,243
1,636
113
Midwest
#19
Repentance before or after belief?

Precious friend(s), According to God's Word Of Truth?:

Before life is Bestowed By God, By belief:

"When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying,
Then hath God also to the Gentiles Granted repentance unto life." (Acts 11:18 AV)

Before faith (belief or trust):

"Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance
toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ." (Acts 20:21 AV)

ALL of The Following Are Applicable After repentance/belief, and can Never (Eternally!) be
UNdone By God!!:

God's OPERATION On All New-born babes In Christ!
+ Updates: (of # 11) + (of #14)
+
God's Eternal Life Assurance

+
God's Eternal Life Insurance

"Simplicity In Christ!" And, ALL Because Of:

RedemptionByTheBLOOD.png

Amen.
 

Aaron56

Well-known member
Jul 12, 2021
3,038
1,796
113
#20
This Bible verse means what it says. You will never be able to get away with trying to change the clear meaning of this Bible verse like you are trying to do.

Hebrews 10:26
For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
The three sentences you posted are true. Except maybe "clear meaning of scripture". Understanding the scriptures actually requires the Spirit. If that wasn't so, Greek and English professors would be our high priests.

Your understanding of what is written is lacking. I'm helping you. Let me put it another way...

If you sin again, Jesus does not get sacrificed for your sins again.

He was sacrificed once for all sins.

"But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God..."

So there remains no more sacrifice for sins; His was once for all.

I'll see if you want more before I continue. This is foundational stuff. If one believes that, after conversion "you no longer sin", then that person is most miserable. And misery loves company so they preach their ideas to gain compatriots. I'm hoping your not this type of person.