J
JesusIsAll
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In the course of desiring to post something about repentance, I wrote a couple pages and wasn't content with the writing. Going to gotquestions.org was a good writeup of what repentance is, so I abandoned what I'd written for their definition, not as much for the explanation, as for more complete scripture references.
All I'd wish to emphasize is that somebody who has not been truly broken at the foot of the cross, as evidenced by a lack of agreement with the Lord in the true and most basic gospel, who demonstrates a lack of understanding of the Person of Holy God, in relation to the creature, one who disputes unmerited grace by faith in the Lord Jesus, His promise of eternal life bestowed upon the born again of His Spirit, and the efficacy of His work, alone: such a person is not saved. What results are the clear lack of understandings of scripture truth, posted by many, scripture they try to pervert the meaning of and use to support false doctrines, which deny the faith of generations of mainstream Christians, who have been and are of agreement upon matters of the gospel, long settled as orthodox and necessary, to claim the Christian faith of scripture: the Holy Spirit does not lead into all lies.
Repent, and be saved. Then the Holy Spirit will lead you into all truth, you will begin to understand scripture, but not until then. A cardboard faith in the Lord Jesus that is not a repentant, trusting faith: that is not saving faith, is no faith at all.
The only other matter to add is that repentance is, again, a change of mind, a complete agreement with the Lord your unworthiness and need for a Savior and Lord, the need to have complete trust in Him to save you, knowing you have nothing of self that's righteous to stand before Holy God, then or now. And you who proclaim your own works are not at square one in faith, which calls for absolute trust in the Lord, His work, alone, not yours.
Luke 18:9-14 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Isaiah 5:21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and shrewd in their own sight!
1 John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.
1 John 1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.
“Repentance is not some little silly, 'I'm sorry.' Repentance is not simply a fear of God. Repentance is not a monk fasting and afflicting his body in a monastery. Repentance is not remorse because of sin's consequences. Repentance is not penance performed before the pope as you kiss his toe... Repentance is not being sorry for what I've done wrong. It is not confessing one's sins to a priest. It is not just conviction of sin. It is not the signing of a pledge of abstinence. Repentance is that thing when you come before God and see yourself as you are, and see Him as he is, and say with Isaiah 'Woe is me, for I am unclean!'” —Pastor Jack Hyles (1926-2001)
Question: "What is repentance and is it necessary for salvation?"
Answer: Many understand the term repentance to mean “turning from sin.” This is not the biblical definition of repentance. In the Bible, the word repent means “to change one’s mind.” The Bible also tells us that true repentance will result in a change of actions (Luke 3:8-14; Acts 3:19). Acts 26:20 declares, “I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.” The full biblical definition of repentance is a change of mind that results in a change of action.
What, then, is the connection between repentance and salvation? The Book of Acts seems to especially focus on repentance in regards to salvation (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 11:18; 17:30; 20:21; 26:20). To repent, in relation to salvation, is to change your mind in regard to Jesus Christ. In Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost (Acts chapter 2), he concludes with a call for the people to repent (Acts 2:38). Repent from what? Peter is calling the people who rejected Jesus (Acts 2:36) to change their minds about Him, to recognize that He is indeed “Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). Peter is calling the people to change their minds from rejection of Christ as the Messiah to faith in Him as both Messiah and Savior.
Repentance and faith can be understood as “two sides of the same coin.” It is impossible to place your faith in Jesus Christ as the Savior without first changing your mind about who He is and what He has done. Whether it is repentance from willful rejection or repentance from ignorance or disinterest, it is a change of mind. Biblical repentance, in relation to salvation, is changing your mind from rejection of Christ to faith in Christ.
It is crucially important that we understand repentance is not a work we do to earn salvation. No one can repent and come to God unless God pulls that person to Himself (John 6:44). Acts 5:31 and 11:18 indicate that repentance is something God gives—it is only possible because of His grace. No one can repent unless God grants repentance. All of salvation, including repentance and faith, is a result of God drawing us, opening our eyes, and changing our hearts. God's longsuffering leads us to repentance (2 Peter 3:9), as does His kindness (Romans 2:4).
While repentance is not a work that earns salvation, repentance unto salvation does result in works. It is impossible to truly and fully change your mind without that causing a change in action. In the Bible, repentance results in a change in behavior. That is why John the Baptist called people to “produce fruit in keeping with repentance” (Matthew 3:8). A person who has truly repented from rejection of Christ to faith in Christ will give evidence of a changed life (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:19-23; James 2:14-26). Repentance, properly defined, is necessary for salvation. Biblical repentance is changing your mind about Jesus Christ and turning to God in faith for salvation (Acts 3:19). Turning from sin is not the definition of repentance, but it is one of the results of genuine, faith-based repentance towards the Lord Jesus Christ.
Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/repentance.html#ixzz3duDkKotG
[video=youtube;rHHD3bk68YA]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHHD3bk68YA[/video]