Christian Growth Lesson 13 REPENTANCE
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Repentance
Repentance
MEMORY VERSES: Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30; 20:21
MEMORY VERSES: Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30; 20:21
3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul describes both of these in Acts 20:21, and he puts repentance first, so this is where we will start.
Paul describes both of these in Acts 20:21, and he puts repentance first, so this is where we will start.
21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
Following are the answers to some important questions about repentance:
Following are the answers to some important questions about repentance:
Is repentance necessary for salvation?
Is repentance necessary for salvation?
Repentance is commanded by God.
Repentance is commanded by God.
It is mentioned 60 times in the New Testament.
It is mentioned 60 times in the New Testament.
It was preached by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:1-2), by Christ (Luke 13:3), by Peter (2 Peter 3:9), and by Paul (Acts 17:30).
It was preached by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:1-2), by Christ (Luke 13:3), by Peter (2 Peter 3:9), and by Paul (Acts 17:30).
1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
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.
30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
Since the apostle Paul preached both repentance and faith, it is obvious that both are required for salvation (Acts 20:21).
Since the apostle Paul preached both repentance and faith, it is obvious that both are required for salvation (Acts 20:21).
21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
What are some false views of repentance?
What are some false views of repentance?
A. Repentance is not reformation or changing one’s life.
A. Repentance is not reformation or changing one’s life.
Salvation is not of human works; works follow salvation as the effect or fruit or product (Ephesians 2:8-10).
Salvation is not of human works; works follow salvation as the effect or fruit or product (Ephesians 2:8-10).
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Reformation deals with one’s fellow man and with things in this life, whereas repentance deals with God and with eternal things.
Reformation deals with one’s fellow man and with things in this life, whereas repentance deals with God and with eternal things.
We must be careful not to give people the impression that they must change their lives and give up their sin in order to be saved.
We must be careful not to give people the impression that they must change their lives and give up their sin in order to be saved.
The life-changing part of salvation is God’s part, not man’s. Repentance is not doing penance. Many Catholic Bibles translate “repentance” as “do penance.”
The life-changing part of salvation is God’s part, not man’s. Repentance is not doing penance. Many Catholic Bibles translate “repentance” as “do penance.”
This involves confession to a priest, contrition, absolution (forgiveness pronounced by the priest), and satisfaction.
This involves confession to a priest, contrition, absolution (forgiveness pronounced by the priest), and satisfaction.
Catholic penance is a works salvation which the Bible condemns.
Catholic penance is a works salvation which the Bible condemns.
B. Repentance is not mere remorse for wrong actions.
B. Repentance is not mere remorse for wrong actions.
The Bible tells us that men can be remorseful about their actions without exercising genuine repentance unto salvation.
The Bible tells us that men can be remorseful about their actions without exercising genuine repentance unto salvation.
This is described as “the sorrow of the world” in 2 Corinthians 7:10.
This is described as “the sorrow of the world” in 2 Corinthians 7:10.
10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
There are examples of this in the Old and the New Testaments. King Saul is the prime Old Testament example.
There are examples of this in the Old and the New Testaments. King Saul is the prime Old Testament example.
He was sorry that he got caught in various sinful acts, but he did not demonstrate true repentance in that his actions didn’t change (1 Sam. 15:24; 24:17; 26:21).
He was sorry that he got caught in various sinful acts, but he did not demonstrate true repentance in that his actions didn’t change (1 Sam. 15:24; 24:17; 26:21).
24 And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.
17 And he said to David, Thou art more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil.
21 Then said Saul, I have sinned: return, my son David: for I will no more do thee harm, because my soul was precious in thine eyes this day: behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly.
Judas is a New Testament example of a man who was remorseful of his actions but did not repent toward God (Mat. 27:3-4).
Judas is a New Testament example of a man who was remorseful of his actions but did not repent toward God (Mat. 27:3-4).
3 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,
4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.
A main difference between remorse and repentance is that repentance is directed toward God (“repentance toward God,” Acts 20:21).
A main difference between remorse and repentance is that repentance is directed toward God (“repentance toward God,” Acts 20:21).
21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
We see this in the Prodigal Son.
We see this in the Prodigal Son.
He was not merely remorseful of how he had lived and of the consequences he had suffered; he came to the place where he acknowledged first and foremost that he had “sinned against heaven” (Lk. 15:18).
He was not merely remorseful of how he had lived and of the consequences he had suffered; he came to the place where he acknowledged first and foremost that he had “sinned against heaven” (Lk. 15:18).
18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
C. Repentance is not merely believing in Christ.
C. Repentance is not merely believing in Christ.
Some have defined repentance as a synonym for believing.
Some have defined repentance as a synonym for believing.
One well-known fundamental Baptist preacher defined it as “turning from unbelief to belief.”
One well-known fundamental Baptist preacher defined it as “turning from unbelief to belief.”
But if this is true, the Bible’s preachers would not have preached repentance in addition to faith.
But if this is true, the Bible’s preachers would not have preached repentance in addition to faith.
We have seen that Paul preached repentance toward God AND faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 20:21).
We have seen that Paul preached repentance toward God AND faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 20:21).
21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
The reason why verses such as John 3:16 and Acts 16:31 don’t mention repentance is that true saving faith includes repentance and true repentance includes faith.
The reason why verses such as John 3:16 and Acts 16:31 don’t mention repentance is that true saving faith includes repentance and true repentance includes faith.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
D. Repentance and faith are sometimes spoken of in Scripture as both being necessary for salvation (i.e., Acts 20:21; Hebrews 6:1), while at other times only one or the other is said to be necessary.
D. Repentance and faith are sometimes spoken of in Scripture as both being necessary for salvation (i.e., Acts 20:21; Hebrews 6:1), while at other times only one or the other is said to be necessary.
21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
For example, salvation is referred to as coming to repentance with no mention of faith in the following passages: Matthew 9:13; 11:20-21; 21:32; Mark 1:4; 2:17; 6:12; Luke 15:7; 24:47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 5:31; 11:18; 26:20; 2 Corinthians 7:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:9; 2 Timothy 2:25; and 2 Peter 3:9.
For example, salvation is referred to as coming to repentance with no mention of faith in the following passages: Matthew 9:13; 11:20-21; 21:32; Mark 1:4; 2:17; 6:12; Luke 15:7; 24:47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 5:31; 11:18; 26:20; 2 Corinthians 7:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:9; 2 Timothy 2:25; and 2 Peter 3:9.
13 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.
20 Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:
21 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
32 For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.
4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
17 When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
12 And they went out, and preached that men should repent.
7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
38 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.
19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;
25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
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.
Then in other passages, such as John 3:16 and Acts 16:31, salvation is referred to as believing and repentance is not mentioned.
Then in other passages, such as John 3:16 and Acts 16:31, salvation is referred to as believing and repentance is not mentioned.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
By comparing Scripture with Scripture (rather than isolating Scripture), we conclude that saving faith includes repentance.
By comparing Scripture with Scripture (rather than isolating Scripture), we conclude that saving faith includes repentance.
1. Saving Faith is a repentant faith
1. Saving Faith is a repentant faith
The true meaning of faith must be explained and emphasized.
The true meaning of faith must be explained and emphasized.
The common way that “faith” or “belief” is defined by people today involves a mere mental consent to something, such as “I believe that George Washington was America’s first president” or “I believe that Jesus was the Son of God and came to die on the cross.”
The common way that “faith” or “belief” is defined by people today involves a mere mental consent to something, such as “I believe that George Washington was America’s first president” or “I believe that Jesus was the Son of God and came to die on the cross.”
That is not what the Bible means by saving faith.
That is not what the Bible means by saving faith.
Saving faith is a faith that issues from a heart that is convinced of its own fallen condition and has stopped making excuses and hiding in self-righteousness.
Saving faith is a faith that issues from a heart that is convinced of its own fallen condition and has stopped making excuses and hiding in self-righteousness.
2. Saving faith issues from a heart that is convinced that Christ is the only Lord and Saviour and that reaches out to Christ in personal trust.
2. Saving faith issues from a heart that is convinced that Christ is the only Lord and Saviour and that reaches out to Christ in personal trust.
3. Saving faith issues from a surrendered heart, which is the very essence of repentance.
3. Saving faith issues from a surrendered heart, which is the very essence of repentance.
That, and that alone, is saving “faith.” And when we are dealing with people’s souls we must be careful to explain the meaning of the terms of the gospel, as opposed to hastily running through some little “Roman’s Road” plan and then trying to get the person to pray a sinner’s prayer before he knows what he is doing.
That, and that alone, is saving “faith.” And when we are dealing with people’s souls we must be careful to explain the meaning of the terms of the gospel, as opposed to hastily running through some little “Roman’s Road” plan and then trying to get the person to pray a sinner’s prayer before he knows what he is doing.
What is biblical repentance?
What is biblical repentance?
a. Repentance is admitting that I have sinned against God and being sorry for that (Acts 20:21).
a. Repentance is admitting that I have sinned against God and being sorry for that (Acts 20:21).
21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
b. Repentance is “toward God” because it is God that I have offended.
b. Repentance is “toward God” because it is God that I have offended.
He made man for Himself, and He made man to obey His laws, but we have turned our backs on Him and broken His laws, and He requires that we repent of this.
He made man for Himself, and He made man to obey His laws, but we have turned our backs on Him and broken His laws, and He requires that we repent of this.
c. Repentance is admitting that I am not good, that even my supposed righteousness is as filthy rags before a thrice holy God (Isaiah 64:6).
c. Repentance is admitting that I am not good, that even my supposed righteousness is as filthy rags before a thrice holy God (Isaiah 64:6).
6 But we are all as an unclean thing, And all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; And we all do fade as a leaf; And our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
d. Repentance means to turn around, to change directions (Acts 26:20).
d. Repentance means to turn around, to change directions (Acts 26:20).
20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
It is something that happens in the heart and mind. Repentance means to surrender to God’s rule (Isaiah 45:22-23).
It is something that happens in the heart and mind. Repentance means to surrender to God’s rule (Isaiah 45:22-23).
22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: For I am God, and there is none else.
23 I have sworn by myself, The word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, Every tongue shall swear.
f. Repentance is to receive Christ as Lord (Romans 10:9-13).
f. Repentance is to receive Christ as Lord (Romans 10:9-13).
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
To believe is to receive Jesus Christ as my only Saviour and to repent is to receive Him as my only Lord.
To believe is to receive Jesus Christ as my only Saviour and to repent is to receive Him as my only Lord.
The Bible says the sinner is at enmity against God because of his rebellion to God’s rule (Rom. 8:7).
The Bible says the sinner is at enmity against God because of his rebellion to God’s rule (Rom. 8:7).
7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
“Enmity” means “the quality of being an enemy.”
“Enmity” means “the quality of being an enemy.”
To repent means that I turn reject this attitude and surrender to God’s rule over my life.
To repent means that I turn reject this attitude and surrender to God’s rule over my life.
We see this surrender throughout the New Testament in the lives of those who were saved.
We see this surrender throughout the New Testament in the lives of those who were saved.
Those who received Jesus in a saving manner called upon Him as Lord (Luke 23:42).
Those who received Jesus in a saving manner called upon Him as Lord (Luke 23:42).
42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
g. Repentance is not a change of life; it is a change of mind about God and sin that results in a change of life.
g. Repentance is not a change of life; it is a change of mind about God and sin that results in a change of life.
Many who “believe” or “pray the sinner’s prayer” have no intention to change or to allow God to take control of their lives.
Many who “believe” or “pray the sinner’s prayer” have no intention to change or to allow God to take control of their lives.
They are not interested in being a disciple of Christ.
They are not interested in being a disciple of Christ.
They want a ticket to heaven that keeps them out of hell, but they want to continue to live as they please.
They want a ticket to heaven that keeps them out of hell, but they want to continue to live as they please.
They want to “believe in Jesus,” but they have no interest interest in obeying Him.
They want to “believe in Jesus,” but they have no interest interest in obeying Him.
That is not biblical salvation.
That is not biblical salvation.
The sinner must be ready to turn from his false gods, including self-worship, in order to worship and serve the true God (“ye turned to God from idols,” 1 Thessalonians 1:9).
The sinner must be ready to turn from his false gods, including self-worship, in order to worship and serve the true God (“ye turned to God from idols,” 1 Thessalonians 1:9).
9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;
h. Repentance is an assassin laying down his knife.
h. Repentance is an assassin laying down his knife.
Evangelist James Stewart wrote: “The hand that clutches the assassin’s knife must open ‘ere it can grasp the gift its intended victim proffers; and opening that hand, though a single act, has a double aspect and purpose.
Evangelist James Stewart wrote: “The hand that clutches the assassin’s knife must open ‘ere it can grasp the gift its intended victim proffers; and opening that hand, though a single act, has a double aspect and purpose.
Accepting the gift implies a turning from the crime the heart was bent on, and it was the gift itself that worked the change.
Accepting the gift implies a turning from the crime the heart was bent on, and it was the gift itself that worked the change.
Faith is the open hand, relatively to the gift; repentance is the same hand, relatively, not only to the gift but more especially to the dagger that is flung from it” (Stewart, Evangelism, pp. 48, 49).
Faith is the open hand, relatively to the gift; repentance is the same hand, relatively, not only to the gift but more especially to the dagger that is flung from it” (Stewart, Evangelism, pp. 48, 49).
i. Repentance is a thief returning the stolen property.
i. Repentance is a thief returning the stolen property.
The late Lester Roloff said: “I believe we ought to make right what we can make right.
The late Lester Roloff said: “I believe we ought to make right what we can make right.
What if I was staying with a group of preachers and one of them stole my wallet while I was sleeping?
What if I was staying with a group of preachers and one of them stole my wallet while I was sleeping?
The next day he comes up to me and tells me he is terribly sorry and asks me to forgive him.
The next day he comes up to me and tells me he is terribly sorry and asks me to forgive him.
I would be glad to hear that he is sorry for stealing my wallet, but I would certainly want and expect more than that from a repentant thief.
I would be glad to hear that he is sorry for stealing my wallet, but I would certainly want and expect more than that from a repentant thief.
I would want my wallet back! I don’t believe he has really repented unless he brings my billfold back.
I would want my wallet back! I don’t believe he has really repented unless he brings my billfold back.
I DON'T BELIEVE YOU HAVE REPENTED UNTIL YOU GET RIGHT AND SAY, ‘LORD, I’M GOING TO LIVE DIFFERENT FROM NOW ON,’ and by the grace of God you will live different” (Roloff, Repent or Perish).
I DON'T BELIEVE YOU HAVE REPENTED UNTIL YOU GET RIGHT AND SAY, ‘LORD, I’M GOING TO LIVE DIFFERENT FROM NOW ON,’ and by the grace of God you will live different” (Roloff, Repent or Perish).
What are some Bible examples of repentance?
What are some Bible examples of repentance?
The best way to understand repentance is to examine examples of it in the Bible.
I]The Prodigal Son “came to himself” (Luke 15:17-20).
I]The Prodigal Son “came to himself” (Luke 15:17-20).
17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
This refers to conviction and spiritual enlightenment by the Holy Spirit.
This refers to conviction and spiritual enlightenment by the Holy Spirit.
He humbled himself, acknowledged his sin against God and against his father, and turned around so that he was facing in a different direction.
He humbled himself, acknowledged his sin against God and against his father, and turned around so that he was facing in a different direction.
This is repentance.
This is repentance.
The evidence of his repentance is that he returned home and made things right with his father; he humbled himself and was willing to be a mere servant.
The evidence of his repentance is that he returned home and made things right with his father; he humbled himself and was willing to be a mere servant.
II} Zacchaeus repented and was converted so dramatically that he became an honest man who paid back those he had cheated (Luke 19:8).
II} Zacchaeus repented and was converted so dramatically that he became an honest man who paid back those he had cheated (Luke 19:8).
8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.
The Thessalonians “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God” (1 Thess. 1:9).
The Thessalonians “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God” (1 Thess. 1:9).
9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;
That is biblical repentance. Notice that they didn’t turn from idols to God; they turned to God from idols.
That is biblical repentance. Notice that they didn’t turn from idols to God; they turned to God from idols.
III} The order is important.
III} The order is important.
If a man turns to God, he has his back to his old gods and old life.
If a man turns to God, he has his back to his old gods and old life.
This is true repentance.
This is true repentance.
It is “repentance toward God” (Acts 20:21).
It is “repentance toward God” (Acts 20:21).
Unless a person rejects his false gods and false religions and self-righteousness and surrenders to Christ’s Lordship, he cannot be saved.
How do we use repentance in soul winning?
First, we must not skip over it; we must tell the people that God requires it and we must explain what it is.
First, we must not skip over it; we must tell the people that God requires it and we must explain what it is.
One afternoon I accompanied a pastor to knock doors in a part of a city that was populated with university students.
One afternoon I accompanied a pastor to knock doors in a part of a city that was populated with university students.
A few times in one afternoon he shared a five-minute Romans Road plan (i.e., all have sinned against God, the wages of sin is death, Jesus died for our sin, and those who believe can be saved) and then immediately asked three questions: “Does that make sense to you?”
A few times in one afternoon he shared a five-minute Romans Road plan (i.e., all have sinned against God, the wages of sin is death, Jesus died for our sin, and those who believe can be saved) and then immediately asked three questions: “Does that make sense to you?”
(All of them said it made sense.) “Do you have any questions?”
(All of them said it made sense.) “Do you have any questions?”
(None of them did, because they didn’t appear the least bit interested, not interested enough even to invite us into the home.)
(None of them did, because they didn’t appear the least bit interested, not interested enough even to invite us into the home.)
And, “Would you pray to receive Christ right now?” (None of them did.)
And, “Would you pray to receive Christ right now?” (None of them did.)
Not only was the program “quick,” to say the least, the pastor didn’t even hint to the people that there would need to be a change in the direction of their life, a turning, a surrender.
Not only was the program “quick,” to say the least, the pastor didn’t even hint to the people that there would need to be a change in the direction of their life, a turning, a surrender.
An independent Baptist church in Maine conducted a door-to-door campaign a few years ago in which the people were taught to say, “If I were to tell you today that you can be saved and go to heaven and you won’t have to change anything, would you be interested?”
An independent Baptist church in Maine conducted a door-to-door campaign a few years ago in which the people were taught to say, “If I were to tell you today that you can be saved and go to heaven and you won’t have to change anything, would you be interested?”
Many gospel tracts don’t contain a hint of repentance.
Many gospel tracts don’t contain a hint of repentance.
This is not scriptural soul winning.
This is not scriptural soul winning.
If Christ and the apostles preached repentance, then we must preach repentance!
If Christ and the apostles preached repentance, then we must preach repentance!
We need to explain that the individual must be ready to surrender to God, and not give him the false impression that it is possible to be saved without this.
We need to explain that the individual must be ready to surrender to God, and not give him the false impression that it is possible to be saved without this.
Of course, we also explain that God will do the changing; repentance is not reformation or turning over a new leaf; but the sinner must be ready to accept God’s working.
Of course, we also explain that God will do the changing; repentance is not reformation or turning over a new leaf; but the sinner must be ready to accept God’s working.
He must surrender. If the individual is not ready to surrender, he is not ready to be saved.
He must surrender. If the individual is not ready to surrender, he is not ready to be saved.
I have dealt with hundreds of people who came to the place of understanding and believing that Christ died for their sins and that faith in Christ is the only way of salvation, but they simply were not ready to surrender to God.
I have dealt with hundreds of people who came to the place of understanding and believing that Christ died for their sins and that faith in Christ is the only way of salvation, but they simply were not ready to surrender to God.
They refused to repent.
They refused to repent.
Repentance was the thing that was missing in my life as I grew up in a Baptist church.
Repentance was the thing that was missing in my life as I grew up in a Baptist church.
I don’t recall a time when I did not believe in Christ. I had no doubt that He died on the cross for my sin.
I don’t recall a time when I did not believe in Christ. I had no doubt that He died on the cross for my sin.
(What child growing up in a Bible-believing church does not “believe”?)
(What child growing up in a Bible-believing church does not “believe”?)
I made a public profession of faith at about age 11-12, but it was empty because I had no intention of surrendering my life to Christ.
I made a public profession of faith at about age 11-12, but it was empty because I had no intention of surrendering my life to Christ.
I was already entranced by rock & roll and its lifestyle and bowing before Jesus as Lord was the farthest thing from my mind.
I was already entranced by rock & roll and its lifestyle and bowing before Jesus as Lord was the farthest thing from my mind.
Not surprisingly, the course of my life did not change one iota after I “believed.”
Not surprisingly, the course of my life did not change one iota after I “believed.”
When my wife and I first began our missionary work in South Asia in 1979, our landlord began coming to our house to have Bible studies.
When my wife and I first began our missionary work in South Asia in 1979, our landlord began coming to our house to have Bible studies.
He was a wealthy middle-aged Hindu and had a concubine with whom he spent most of his time, though he was married and had grown children.
He was a wealthy middle-aged Hindu and had a concubine with whom he spent most of his time, though he was married and had grown children.
After we went through the gospel a few times, he told me he felt that he understood what I was teaching and he “believed that Jesus died for his sins” and that he was interested in receiving Christ, but he wanted to know what he would have to do about two specific things in his life--his shady business practices and his illicit relationship with the concubine.
After we went through the gospel a few times, he told me he felt that he understood what I was teaching and he “believed that Jesus died for his sins” and that he was interested in receiving Christ, but he wanted to know what he would have to do about two specific things in his life--his shady business practices and his illicit relationship with the concubine.
He is the one who brought these things to my attention. I could have said, “Don’t worry about that.
He is the one who brought these things to my attention. I could have said, “Don’t worry about that.
Just pray to receive Christ and those things will work themselves out later.”
Just pray to receive Christ and those things will work themselves out later.”
That’s the method I was taught in Bible School, but I don’t believe it would have been scriptural counsel.
That’s the method I was taught in Bible School, but I don’t believe it would have been scriptural counsel.
I don’t believe he could receive Christ and be saved unless he repented of his immorality and his dishonesty.
I don’t believe he could receive Christ and be saved unless he repented of his immorality and his dishonesty.
Salvation requires surrendering.
Salvation requires surrendering.
I explained to him that if he would turn to Christ, God would change his life and he would have different desires, but he didn’t want that.
I explained to him that if he would turn to Christ, God would change his life and he would have different desires, but he didn’t want that.
He was entirely unwilling to surrender to God as God.
He was entirely unwilling to surrender to God as God.
The power to change one’s life is from God, but the sinner must surrender to God’s working.
The power to change one’s life is from God, but the sinner must surrender to God’s working.
After I told him this, he never returned for a Bible study.
After I told him this, he never returned for a Bible study.
Consider Christ’s dealings with the woman at the well in John 4.
Consider Christ’s dealings with the woman at the well in John 4.
1 When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,
2 (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)
3 He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee.
4 And he must needs go through Samaria.
5 Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.
6 Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.
7 There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.
8 (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.)
9 Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.
10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
11 The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?
12 Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?
13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:
14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
15 The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.
16 Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.
17 The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband:
18 For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.
19 The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.
20 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.
21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.
22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.
23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
25 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.
26 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.
27 And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her?
28 The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men,
29 Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?
30 Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.
31 In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat.
32 But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of.
33 Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat?
34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.
37 And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth.
38 I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.
39 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.
40 So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days.
41 And many more believed because of his own word;
42 And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.
43 Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee.
44 For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country.
45 Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast.
46 So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum.
47 When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death.
48 Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.
49 The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die.
50 Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.
51 And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth.
52 Then inquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.
53 So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house.
54 This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee.
He faced her squarely with the immorality that had dominated her life.
He faced her squarely with the immorality that had dominated her life.
Consider Christ’s dealing with the rich young ruler.
Consider Christ’s dealing with the rich young ruler.
He faced the young man with his sin of self-righteousness and covetousness (Luke 18:18-23).
He faced the young man with his sin of self-righteousness and covetousness (Luke 18:18-23).
18 And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.
20 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.
21 And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.
22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.
23 And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.
This is the way God deals with people. He reproves men for their sin in order to bring them to repentance (John 16:8).
This is the way God deals with people. He reproves men for their sin in order to bring them to repentance (John 16:8).
8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
And this is the way we must deal with men, too, if we want to follow the Bible in our gospel work.
And this is the way we must deal with men, too, if we want to follow the Bible in our gospel work.
To preach repentance means to deal with glaring sins that people are holding onto and to tell them plainly that they must repent of sinning against God; they must yield their lives to Him; they must change directions; they must surrender.
To preach repentance means to deal with glaring sins that people are holding onto and to tell them plainly that they must repent of sinning against God; they must yield their lives to Him; they must change directions; they must surrender.
God will do a glorious work in their lives but they must be ready for that to happen.
God will do a glorious work in their lives but they must be ready for that to happen.
They must have a change of mind about God and sin that will result in a change of life.
They must have a change of mind about God and sin that will result in a change of life.
It appears that many soul-winning programs try to “slip the gospel by the sinner” and get him saved before he really knows what is happening!
It appears that many soul-winning programs try to “slip the gospel by the sinner” and get him saved before he really knows what is happening!
That is not possible.
That is not possible.
The Lord Jesus Christ said, “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3, 5).
The Lord Jesus Christ said, “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3, 5).
3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
There is no salvation without repentance, and it is a Holy Spirit-wrought change of mind that results in a change of life.
There is no salvation without repentance, and it is a Holy Spirit-wrought change of mind that results in a change of life.
To tell sinners that God demands that they repent might cut down on the “decision” statistics, but it is the only honest and scriptural path.
To tell sinners that God demands that they repent might cut down on the “decision” statistics, but it is the only honest and scriptural path.
God has commanded that all men everywhere repent and Jesus said they can’t be saved without it, so how can we fail to tell them this?
God has commanded that all men everywhere repent and Jesus said they can’t be saved without it, so how can we fail to tell them this?
Second, it is not necessarily the word “repentance” that always has to be used; it is the concept that the soul winner must get across.
Second, it is not necessarily the word “repentance” that always has to be used; it is the concept that the soul winner must get across.
We must make the individual understand that God requires surrender.
We must make the individual understand that God requires surrender.
Third, we need to deal with each case individually.
Third, we need to deal with each case individually.
Preaching repentance depends on the context. We see this from the fact that the Bible sometimes mentions repentance and sometimes doesn’t in the context of evangelism.
Preaching repentance depends on the context. We see this from the fact that the Bible sometimes mentions repentance and sometimes doesn’t in the context of evangelism.
The example of the Philippian jailor.
The example of the Philippian jailor.
He was already under conviction when he cried out, “What must I do to be saved?”
He was already under conviction when he cried out, “What must I do to be saved?”
Doubtless Paul and Barnabas had been witnessing to him.
Doubtless Paul and Barnabas had been witnessing to him.
We know that they had been singing and praising God.
We know that they had been singing and praising God.
Further, the power of God displayed in the earthquake had shaken the jailor deeply. Now, through the Spirit’s working, he was ready to do whatever God told him to do.
Further, the power of God displayed in the earthquake had shaken the jailor deeply. Now, through the Spirit’s working, he was ready to do whatever God told him to do.
In such a case there is no need to go into a lengthy study about repentance.
In such a case there is no need to go into a lengthy study about repentance.
He was already repenting!
He was already repenting!
I, too, have met men in jails and other places that were ready to be saved.
I, too, have met men in jails and other places that were ready to be saved.
They had heard the gospel and God was working in their hearts; they knew that they were sinners and were sorry for their sin against God were tired of the old life and were ready to surrender to Him.
They had heard the gospel and God was working in their hearts; they knew that they were sinners and were sorry for their sin against God were tired of the old life and were ready to surrender to Him.
In that context, all that is needed is to explain to the individual how to put his or her faith in Christ in a saving manner (e.g., Romans 10:8-13).
In that context, all that is needed is to explain to the individual how to put his or her faith in Christ in a saving manner (e.g., Romans 10:8-13).
8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
The example of the idolaters at Athens.
The example of the idolaters at Athens.
On the other hand, when Paul preached to the idolaters at Athens who were treating the gospel as merely another philosophical debate, he told them that God “now commandeth all men every where to repent” (Acts 17:30).
On the other hand, when Paul preached to the idolaters at Athens who were treating the gospel as merely another philosophical debate, he told them that God “now commandeth all men every where to repent” (Acts 17:30).
30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
He didn’t say, “Just believe in Jesus.”
He didn’t say, “Just believe in Jesus.”
They needed to repent of their false gods, and particularly of their chief god, which was Self!
They needed to repent of their false gods, and particularly of their chief god, which was Self!
They needed to be confronted with Almighty God and His claim on their lives.
They needed to be confronted with Almighty God and His claim on their lives.
REVIEW QUESTIONS ON REPENTANCE
REVIEW QUESTIONS ON REPENTANCE
1. In what verse does Paul say that he preached both repentance and faith?
1. In what verse does Paul say that he preached both repentance and faith?
2. How many times is repentance mentioned in the New Testament?
2. How many times is repentance mentioned in the New Testament?
3. What preachers in the New Testament preached repentance?
3. What preachers in the New Testament preached repentance?
4. In what verse did Jesus say except you repent you will perish?
4. In what verse did Jesus say except you repent you will perish?
5. In what verse did Paul say that God now commands all men to repent?
5. In what verse did Paul say that God now commands all men to repent?
6. In what verse did Peter say that God wants all men to come to repentance?
6. In what verse did Peter say that God wants all men to come to repentance?
7. What are four false views of repentance?
7. What are four false views of repentance?
8. What is the "sorrow of the world"?
8. What is the "sorrow of the world"?
9. How do we know that King Saul did not repent?
9. How do we know that King Saul did not repent?
10. How do we know that repentance is not a synonym for believing?
10. How do we know that repentance is not a synonym for believing?
11. Why doesn’t John 3:16 mention repentance?
11. Why doesn’t John 3:16 mention repentance?
12. Why is repentance directed toward God?
12. Why is repentance directed toward God?
13. In what verse did Paul demand that believers “do works meet for repentance”?
13. In what verse did Paul demand that believers “do works meet for repentance”?
14. Repentance is a ____________________ about God and sin that _____________________.
14. Repentance is a ____________________ about God and sin that _____________________.
15. Repentance means to _______ around.
15. Repentance means to _______ around.
16. Repentance means to change _______________.
16. Repentance means to change _______________.
17. Repentance means to __________________ to God's rule.
17. Repentance means to __________________ to God's rule.
18. Repentance is not a change of ___________; it is a change of __________.
18. Repentance is not a change of ___________; it is a change of __________.
19. What are three Bible examples of repentance?
19. What are three Bible examples of repentance?
20. How do we see biblical repentance in the life of the Prodigal Son?
20. How do we see biblical repentance in the life of the Prodigal Son?
21. How do we see biblical repentance in the life of Zacchaeus?
21. How do we see biblical repentance in the life of Zacchaeus?
22. The Thessalonians ___________ to God __________ idols.
22. The Thessalonians ___________ to God __________ idols.
23. Why is it necessary to preach repentance when we are soul winning?
23. Why is it necessary to preach repentance when we are soul winning?
24. If the individual is not ready to __________, he is not ready to be saved.
24. If the individual is not ready to __________, he is not ready to be saved.
25. What kept my landlord in Nepal from coming to Christ?
25. What kept my landlord in Nepal from coming to Christ?
26. How did Christ deal with the woman at the well in regard to her sin?
26. How did Christ deal with the woman at the well in regard to her sin?
27. What sins did Christ point out in the life of the rich young ruler?
27. What sins did Christ point out in the life of the rich young ruler?
28. Why did Paul tell the philosophers at Athens to repent but he didn’t say that to the Philippian jailor?
28. Why did Paul tell the philosophers at Athens to repent but he didn’t say that to the Philippian jailor?