Is it necessary to always preach Repentance?

[evangelist6589]

Helped my church today and no arguments nor debates as I kept disagreements separate. I also assisted distributing their tracts and other literature. I say they have a knack for sales evangelism or evangelism that will get people in church, but not necessarily for evangelism that preaches hard on sin, hence our differences. The tracts that I helped distribute (some IFB publisher) told the story of creation well, but in the gospel response missed completely on REPENTANCE, but just wanted people to make a decision and pray a prayer. Although I disagreed with this approach, I realized that yes God could use even it to bring the elect to salvation so I reluctantly passed them out, but after I broke off I used my normal tracts that hit hard on sin, and repentance which I doubt anyone would not know what I primarily use.

I believe repentance should always be emphasized in preaching and evangelism and tracts. However God can use imperfect man and imperfect tracts to bring the elect to salvation whom he chose from the beginning of time whom would be saved. Does anyone not agree? God is sovereign in Salvation, and it may take 50 tracts for one person, or it may take 50 years, or it may not even be a tract, but the elect will come to salvation whom have been granted faith and repentance. We just need to do our part and He will do His part, but it may be possible some elect have not turned because we have stood in the work of God by passing out bad tracts, or using bad evangelism methods, and so God will have to use another means to get the elect to turn. Opinions?

 

[JamesL]

Before any opinion about repentance can be brought forth to agree or disagree, you would need to establish your definition.

Turn from sin?
Be sorry for sin?
Confess sin?
Stop sinning?
Have a change of mind about sin (elaborate)?
Have a change of mind from dead works to saving faith?
Change your own mind about sin?
Change your own mind about Christ's merits?

I've heard all these and plenty more. So a discussion as to whether or not repentance must be included in a gospel presentation will hinge on your definition


Also, is repentance strictly intangible (as in a change of mind), or is it strictly a work (such as confessing sin), or an inner conviction, decision, etc which inevitably manifests itself outwardly?

 

[Revmitchell]

It is difficult to present the saving gospel in any kind of short medium. The five minute presentation used for so many years has been a tragic mistake. Picking on one single medium is rather nit picky.

 

[JamesL]

I forgot....

If one holds a Reformed view, that God is the one doing all the work in an elected individual, would it be necessary to tell the potential convert about repentance, or would repentance naturally happen as a result of having previously been given a change of disposition (regeneration) ?

 

[Jkdbuck76]

I'll re read the Book of Acts and get back with you evan. I wanna read all the sermons of that book.

 

[padredurand]

"Often the idea of believing is expressed by the word, repent (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 5:31; 8:22; 11:18; 17:30; 20:21; 26:20) ... The word means to change one's mind, and by its usage in the Book of Acts it means to change one's mind about Jesus of Nazareth being the Messiah. This involves no longer thinking of Him as merely the carpenter's son of Nazareth, an imposter, but now receiving Him as both Lord (Jehovah) and Messiah. Thus, repentance as preached by the apostles was not a prerequisite to nor a consequence of salvation, but was actually the act of faith in Jesus which brought salvation to the one who repented." Ryrie, Charles. Biblical Theology of the New Testament. (p. 116, 117).

"What place has repentance in salvation? Should we tell people to repent of their sins to be saved? The Gospel of John is the Holy Spirit's Gospel Tract, written that men might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing they might have life through His name (20:31). And it does not mention the word 'repentance'. But that is only because repentance is a necessary part of saving faith. Strictly speaking, the repentance means a 'change of mind'. It is by no means the same thing as sorrow (II Corinthians 7:10). Since it is not possible to an unbeliever to become a believer without changing his mind, it is therefore unnecessary to say anything about it. The only thing for a man to do in order to be saved is to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ: and to believe on Him is the same thing as receiving Him (John 1:11-13)." Pettingill, William. Bible Questions Answered. (p. 215-216).

"But in order to clarify the subject, it may be well to observe carefully what repentance is not, and then to notice briefly what it is. First, then repentance is not to be confounded with penitence... penitence is simply sorrow for sin... Nowhere is man exhorted to feel a certain amount of sorrow for his sins in order to come to Christ. Second, penance is not repentance. Penance is the effort in some way to atone for the wrong done... In the third place, let us remember that reformation is not repentance... Need I add that repentance then is not to be considered synonymous with joining a church or taking up one's religious duties, as people say. It is not doing anything. ...the Greek word, metanoia, which is translated 'repentance' in our English Bibles, literally means a change of mind." Ironside, Harry. Except Ye Repent. (p. 12-15).

 

[JamesL]

Padre,

Good stuff. Imagine if a young man was horsing around on a cruise ship and fell overboard. Coast guard comes to rescue him, and starts grilling him....

Before we pull you out of the ocean:
Do you admit you were horsing around?
Are you sorry you were horsing around?
Do you promise to never to horse around on a cruise ship again?
Are you willing to come work for the Coast Guard starting right now?

 

[JonC]

Is it necessary to always preach Repentance? No, of course not. That's just silly and unbiblical. That is, if you are referring to a pastor preaching to a congregation....different if you are speaking of evangelism. Do you mean a pastor preaching to edify the children of God or an evangelist/message preaching the gospel message to the lost?

 

[Revmitchell]

Helped my church today and no arguments nor debates as I kept disagreements separate. I also assisted distributing their tracts and other literature. I say they have a knack for sales evangelism or evangelism that will get people in church, but not necessarily for evangelism that preaches hard on sin, hence our differences. The tracts that I helped distribute (some IFB publisher) told the story of creation well, but in the gospel response missed completely on REPENTANCE, but just wanted people to make a decision and pray a prayer. Although I disagreed with this approach, I realized that yes God could use even it to bring the elect to salvation so I reluctantly passed them out, but after I broke off I used my normal tracts that hit hard on sin, and repentance which I doubt anyone would not know what I primarily use.

I believe repentance should always be emphasized in preaching and evangelism and tracts. However God can use imperfect man and imperfect tracts to bring the elect to salvation whom he chose from the beginning of time whom would be saved. Does anyone not agree? God is sovereign in Salvation, and it may take 50 tracts for one person, or it may take 50 years, or it may not even be a tract, but the elect will come to salvation whom have been granted faith and repentance. We just need to do our part and He will do His part, but it may be possible some elect have not turned because we have stood in the work of God by passing out bad tracts, or using bad evangelism methods, and so God will have to use another means to get the elect to turn. Opinions?

You know what I think, I believe you are unhappy where you are at and you not only go around looking for things to whine about your church but you want things to be there to whine about.

How many forums do you do this on?

 

[JonC]

You know what I think, I believe you are unhappy where you are at and you not only go around looking for things to whine about your church but you want things to be there to whine about.

I have to agree here. You, John, seem to look for things to complain about rather than "strengthening the things that remain" (to borrow from Bob Dylan). I also do not agree with everything taught at my church...but this is to be expected. I am flawed, as is my pastor. As much as I love you as a brother, you are also flawed. My advise...look to areas where you can contribute. Who cares if you believe your pastor should preach repentance at every corner??? Well...you, of course. Get over it (Eagles song...btw). Perhaps you are not the most mature of your congregation (I am not the most mature of mine).

 

[evangelist6589]

Before any opinion about repentance can be brought forth to agree or disagree, you would need to establish your definition.

Turn from sin?
Be sorry for sin?
Confess sin?
Stop sinning?
Have a change of mind about sin (elaborate)?
Have a change of mind from dead works to saving faith?
Change your own mind about sin?
Change your own mind about Christ's merits?

I've heard all these and plenty more. So a discussion as to whether or not repentance must be included in a gospel presentation will hinge on your definition


Also, is repentance strictly intangible (as in a change of mind), or is it strictly a work (such as confessing sin), or an inner conviction, decision, etc which inevitably manifests itself outwardly?

Turning from sin. I have many tracts that use the word "repent" or "repentance" and I will use them. However I have tracts that do not and I sometimes use them, but not always. I reason I take issue with the church in this one area is that they seem to go completely against what I have been taught at not only former Reformed and Calvinist churches where I have been, but also what WOTM, MacArthur, and Washer teach, which more importantly violates Luke 13:3 and many other verses.

However Repentance is not mentioned in the Gospel of John and I am confused a little so a reason I am reading this book.

Faith Works or The Gospel According to the Apostles--Mac has an entire chapter on the necessity of preaching repentance at all times. What I love about Mac is the many scriptures he uses and his biblical argument style.

My church does an excellent job on preaching proper eschatology, and being a very friendly church so I give them credit there.

 

[evangelist6589]

"Often the idea of believing is expressed by the word, repent (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 5:31; 8:22; 11:18; 17:30; 20:21; 26:20) ... The word means to change one's mind, and by its usage in the Book of Acts it means to change one's mind about Jesus of Nazareth being the Messiah. This involves no longer thinking of Him as merely the carpenter's son of Nazareth, an imposter, but now receiving Him as both Lord (Jehovah) and Messiah. Thus, repentance as preached by the apostles was not a prerequisite to nor a consequence of salvation, but was actually the act of faith in Jesus which brought salvation to the one who repented." Ryrie, Charles. Biblical Theology of the New Testament. (p. 116, 117).

"What place has repentance in salvation? Should we tell people to repent of their sins to be saved? The Gospel of John is the Holy Spirit's Gospel Tract, written that men might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing they might have life through His name (20:31). And it does not mention the word 'repentance'. But that is only because repentance is a necessary part of saving faith. Strictly speaking, the repentance means a 'change of mind'. It is by no means the same thing as sorrow (II Corinthians 7:10). Since it is not possible to an unbeliever to become a believer without changing his mind, it is therefore unnecessary to say anything about it. The only thing for a man to do in order to be saved is to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ: and to believe on Him is the same thing as receiving Him (John 1:11-13)." Pettingill, William. Bible Questions Answered. (p. 215-216).

"But in order to clarify the subject, it may be well to observe carefully what repentance is not, and then to notice briefly what it is. First, then repentance is not to be confounded with penitence... penitence is simply sorrow for sin... Nowhere is man exhorted to feel a certain amount of sorrow for his sins in order to come to Christ. Second, penance is not repentance. Penance is the effort in some way to atone for the wrong done... In the third place, let us remember that reformation is not repentance... Need I add that repentance then is not to be considered synonymous with joining a church or taking up one's religious duties, as people say. It is not doing anything. ...the Greek word, metanoia, which is translated 'repentance' in our English Bibles, literally means a change of mind." Ironside, Harry. Except Ye Repent. (p. 12-15).

I pass out gospel of John's often and yes you are correct that its missing from there. I am somewhat confused on the reason, and await the book I ordered from Mac called Faith Works which has a bit on this issue. I will see what Mac says on the topic, but if he does not explain it well I may consider getting a book on the topic to explain why Luke 13:3 and many other parts of the synoptic gospels has it, but John does not. Got any book recommendations encase I go that route? Anyone?

 

[evangelist6589]

I'll re read the Book of Acts and get back with you evan. I wanna read all the sermons of that book.

Peter uses it in the beginning of the book.

 

[Winman]

Turning from sin. I have many tracts that use the word "repent" or "repentance" and I will use them. However I have tracts that do not and I sometimes use them, but not always. I reason I take issue with the church in this one area is that they seem to go completely against what I have been taught at not only former Reformed and Calvinist churches where I have been, but also what WOTM, MacArthur, and Washer teach, which more importantly violates Luke 13:3 and many other verses.

However Repentance is not mentioned in the Gospel of John and I am confused a little so a reason I am reading this book.

Faith Works or The Gospel According to the Apostles--Mac has an entire chapter on the necessity of preaching repentance at all times. What I love about Mac is the many scriptures he uses and his biblical argument style.

My church does an excellent job on preaching proper eschatology, and being a very friendly church so I give them credit there.

You do not understand Luke 13:3. It is not saying to quit sinning. Read again.


Luk 13:1 There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.
2 And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?
3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?
5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

What is Jesus telling these persons to repent of in Luke 13:3?

The answer is found in vs. 2. These persons believed they were righteous. Why? Because nothing bad had happened to them.

The Jews had a false belief that if something bad happened to persons, this proves they were terrible sinners. They also falsely believed if a person was very fortunate, this proved they were in God's favor.

This is why when the disciples saw a blind man, they asked Jesus who had sinned, this man, or his parents.

Jhn 9:2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?
3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.

Because this man was born blind, the disciples assumed either he or his parents had committed some terrible sin. But Jesus told them that neither this man nor his parents had sinned, and that he had been born blind so that Jesus could manifest his works in him.

Likewise, the Jews also believed if a man was rich, this proved he had God's favor, and this is why God had blessed him. This is why the disciples were astounded when Jesus told them how hardly shall a rich man enter heaven.

Mat 19:23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?

You see, when Jesus told his disciples that it was highly unlikely that any rich man would enter heaven, his disciples were "exceedingly amazed" and asked, "Who then can be saved?".

So, the Jews falsely believed that being rich proved you were in God's favor.

And this is what Jesus is telling these persons in Luke 13 to repent of, this false belief that because Pilate had killed certain persons proves they were evil. And that because nothing unfortunate had happened to them, that they were righteous.

No, they needed to turn from this false belief they were righteous and realize they too were sinners, otherwise they would perish. No man will come to Jesus for salvation until he realizes he is a lost sinner.

And we see this same example repeated in vss. 4 and 5. Again, these persons assumed that those 18 persons upon whom a tower fell must be wicked sinners, and that is why God caused a tower to fall on them.

But again, Jesus asks them if they think these men were worse sinners than all men that lived in Jerusalem. Jesus tells them they must turn from this false belief and realize they too are sinners or they will perish.

So, Jesus is NOT telling these persons they must stop sinning to be saved, but he IS telling them they must realize they are lost sinners to be saved. No man will come to Jesus for salvation unless he first understands and believes he is lost.

 

[convicted1]

Repentance is turning from yourself, your selfrighteousness, and turning to God. This is accompanied by a Godly sorrow(1 Cor. 7:10). I preach repentance quite a bit, but it's not the only thing to preach about.

But w/o repentance, you have no salvation.

 

[Winman]

Repentance is turning from yourself, your selfrighteousness, and turning to God. This is accompanied by a Godly sorrow(1 Cor. 7:10). I preach repentance quite a bit, but it's not the only thing to preach about.

But w/o repentance, you have no salvation.

Repentance is to believe. Who were you depending on before you trusted Jesus? Yourself and your own self-righteousness, or your church, or being born into a Christian family, etc... You must turn from this false belief in one's self and believe or trust on Jesus.

So, to repent means to turn from unbelief. When you are trusting in some other thing than Jesus to save you, that is UNBELIEF in God (Jesus).

Repent does not mean you have to be sorry. How sorry must you then be? That is a bottomless pit.

The scriptures simply say if we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us.

1 Jhn 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Lots of folks doubt their salvation because they think they have to work up all this sorrow before they are truly saved. That is a lie from the devil.



Catholics in Rome climb stairs on their knees to prove how sorry they are.

You can get a lot from folks if you can convince them they must prove how sorry they are. :thumbsup:

 

[JamesL]

Peter uses it in the beginning of the book.

Those in Acts 2 were already saved before Jesus died on the cross.

 

[evangelist6589]

Repentance is turning from yourself, your selfrighteousness, and turning to God. This is accompanied by a Godly sorrow(1 Cor. 7:10). I preach repentance quite a bit, but it's not the only thing to preach about.

But w/o repentance, you have no salvation.

Explain its absence from the Gospel of John.

 

[evangelist6589]

Article

I just discovered this article and it seems to explain the missing word in John's Gospel and all this without buying yet another book!! Amen..

https://www.gty.org/Resources/Print/Articles/A238

 

[Winman]

I just discovered this article and it seems to explain the missing word in John's Gospel and all this without buying yet another book!! Amen..

https://www.gty.org/Resources/Print/Articles/A238

Let us know when you repent and quit sinning, that will be exciting to hear about.