Featured Biblical Repentance and the gospel of John

Easton Bible Dictionary

"There are three Greek words used in the New Testament to denote repentance. (1.) The verb _metamelomai_ is used of a change of mind, such as to produce regret or even remorse on account of sin, but not necessarily a change of heart. This word is used with reference to the repentance of Judas (Matt. 27:3).
(2.) Metanoeo, meaning to change one's mind and purpose, as the result of after knowledge. This verb, with (3) the cognate noun _metanoia_, is used of true repentance, a change of mind and purpose and life, to which remission of sin is promised.
Evangelical repentance consists of (1) a true sense of one's own guilt and sinfulness; (2) an apprehension of God's mercy in Christ; (3) an actual hatred of sin (Ps. 119:128; Job 42:5, 6; 2 Cor. 7:10) and turning from it to God; and (4) a persistent endeavour after a holy life in a walking with God in the way of his commandments.
The true penitent is conscious of guilt (Ps. 51:4, 9), of pollution (51:5, 7, 10), and of helplessness (51:11; 109:21, 22). Thus he apprehends himself to be just what God has always See n him to be and declares him to be. But repentance comprehends not only such a sense of sin, but also an apprehension of mercy, without which there can be no true repentance (Ps. 51:1; 130:4)."

American Tract Society

"REPENTANCE
A change of mind, accompanied with regret and sorrow for something done, and an earnest wish that it was undone. Such was the repentance of Juda, Mt 27:3; and so it is said that Esau found "no place of repentance" in his father Isaac, although he sought it with tears, Heb 12:17; that is, Isaac would not change what he had done, and revoke the blessing given to Jacob, Ge 27:1-46. God is sometimes said to "repent" of something he had done, Ge 6:6 Jon 3:9, 10; not that he could wish it undone, but that in his providence such a change of course took place as among men would be ascribed to a change of mind. But the true gospel repentance, or "repentance unto life," is sorrow for sin, grief for having committed it, and a turning away from it with abhorrence, accompanied with sincere endeavors, in reliance on God’s grace and the influences of the Holy Spirit, to live in humble and holy obedience to the commands and will of God. This is that repentance which always accompanies true faith, and to which is promised the free forgiveness of sin through the merits of Jesus Christ, Mt 4:17 Ac 3:19; 11:18; 20:12.

C Buck Theological Dictionary

"In general, is sorrow for any thing past. In theology it signifies that sorrow for sin which produces newness of life. The Greek word most frequently used in the New Testament for repentance properly denotes an afterthought, or the soul recollecting its own actings; and that in such a manner as to produce sorrow in the review, and a desire of amendment. Another word also is used which signifies anxiety or uneasiness upon the consideration of what is done. There are, however, various kinds or repentance; as,
1. A natural repentance, or what is merely the effect of natural conscience.
2. A national repentance, such as the Jews in Babylon were called unto; to which temporal blessings were promised, Eze 18:1-32; Eze 19:1-14; Eze 20:1-49; Eze 21:1-32; Eze 22:1-31; Eze 23:1-49; Eze 24:1-27; Eze 25:1-17; Eze 26:1-21; Eze 27:1-36; Eze 28:1-26; Eze 29:1-21; Eze 30:1-26; Eze 31:1-18; Eze 32:1-30.
3. An External repentance, or an outward humiliation for sin, as in the case of Ahab.
4. A hypocritical repentance, as represented in Ephraim, Hos 7:16.
5. A legal repentance, which is a mere work of the law, and the effect of convictions of sin by it which in time wear off, and come to nothing.
6. an evangelical repentance, which consists in conviction of sin; sorrow for it; confession of it; hatred to it; and renunciation of it. A legal and evangelical repentance are distinguished thus:
1. A legal repentance flows only from a sense of danger and fear of wrath; but an evangelical repentance is a true mourning for sin, and an earnest desire of deliverance from it.
2. A legal repentance flows from unbelief, but evangelical is always the fruit and consequence of a saving faith.
3. A legal repentance flows from an aversion to God and to his holy law, but an evangelical from love to both.
4. A legal repentance ordinarily flows from discouragement and despondency, but evangelical from encouraging hope.
5. A legal repentance is temporary, but evangelical is the daily exercise of the true Christian.
6. A legal repentance does at most produce only a partial and external reformation, but an evangelical is a total change of heart and life. The author of true repentance is God, Act 5:31. The subjects of it are sinners, since none but those who have sinned can repent. The means of repentance is the word, and the ministers of it; yet sometimes consideration, sanctified afflictions, conversation, &c. have been the instruments of repentance. The blessings connected with repentance are, pardon, peace, and everlasting life, Act 11:18.
The time of repentance is the present life, Isa 55:6. Ecc 9:5. the evidences of repentance are, faith, humility, prayer, and obedience, Zec 12:10. The necessity of repentance appears evident from the evil of sin; the misery it involves us in here; the commands given us to repent in God's word; the promises made to the penitent; and the absolute incapability of enjoying God here or hereafter without it.
See Dickinson's Letters, let. 9; Dr. Owen on the 130th Psalm; Gill'sBody of Divinity, article Repentance; Ridgley's Body of Divinity, question 76; Davies's Sermons, ser. 44. vol. 3:; Case's Sermons, ser. 4; Whitefield's Sermons; Saurin's Sermons, ser. 9. vol. 3: Robinson's translation; Scott's Treatise on Repentance.

Bridgeway Bible Dictionary

"Repentance is a turning from sin to God (Deu 30:1-2; 2Ch 6:26-27; 2Ch 7:14; Neh 1:9; Psa 78:34; Isa 55:7; Jer 8:6; Jer 31:18-19; Eze 18:21; Mal 3:7; Mat 11:20-21; Luk 15:7; Luk 16:30; Act 3:19; Act 8:22; Act 14:15; Act 26:19-20; Rev 9:20-21). The open demonstration of this turning to God is sometimes called conversion (Act 15:3; cf. Act 26:17-18; 1Th 1:9-10). Jesus and the New Testament preachers commanded people to repent, because without repentance there can be no salvation (Mat 3:2; Mat 4:17; Mar 6:12; Luk 5:32; Luk 13:3; Luk 24:47; Act 2:38; Act 11:18; Act 17:30).
It is true that faith is the means by which people receive salvation (Rom 3:22-25; Eph 2:8), but faith that does not involve repentance is not true faith. It is not a faith that leads to salvation. Faith means complete trust in Jesus Christ and his atoning death. It means that people must have total dependence on Christ for their entire salvation (see FAITH). But such trust is impossible so long as they cling to anything of themselves. They cannot rely upon the work of Christ for the forgiveness of sin unless they turn from that sin (Mar 1:15; Act 11:21; Act 20:21; Act 26:18; 1Th 1:9).
Because faith involves repentance and repentance involves faith, the Bible in some places speaks of forgiveness as depending on faith (Act 10:43; Act 13:38-39), in others as depending on repentance (Luk 24:47; Act 3:19; Act 3:26). But the preaching of repentance, like the preaching of faith, must be related to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Luk 24:46-47).
Although it is true that people must exercise faith and repentance if they are to be saved, it is also true that neither faith nor repentance would be possible in the heart of self-centred human beings apart from the gracious work of God. God is the one who brings conviction of sin within people and gives them the readiness to repent and believe (Act 5:31; Act 11:18; cf. Joh 6:65; Joh 16:7-11).
Repentance involves a complete change in the mind and will of the believer. It is more than mere sorrow for sin; it is surrender to God. People may be sorry for their sin because of its consequences, but still have no thought for God. True repentance recognizes the character of sin as deserving God’s judgment, and turns from that sin to ask God’s forgiveness. Sorrow for sin that ignores God leads only to self-pity and despair. Godly sorrow leads to repentance and new life (2Co 7:9-10; cf. Job 42:5-6; Psa 51:1-17; Luk 18:13). It proves its genuineness in a complete change of behaviour (Luk 3:8-14; Luk 19:8; 2Co 5:17; 1Jn 2:4-6).
A different usage of the word ‘repent’ is found in the Old Testament, where writers sometimes use it in relation to God. The word simply has to do with a change in God’s dealings with people. It has nothing to do with any divine sin or failure (Gen 6:6; 1Sa 15:11; Jer 18:7-10; Jon 3:8-9; cf. Psa 110:4; Jer 4:28).

 

Of course we want all to bow to Jesus and be reconciled with him. Yet not all are reconciled to him.
What does God tell us about those who are saved?

Acts 13:48
And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.

Despite your demand that humans cause their salvation by exerting their own will, the Bible does not teach such a works-based salvation. The Bible says that "God appointed those to eternal life" and they believed. Was Like lying?

 

ah, that famous text from the Reformed that they constantly misuse! The Greek verb here, τεταγμενοι, (appointed), can also be in the middle voice, which means that it was the "action" of the Gentiles, but accepting the Gospel, that made them "appointed" tro eternal life. This is what the context says. See verse 46, "Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.". Notice the self-action of the Jews here, "ye put it from you", that is, they "rejected" the Gospel, and then, "judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life", they considered "themselves" unworthy of eternal life. God did not do this want this for them, from the fact that He sent Paul to preach to them, so that they would get saved! Paul says this very thing in 2 Thess. 2:10-12, "And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.". Because of their rejection of the Truth of the Gospel for their salvation, that God caused them to be hardened, as He did in the OT with Pharaoh. Because they took pleasure in wickedness and spurned the Gospel, they are responsible for their rejection by God, and destruction in eternal hell. THEY brought this on themselves, as did the Jews in Acts 13:46. Context, and other Scriprures are important, rather than plucking some verse out of its context!

 

Of course sinners who hear the gospel reject the gospel. It is perfectly natural to reject the King when a person sees themselves as king.
The greek word τεταγμενοι means appointed. It is why the translators all translate it "appointed." You are desperately looking for a way to have control and not acknowledge God's Sovereign direction in the salvation of men.
John 16:1-11 shows your assertion to be incorrect. Yet, you will not acknowledge this.

 

I did not disagree. But the word itself in the Greek can be either passive or middle, the contect says the latter!

 

Yet, everyone but you translates it "appointed" in that context. At what point will you acknowledge you hold a minority view that no other translator holds?

 

who appointed?

 

Is this a serious question? Who, other than God, can appoint to eternal life? Do you imagine humans can appoint themselves? Or perhaps Satan? Honestly, it amazes me that you ask such a question.

Acts 13:48-49 And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region.

 

the question is very serious. I have no doubt that God can do all things. However, this verse cannot mean that God appoints (as in preordains) anyone to eternal life, because this goes against what the Bible says, that the sinner must "repent and believe". If God has "preordained" the destiny of some, then the choice given to either accept or reject the Gospel, as in Acts 13:46, is completely pointless. John 3:16 also would disallow any "preordaining" to life by the Lord. This is no more than "theology" by some like the reformed.

 

This verse means God appoints. It is perfectly in line with God choosing to graciously save from Adam onward.
You have cherry picked a few verses and applied them outside of context as a means of preaching saved by works. The very passage in John 16 speaks against your assertion.
You are free to assert your falsehood and demand works be done by men in order for them to be saved. You have purposely misrepresented God and His word, which is very serious.

The offering of reconciliation to all may seem pointless to you when God, in fact, directs every molecule of His creation and appoints some to salvation. Yet, God has commanded his children to preach to all. Therefore, his children obey. That is our job. I accept this commission and leave the rest to God.

 

what of, "Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. " (Acts 10:34-35). This IS the Word of God, not my theology! and in connection with salvation! Now say that the Bible is "false"

 

Who is righteous except the redeemed of God? All of our righteousness is as filthy rags before God. Never forget our wretchedness and God's gracious substitute of righteousness on our behalf. If God accepts righteousness in us it is only because we are found in Christ Jesus.

God has appointed those unto redemption from every nation, tribe and tongue.

What you present is indeed your theology, which you glean from misappropriating text of scripture to fit your proposition.

 

And you think that Calvinism is all Biblical?

Can you show from the Bible, not theology, where does it say that justification is by faith alone?

 

Theology is built on the Bible. The question becomes whether we build upon verses, out of context to create a false theology, or whether we build upon passages, in context to create a biblically supportable theology.
Claiming that a person needs to perform a certain act before God can save them is not supportable in scripture. In fact it goes entirely against God's grace and all teaching of grace found in the Bible.
So you, who has a moniker titled "Savedbygrace", don't even believe that a person is saved by grace. Instead, you insist that a person is saved only after a person repents. You demand that humans perform an action, which removes grace as an option.
I suggest that you have failed to understand the context of the few verses you use as a prooftext and therefore you theology is poorly built and denies God's grace as the cause of salvation.

 

not I but the Bible says that the sinner must first REPENT of their sins, and also BELIEVE in the Gospel. These are the first words of Jesus recorded in Mark 1:15. And in case people like the "reformed" think that it means no more than a simple change of mind on the sinners "views" on God, etc, and nothing to do with sin, Jesus made this very clear, "and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem" (Luke 24:47). Then Peter, in his first sermon, "Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we DO?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. " (Acts 2:37-38). Notice here the use of the Greek verb, ποιέω, which here means, "to do, perform, carry out, execute", which is an action required with a purpose. Peter did not tell these people, who asked him, "what shall we do", that you "do" nothing, simply "believe", which he most certainly would have, as according to people like yourself, "faith" is all that is required. Then again in the following chapter, in verse 19, Peter says, "Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out". So, here we have three (there are more) Bible verses, that are abundantly clear, that a sinner MUST first "repent of their sins", and then they can receive "forgiveness". This is what David also says in Psalm 38:18, "I confess my iniquity; I am sorry for my sin.". It is your "theology" that is WRONG on this, as the Bible cannot have any errors! You say that I demand, NO, Jesus and Peter, and Paul, etc, etc, DO in the Word of God. Let me give another example from the KJV OT, "And God saw their WORKS, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not" (Jonah 3:10). The Hebrew here, ma‛ăśeh, means, "deed, thing done by man". But, it is not the "work" that is "merit earned", but the "complying with the requirements of the Lord", by confessing of sins and turning from them, and to the Lord in faith. Reformed theology has corrupted this very important teaching of the Word of God!

 

Repentance is very important to the believer. Each of your verses supposes that the person first believes. However, you will not acknowledge this. Instead, you demand salvation by works.
We are at an impasse as long as you demand works be the cause of salvation.

 

you are blinded by your theology! Repentance always comes FIRST in the verses I have given, but you refuse to accept what the Bible Teaches, because your "theology" won't allow you! I NEVER advocate a works salvation, so please quit talking complete rubbish!

 

Didn't you previously reject faith alone?? i'm confused as to what your position is.

 

How much clearer can I be? The Bible does not teach that a sinner is justified by faith alone because there must be repentance accompanying it. As in Mark 1.15. Is this clear for you

 

Here we have yet another falsehood from Calvinism. Does Acts 13:48 say "God appointed those to eternal life." Nope, but there it is in quotes. And the Greek word translated "appointed" refers to an agreement by mutual consent, thus those that accepted the gospel's direction to eternal life believed.