Repentance

After the series on Evangelism in my class this month, there have been several feedback discussions on whether or not Repentance is required for Salvation.

As Paul said, he was "Solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts 20:21)

The differing perspective from these other people in the class is that, as John 3:16 states, BELIEF in Christ is the only requirement for salvation, that Christ died for the sins of the world for all time, and we shouldn't impose "Repentance" as a work that is required.

However, I see BELIEF as encompassing REPENTANCE.     In order to believe in the Truths of Christ, one must recognize that He is God, that He died for our sins on the cross, that He had victory over sin and resurrected, and that He is Lord.    I don't see how a person could believe these things and not repent (turn from sin and turn to God).

Yes, Christ died for the sins of the world; but, if a person did not need to repent in order to be "born again" (or "born from above"), then all would already be saved.   Regeneration does not come until we believe; and regeneration should imply repentance for we cannot still have our old view of sin.

Sin is why Christ died on the cross.  It is what caused our separation from God and what incurs God's wrath.  So, I don't see how a person can have their relationship restored with God, without repenting.   I also don't see repentance as a "work".    It is just part of believing, just as I see that submitting to Christ as Lord is part of believing, but it is not a "work".

As I have done more research in this area, this is actually just the Lordship Salvation vs non-Lordship Salvation or Free Grace debate.  Respected theologians and teachers are on both sides of the debate (John MacArthur, RC Sproul, John Piper, etc on Lordship Salvation; and Bill Bright, Charles Ryrie, Hodges, and probably Chuck Swindoll on the Free Grace).   So, I don't expect there to be an unequivocal resolution for the discussion with those from class.

After discussions with my Pastor, the clearest statement in Scripture is: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9).    So, it is FAITH that saves us.   However, repentance is an evidence of faith; so any authentic saving faith should be accompanied by repentance.