Hi all,
I was wondering if someone could explain to me the role repentance plays in salvation and if it is necessary to ensure salvation is maintained. I just want to be sure I am truly saved and have seen much misinformation that contradicts my understanding of salvation as by grace through faith alone.
Thanks in advance. All views welcome.
Hi Jones12849,
- Scripture links repentance and salvation.
2Co 7:8-12 For even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it. For I perceive that the same epistle made you sorry, though only for a while. (9) Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. (10)
For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. (11) For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter. (12) Therefore, although I wrote to you, I did not do it for the sake of him who had done the wrong, nor for the sake of him who suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear to you.
- Scripture states that repentance from dead works is a fundamental principle.
Heb 6:1-3 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of
repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, (2) of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. (3) And this we will do if God permits.
- Scripture teaches that repentance is required to maintain sanctification, and sanctification is evidence of salvation.
Heb 6:4-12 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, (5) and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, (6) if
they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame. (7) For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God; (8) but
if it bears thorns and briers, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned. (9)
But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner. (10) For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. (11) And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, (12) that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
- The Letters of Revelation illustrate that the principle of repentance from dead works continues to apply after conversion.
Rev 2:5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen;
repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you
repent.
Rev 2:16 Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.
Rev 2:21 And I gave her time to
repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not
repent.
Rev 2:22 Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they
repent of their deeds.
Rev 3:3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and
repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.
Rev 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and
repent.