THE DOCTRINE OF REPENTANCE AND FAITH
MEMORY VERSE: ACTS 20:21
In the last three lessons, we have referred to repentance and faith a number of times and this is as it should be. Repentance and faith are not found here at the last (that is of the articles on salvation), because that they are the least important, nor are they placed here as implying that they happen last in salvation. Our lesson today contains very important truth that is often neglected today!
I. REPENTANCE AND FAITH COMMANDED!
1. It was preached by John the Baptist. Matt. 3:1,2
2. It was preached by Jesus. Matt. 4:17
3. The Church is commanded to preach it. Luke 24:46-48
4. It was preached by the apostles. Acts 3:19; 26:19,20
II. REPENTANCE AND FAITH ARE INSEPARABLE.
(1) Not only are they inseparable graces, but we must be careful and not rank them, or declare that one comes prior to the other. In the Bible when ever they are both spoken of at one time, the order is “repentance and faith”.
(2) The interdependence of repentance and faith can be readily seen when we remember that faith is faith in Christ for salvation from sin.
(3) Saving faith is permeated with repentance and repentance is permeated with faith.
1. It is repentance toward God & faith toward Christ. (a)-1 Acts 20:21
2. Repent and believe the gospel. (b)-1 Mark 1:15. Remember that “faith” and “believing” are very similar.
3. Repent and turn to God. Acts 26:20. (In faith we turn to God).
III. REPENTANCE AND FAITH WROUGHT IN US BY GOD!
This does not mean that God does this apart from changing our mind, heart and will.
1. God gives repentance. Acts 11:18; II Tim. 2:25
2. God leads us to repentance. Rom. 2:4
3. God opens the heart. Acts 16:14
4. God quickens and makes alive. Eph. 2:1
5. Faith comes through the Word of God. Rom. 10:17
IV. THE RESULT OF REPENTANCE AND FAITH.
Notice what our Confession of Faith says: ….”(d) there by, being deeply convicted of our guilt, danger and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession and supplication for mercy…. “
Repentance consists essentially in a change of heart, mind and will in respect to four things
(1) change of mind in respect to God
(2) in respect to ourselves
(3) in respect to sin and
(4) respecting righteousness.
1. These were convicted and inquiring. (c)-1 Acts 2:37,38. (Pricked, is the Greek word KATANUSSO, and it means to strike or prick violently, to stun).
2. This man was broken, humbled and inquiring. Acts 16:29-31
3. This man was repentant and desired God’s mercy. (d)-2 Luke 18:13
4. A marvelous change is wrought. (d)-5 Isa. 55:6,7
V. REPENTANCE AND FAITH LEAD TO PUBLIC CONFESSION OF CHRIST.
1. Believing and confessing closely linked. Rom. 10:8-14
2. Those who truly believe will confess. Luke 12:8,9 In Heb. 12:2 it is revealed who is the author and finisher of our faith. Also see John 3:36; 5:24.
CONCLUSION