Unlearning Repentance | July 30, 2023 | Dr. Randy White

A Reminder Of The Standard Message

The standard evangelical position on repentance is that it is necessary for salvation. Repentance involves acknowledging one's sins, turning away from them, and turning towards God. It is a necessary response to the gospel message and a crucial part of the process of salvation. However, evangelicalism emphasizes that repentance is not a work that earns salvation. Rather, it is a response to the grace of God that has already been freely offered through faith in Jesus Christ.

The Gospel Coalition says that “we announce this good news [of the gospel] to people everywhere, entreating them with the words, ‘Be reconciled to God!’ by repenting of sin, asking God for his mercy, and trusting Jesus Christ.” [What Is The Gospel? https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/what-is-the-gospel/. Accessed July 29, 2023].

The Baptist-Calvinist evangelical organization named "9Marks" says,

According to the unanimous testimony of Scripture, repentance is absolutely necessary in order to be saved. Only those who turn from their sin, trust in Christ, and live lives that are characterized by righteousness will be saved on the last day. But then is repentance a “work” we must perform in order to earn our salvation? Not at all! Repentance and faith are really two sides of the same coin. Repentance is turning from sin. Faith is turning to, trusting in, and relying on Christ. Repentance is not a “work” anymore than faith is: we simply renounce our sin and rely on Christ. [Is Repentance Necessary For Salvation? (https://www.9marks.org/answer/repentance-necessary-salvation/). Accessed July 29, 2023]

The Two-Fold Problem With Repentance

What Is It?

In an attempt to ensure that repentance is not seen as a work (since works are not involved in salvation), some try to redefine repentance as a change of thinking. This is done by analyzing the etymology of the Greek word "metanoia". In its etymology, “metanoia” means “a change of thinking.”

The challenge with this is that the Bible clearly presents repentance (metanoia) as a change of behavior, not simply a change of thinking. For example, see Acts 26:20, Matthew 3:8, Matthew 21:28-29, and many other verses that clearly demand a change of behavior.

The difference between etymology and usage is significant, and usage must be what determines meaning. An example is the word “nice.” In etymology the word means “foolish,” but in usage the word means “virtuous” or “decent.”

Due to the debate about its meaning, evangelicals have created a dichotomy between "repentance" and "true repentance." For instance, GotQuestions states: “In the Bible, the word repent means ‘to change one’s mind.’ The Bible also tells us that true repentance will result in a change of actions.” [What Is Repentance And Is It Necessary for Salvation? https://www.gotquestions.org/repentance.html. Accessed July 29, 2023].

How Much Is Enough?

A second and related problem is: what must a person repent of, and how much must they repent? Can a couple living together outside of marriage be saved? Can an alcoholic be saved? Can a glutton be saved? Can someone with sinful pride be saved? If someone has changed their mind about their behavior but not yet shown proof that they will change their actions, can we welcome them to God’s family? How does one know that he or she has achieved "true repentance"? I recently read an article on "Eight Signs of True Repentance," but what if the person only has three, six, or seven of the signs?

It should be noted that the Bible contains many passages regarding repentance. However, we observe that these are almost exclusively found in connection with the Law. For instance, in the New Testament, there are 34 instances of the verb "repent," and 33 of these are found in books belonging to the age of Law rather than grace.

A Grace-Gospel Understood

As people who rightly divide the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15), it is essential to distinguish grace from works. This is accomplished by separating the Kingdom Gospel, which requires repentance, from the Grace Gospel, which does not. I am convinced that the confusion surrounding repentance comes from a failure to rightly divide. The old maxim, “when you don’t rightly divide, you wrongly apply” certainly applies here.

The Grace Gospel can be summed up in the words of the fourth Gospel: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (Jn. 3:16).

Does this mean that living in sin is acceptable? Absolutely not, as numerous Pauline scriptures attest. However, it does represent a harmonious interpretation of Scripture, a different motivation, and a more logical approach to the Christian gospel.

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