Bible -- Theology; Theology, Doctrinal -- Popular works
Isa. 55:7--"Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous
man his thoughts; and let him return unto the Lord." Prov. 28:13;
Matt. 3:8, 10.
c) In Turning Unto God.
It is not enough to turn away from sin; we must turn unto God; 1
Thess. 1:9; Acts 26:18.
III. HOW REPENTANCE IS PRODUCED.
1. IT IS A DIVINE GIFT.
Acts 11:18--"Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance
unto life." 2 Tim. 2:25--"If God peradventure will give them repentance
to the acknowledging of the truth." Acts 5:30, 31. Repentance is
not something which one can originate within himself, or can pump
up within himself as one would pump water out of a well. It is a
divine gift. How then is man responsible for not having it? We are
called upon to repent in order that we may feel our own inability
to do so, and consequently be thrown upon God and petition Him to
perform this work of grace in our hearts.
2. YET THIS DIVINE GIFT IS BROUGHT ABOUT THROUGH THE USE OF MEANS.
Acts 2:37, 38, 41. The very Gospel which calls for repentance
produces it. How well this is illustrated in the experience of the
people of Nineveh (Jonah 3:5-10)! When they heard the preaching
of the word of God by Jonah they believed the message and turned
unto God. Not any message, but the Gospel is the instrument that
God uses to bring about this desired end. Furthermore, this message
must be preached in the power of the Holy Spirit (1 Thess. 1:5-10).
Rom. 2:4--"Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and
forbearance and long-suffering; not knowing that the goodness of
God leadeth thee to repentance?" Also 2 Pet. 3:9. Prosperity too
often leads away from God, but it is the divine intention that it
should lead to God. Revivals come mostly in times of panic.
Rev. 3:19; Heb. 12:6, 10, 11. The chastisements of God are sometimes
for the purpose of bringing His wandering children back to repentance.
2 Tim. 2:24, 25. God oftentimes uses the loving, Christian reproof
of a brother to be the means of bringing us back to God.
IV. THE RESULTS OF REPENTANCE.
1. ALL HEAVEN IS MADE GLAD.
Luke 15:7, 10. Joy in heaven, and in the presence of the angels
of God. Makes glad the heart of God, and sets the bells of heaven
ringing. Who are those "in the presence of the angels of God"? Do
the departed loved ones know anything about it?
2. IT BRINGS PARDON AND FORGIVENESS OF SIN.
Isa. 55:7; Acts 3:19. Outside of repentance the prophets and apostles
know of no way of securing pardon. No sacrifices, nor religious
ceremonies can secure it. Not that repentance merits forgiveness,
but it is a condition of it. Repentance qualifies a man for a
pardon, but it does not entitle him to it.
3. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS POURED OUT UPON THE PENITENT.
Acts 2:38--"Repent... and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy
Ghost." Impenitence keeps back the full incoming of the Spirit into
the heart.
B. FAITH.
I. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE DOCTRINE.
II. THE DEFINITION OF FAITH.
1. IN GENERAL:
a) Knowledge.
b) Assent.
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