Bible Proof Repentance Doesn't Mean To Turn From Sin

Hebrews 4:10-11, “For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.”

I am alarmed that most Baptist pastors today are silent about the dangers of Lordship Salvation. Sadly, many pastors foolishly think that it is wise to avoid controversies; but in fact, it is unwise not to speak up against false doctrines creeping into a church. Revelation 3:2, “Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.”

Unfortunately, at a church I was attending last year, I heard a lady in a visiting religious music group share her personal testimony. The woman said she thought she used to be saved, but years later learned from her pastor that she had never turned away from her sins, and wasn't really saved. So now, she says, she is really saved, because she has turned away from her sinful ways. Sadly, she is still not saved! Hebrews 4:10, “For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.”

Carefully notice that the Bible says we are saved by CEASING from our OWN WORKS, just as God did from His works. The Lord LABOURED for six days to create the world as we know it today, and then He RESTED on the seventh day. The Bible uses this as a beautiful illustration of getting saved. The Sabbath Day in the Bible represents Jesus, in whom we completely REST for salvation. So the false teaching to “turn away from your sins” to be saved cannot be accurate, because that is doing WORKS!!!

To be saved, the Bible says to CEASE and to REST. Today's wicked false prophets are instead saying to WORK and to REST, which makes no sense! To tell someone to turn away from their sinning, and then second to trust Christ, is a contradiction. WORKS have no place in God's simple plan of salvation. Romans 11:6, “And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.” What further saith the Scripture? Romans 4:4-5, “Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” God doesn't owe anybody salvation. It is by His grace alone. Faith is the only righteous thing that I can do!

To tell someone to stop living in sin to receive God's free gift of eternal life, is the very opposite of CEASING from one's labors. The Bible says that just as God CEASED from His labors, so also must we CEASE from our labors, if we want to enter into God's REST (which is eternal life through faith alone in Jesus Christ). Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” We get saved by RESTING in the crucified, buried and resurrected precious Lamb of God (1st Corinthians 15:1-4).

There is only one true Gospel, which doesn't include turning away from living in sin. Christ died for our sins on the cross. He was buried. And three days later Jesus resurrected from the dead for the justification of our faith (i.e., our faith in Him was not in vain). Forgiveness of sins and eternal life are a free gift from God (Romans 5:15-18; Ephesians 2:8-9). I am so thankful that the Lord uses my humble ministry to help lost sinners see the light of the truth of the Gospel. I give Jesus ALL the credit, praise and glory for any good accomplished through my humble labors. Ecclesiastes 11:1, “Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.”