Repentance From Your Belief System To Trusting Jesus

Hebrews 6:1-2, “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.”

Today at church my pastor got repentance for salvation correct. I was proud of him. He said that Bible repentance is changing your mind about your BELIEF SYSTEM to TRUSTING JESUS CHRIST to save you. That is exactly right!

A few years ago in 2018, an incompetent intern pastor from Pensacola Christian College (PCC), Sean Quinlan at the Light House Baptist Church on Guam, shamefully accused me of being “OBSESSED over the Bible issue.” Pastor Quinlan became angry when he overheard me tell a church member that “Bob Jones University sells corruptible seed.” You see, PCC is in bed spiritually committing whoredom with Bob Jones University (BJU), wickedly bidding them Godspeed. I told THE TRUTH about BJU, for which I make no apologies.

Although he meant it as a criticism, I took it as a badge of honor. You had better believe it buster, that I am “obsessed” over the Bible issue! America is going to Hell because of cowardly Caspar Milquetoast pastors who refuse to stand. RIGHT DOCTRINE MATTERS! That means it is critically important which Bible we use, because the various different changes in today's hundreds of English Bible revisions often affect the intended meaning. Shame on PCC for supporting BJU's Lordship Salvation and counterfeit Bible versions!

You Repent Of Unbelief To Be Saved

Perhaps some of my blog readers wonder why I harp on the topic of repentance all the time. The answer is simply because so many clergy and laymen alike have repentance wrong today. The following helpful excerpt is from Michael Patrick Bowen's book, “I NEVER KNEW YOU”...

The plan of salvation according to Ray Comfort and his cohort Kirk Cameron defines repentance incorrectly. In the most elemental sense possible, their plan of salvation is based upon an academic flaw. Repent, as Christ meant it to be in terms of salvation, means to change your mind from trusting in what you can do for God to trusting only in what He can do for you. Neither of these gentlemen use the original Greek meaning of the word for repent which is metanoia. As defined in the Greek language, metanoia is “meta”(change) and “noia”(mind). Metanoia is simply a “change of mind.” That is all it means. Nothing else is added to it. If someone says it means a change of mind about bananas, they would be wrong. If a crafty pastor who claims salvation is by faith “plus” works and deeds of the law (under the clever guise of “committing your life to Christ”) says that metanoia means a change of mind about sin, he would be wrong. Metanoia, by itself, simply means a “change of mind.” When Christ used the word “repent” He was always referring to “a change of mind.” In proper context, Christ used “a change of mind” to refer to what people were trusting in to get them to heaven. Jesus would tell people to “change their minds” from keeping all the established laws of righteousness to instead trust upon Him alone in terms of Him being the sin-bearer, that He would “solve” the problem of sin once and for all by His death and subsequent resurrection from the dead. You see, Christ took care of the sin problem. When we, in any way whatsoever, attempt to remedy the problem of sin by turning our backs on it, forsaking it, or promising God that we will quit certain things that we know bring Him grief, we are essentially telling Christ that our faith in His death and resurrection from the grave is “not enough” to save us. If there was any way at all we could save ourselves by our works and behavioral changes, Christ may not have had to die on that cross; however, we know that God says in Romans 6:23 that the “wages of sin is death.” That means one sin, such as a small lie, condemns us to the spiritual “death penalty.” And because the wages, or payment, for that small lie is death, the “only way” we could pay for it is to be cast into the eternal lake of fire. We “cannot” pay for a single sin by promising God we will change our behaviors, or by “turning from sins.” It will not erase the “death sentence” that God has passed upon sin. For us to be able to enter into God’s heaven, we must be “as righteous” as God is righteous. In no way can our works, deeds, discipleship or promises ever make us “as righteous as God.” That is precisely why we need a “savior” and that is precisely why Comfort and Cameron’s plan of salvation will not work — it is not the gospel message of the bible; therefore, it is counterfeit. But that is not to say that these are not good men, for they are good men. They are moral, they espouse many biblical doctrines correctly, and they are masters at getting people to see their sinful natures before a holy and righteous God; however, because of one academic flaw — the misinterpretation of the word repent — their plan of salvation does not match with the plan of salvation that Christ offers to us in the bible. [emphasis added]

SOURCE: Michael P. Bowen, “I NEVER KNEW YOU,” pp. 114-115

Amen and amen, that is sound doctrine.

The English dictionary meaning of repentance is NOT the Bible meaning, as Michael Bowen just explained. Here is an excellent writing by Dr. Mark G. Cambron (1911-2000) on the subject of REPENTANCE. Please read the following quote carefully, because Dr. Cambron is one of few theologian who gets it, that is, he understands the simplicity of the Gospel and that repentance does not mean turning from sin as proponents of Lordship Salvation foolishly teach. ...

Repentance is necessary for salvation.

The Greek word for repent is metanoeo, which, translated into English is: to change ones mind. It does not mean to turn from sin. That would add works to salvation.

Repentance for salvation means a change of mind from men's ideas of salvation and religion, to an acceptance of Gods only way of salvation.

This results in a completely new creation, not a reformation of the old. The old nature remains as evil as ever after salvation and has not been reformed . . . The old nature can now be controlled by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit.

God guarantees salvation. This is His gift to us.
God guarantees reward and fruit to the obedient son.
God guarantees chastening and loss of rewards to the disobedient son.

God does not cast out disobedient children, but in some cases, does take them home. He does not permit His children to live as they please without His discipline and guidance.

Many teach repentance for salvation incorrectly, by including some form of human effort or righteousness, such as willingness to turn from sin, or turning from sin. This is heresy and has confused many people. It adds works to salvation and causes many to not understand Gods great gift. It is probation, not salvation. It is completely unscriptural. It is Galatianism and a counterfeit of the gospel.

It is a tragedy that many Christians live shallow Christian lives. The Cambron Institute is dedicated to the task of training Christian men and women in the importance of total dedication and making Jesus the Lord of their lives not to be saved but because they are saved.

Shallow Christianity cannot be cured by adding works to salvation.

Salvation is not the result of what we do, but is by receiving what God has done for us. Acts 13:38, 39; Acts 20:20: Gal. 1:8,9; Gal. 2:4; Gal. 2:21; Gal. 3:1.3; Gal. 5:1-4; Eph. 2:8-10; II Cor. 5:21;John 3:16-18; Phil. 3:9; Titus 3:5-8:11 Cor. 11:13-15.

SOURCE: The Cambron Institute

Christians Should Repent Of Sins

Having said all this, I have no issue with a preacher telling Christian believers that they should repent of our sins. Although the term is not found in the Bible, we read in 2nd Timothy 2:19, “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” I think we can safely say that this command is the same as “turn from your sin.” That God's children should depart from iniquity is clearly taught in the Scripture.

When the adulterous woman in John chapter 8 was dragged by the self-righteous crowd before Jesus, He refused to condemn her. The Lord's kind response to her was simply to “Go and sin no more.” I think we can safely say that this is the same as “turn from your sin.” Of course, no one has ever fully turned from all their sins. All we can do is allow the Lord to live the Christian life through us, which is what Galatians 2:20 teaches, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

In John chapter 5 we read about a man who had an infirmity for 38 years. Jesus healed him, and then told him in John 5:14, “Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.” Again, I think we can safely say that Jesus was telling this man to repent of his sins. I am seeing that there is a doctrinally corrupt group on both sides of the spectrum:

1. On one side we have the Lordship Salvation camp, who errantly teach that a lost sinner cannot be saved unless they turn away from their sinful behavior. That is wrong. Christ came into the world to die on a cross to pay our sin debt. He doesn't demand that we first reform, nor be willing to reform, to receive that payment. It is a free gift from God.
2. On the other side of the spectrum we have the group who criticize and gang up on anyone who dares to teach that a Christian believer should repent of their sins. The word “repent” simply means to think differently. Should we as believers think differently about our sins? Yes, absolutely! So I have no problem with a pastor telling God's children that should repent of our sins, and turn away from them. That is what the Holy Bible teaches. We are exhorted by the Apostle Peter (who is writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit) to “be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1st Peter 1:15-16).
   

The problem arises with the phrases “repent of your sins” and “turn from your sin,” when they are applied to getting saved, thus perverting the Gospel of free grace. My favorite preacher quote of all preacher quotes is by Pilgrim's Progress author, John Bunyan (1628-1688):

“If you do not put a difference between justification wrought by the man Christ without and sanctification wrought by the Spirit of Christ within, you are not able to divide the Word aright; but contrariwise, you corrupt the Word of God, and cast stumbling blocks before the people.” —John Bunyan

This one quote sums up the ongoing raging battle in churches today between the Lordship Salvation cult, and those who adhere to a free grace Gospel. John Bunyan understood the importance of maintaining separation between justification versus sanctification, between sonship versus discipleship, between salvation versus service. One thing has nothing to do with the other. Of course, you must get saved first, otherwise God's wrath abides upon you (John 3:36; Psalms 7:11).

Pastor M.R. DeHaan (1891-1965) made this tremendous statement:

"There is a vast difference between coming to Jesus for salvation and coming after Jesus for service. Coming to Christ makes one a believer, while coming after Christ makes one a disciple. All believers are not disciples. To become a believer one accepts the invitation of the Gospel, to be a disciple one obeys the challenge to a life of dedicated service and separation. Salvation comes through the sacrifice of Christ; discipleship comes only by sacrifice of self and surrender to His call for devoted service. Salvation is free, but discipleship involves paying the price of a separated walk. Salvation can't be lost because it depends upon God's faithfulness, but discipleship can be lost because it depends upon our faithfulness." —Pastor M.R. DeHaan, “Hebrews”; Zondervan Publishing House; 1959 (p. 117)

Anybody who associates a change of behavior with the new birth is preaching another gospel. Sadly, the official doctrinal position of Pensacola Christian College (PCC) is, quote:

"Repentance is a change of mind resulting in a change of behavior." —Campus Church 'Foundation's Class' at PCC

That is another gospel. PCC is preaching a counterfeit plan of salvation. The Gospel does not teach partial faith in Christ plus works; but rather, childlike faith in Jesus' death on the cross, burial and bodily resurrection from the dead three days later (1 Corinthians 15;1-4).

➜ Roman Catholicism errantly says to be saved a person 𝗠𝗨𝗦𝗧 do good works.
➜ Calvinism errantly says a saved person 𝗪𝗜𝗟𝗟 do good works.
➜ The Holy Bible says a saved person 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗟𝗗 do good works (Titus 2;12)

Faith is the only righteous thing that I can do. Beginning at 1:34 time in the video, the guy wearing the grey hoodie says that if he hadn't forsaken his sinful bad habits in prison, he wouldn't be going to Heaven. That is justification by the works of the law, which is impossible (Romans 3:19-20). His defense is to misinterpret Hebrews 12:14, as I have just refuted. Satan's greatest weapon is to con people into living the Christian life without ever being born again. The guy wearing the grey hoodie is NOT saved. Nobody is saved who has partial faith in Christ, plus trusting in something else.

As we read earlier from Michael Bowen, anybody who says that repentance is “a change of mind about _____” is in error. Repentance concerning salvation in the New Testament is always translated from either the Greek noun metanoia (a change of mind); or the Greek verb metanoeo (to think differently). There must be supplemental information to determine what to change our mind about. For example: In Acts 20:21b we read about “repentance toward God.” In 2nd Timothy 2:25b we read about “repentance to the acknowledging of the truth.” In Hebrews 6:1b we read about “repentance from dead works.” So, in these passages we learn that repentance involves a change of mind about God, the truth and dead works. But you cannot show me any Scripture passage that says to “turn from your sin” or “repent of your sin” to be born again. Faith is the only righteous thing that I can do.

Christian author Michael Patrick Bowen writes in his excellent book titled, “I NEVER KNEW YOU,” on page 114...

“Repent, as Christ meant it to be in terms of salvation, means to change your mind from trusting in what you can do for God to trusting only in what He can do for you.”

SOURCE: Michael Patrick Bowen, a quote from the awesome book, “I NEVER NEW YOU” (p. 114)

Pastor Bob Gray Sr. of the Longview Baptist Temple church in Texas correctly says:

“Repentance means to change your mind—change your mind—change your mind about how you want to get to Heaven to what God says you've got to do to get to Heaven. If you've got to repent of all your sins, you're still headed for Hell tonight.”

SOURCE: Pastor Bob Gray Sr., 'Why You Should Be A Part Of A Growing Church'

To be saved, you must repent (change your mind) from your BELIEF SYSTEM instead to TRUST JESUS CHRIST; receive His sacrifice on the cross as payment for sin, believe that Jesus was buried, but after three days bodily resurrected from the dead (1st Corinthians 15:1-4).

Consider the following quote by the mighty man of God, Dr. Harry Ironside (1876-1951)...

"Repentance is the recognition of my sinnership — the owning before God that I am as vile as He has declared me to be in His holy Word."

SOURCE: Except Ye Repent, by Dr. Harry Ironside, chapter 3

This is vastly different than actually ceasing from one's sin to be saved, which is a false gospel. Pastor Ironside is correct — repentance is simply realizing that one is a guilty, dirty, rotten, hopeless sinner in God's eyes. This is why we need a Savior. Thankfully, Jesus paid the price with His own literal precious blood (1st Peter 1:18,19; Hebrews 9:12).

Repentance is the admission that I am as guilty a sinner as a holy God hath declared me to be in His Holy Word (Romans 3:19). This is Biblical repentance... turning to the Lord. To turn towards Jesus Christ in faith for salvation is to turn one's back against sin, even though the person may not be willing to forsake sin at the time of salvation. It is ludicrous for anyone to teach that a lost sinner must give up their sins to be saved. As we saw with Lot and Samson in the Old Testament, and Demas and Peter in the New Testament, not all believers always live for God. Jesus even called the apostle Peter, “Satan” (Matthew 16:23).