Is repentance needed for salvation?

[Hobie]

Some people claim that repentance has no place in salvation, that you can believe in Jesus as “Savior” but never repent of your sin. That you can be saved even if you continue in chained to sin and iniquity just as it was before you became a Christian, that no change is needed. So what does Christ say:

Matthew 4:17 King James Version (KJV)
17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Mark 1:15
And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Matthew 9:13
But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Mark 2:17
When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Luke 5:32 King James Version (KJV)
32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Jesus even repeated it for emphasis in describing to the people:
Luke 13:1-6 King James Version (KJV)
1 There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.
2 And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?
3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?
5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Jesus told his disciples to proclaim “repentance and remission of sins” in his name to all the nations (Luke 24:47).
When the apostles preached in Acts, they called people to repent of their sins in order to be forgiven:

Acts 2:38 King James Version (KJV)
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 3:19 King James Version (KJV)
19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

Acts 5:30-31 King James Version (KJV)
30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.
31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

Scripture is clear, repentance is absolutely necessary in order to be saved. Only those truly repent and turn to Christ and His righteousness in their lives, and away from their sin, will be saved on the last day.

 

[LearningToLetGo]

Some people claim that repentance has no place in salvation, that you can believe in Jesus as “Savior” but never repent of your sin.

If you believed a dog bites, would you attempt to pet it?

 

[bobinfaith]

Some people claim that repentance has no place in salvation, that you can believe in Jesus as “Savior” but never repent of your sin. That you can be saved even if you continue in chained to sin and iniquity just as it was before you became a Christian, that no change is needed. So what does Christ say:

Matthew 4:17 King James Version (KJV)
17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Mark 1:15
And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Matthew 9:13
But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Mark 2:17
When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Luke 5:32 King James Version (KJV)
32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Jesus even repeated it for emphasis in describing to the people:
Luke 13:1-6 King James Version (KJV)
1 There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.
2 And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?
3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?
5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Jesus told his disciples to proclaim “repentance and remission of sins” in his name to all the nations (Luke 24:47).
When the apostles preached in Acts, they called people to repent of their sins in order to be forgiven:

Acts 2:38 King James Version (KJV)
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 3:19 King James Version (KJV)
19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

Acts 5:30-31 King James Version (KJV)
30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.
31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

Scripture is clear, repentance is absolutely necessary in order to be saved. Only those truly repent and turn to Christ and His righteousness in their lives, and away from their sin, will be saved on the last day.

Hello Hobie;

"Some people claim that repentance has no place in salvation, that you can believe in Jesus as “Savior” but never repent of your sin. That you can be saved even if you continue in chained to sin and iniquity just as it was before you became a Christian, that no change is needed."

These are Christians who are not seriously discipled in the Word of God, therefore it doesn't sink in their unrepentant hearts. Truth is, the one, two or three sin(s) that Christians cling to is because they don't want to let go. The gratification it brings to their flesh is too much to resist.

So what does Christ say: The many Scriptures you present are powerful and truly show that not one sin that we may be enslaved to is not impossible for God to forgive and guide us to overcome.

In 1 John 1:8-10, 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. - ESV

Again, God not only forgives us but is there to guide us and overcome every principality of darkness. Therefore, we will still sin in our life with Christ, but the building up of our spiritual discipline enables us to repent every time we fall short. He is right there, faithful and ready to forgive all.

I took my wife to Costco late this morning. The place was crazy after Memorial day. Everyone was replenishing their shelves and refrigerators. We just wanted to pick up a few items. I didn't feel the love toward the overflow of shoppers.

The parking lot traffic gave no courtesy when we tried to drive out. It was a frustrating shopping experience aimed at the people who decided to shop when I decided to. Pretty ridiculous of me. I really struggled to guard my tongue toward others but totally forgot God provided the provisions so we could buy food.

His unconditional love and guidance was with us and we got home just fine. But I overlooked all that. Back home I prayed and asked God's forgiveness over two issues - my lack of love and patience toward others. I'm forgiven and redeemed but there is no doubt, much work is still needed in my life.

"That no change is needed" is a false teaching and is putting limitations on ourselves with God. He is constantly growing us in discipline (discipled) and obedience to Him. He desires His followers to one day join Him for all eternity.

God bless you, Hobie, and thank you for sharing this profound topic.

Bob

 

[In Awe of Him]

Some people claim that repentance has no place in salvation, that you can believe in Jesus as “Savior” but never repent of your sin. That you can be saved even if you continue in chained to sin and iniquity just as it was before you became a Christian, that no change is needed. So what does Christ say:

Would you specify as to WHICH people you are referring to?? Is there a certain CHURCH that teaches this or simply... THIS is your observation?

As far as repentence having no place in salvation... I think people mistake our journey of SANCTIFICATION and working out of our sinful nature with the specific ACT of SALVATION. It is my opinion that these two are SEPARATE things.

 

[In Awe of Him]

Sorry... I posted twice while trying to edit.

 

[In Awe of Him]

"That no change is needed" is a false teaching and is putting limitations on ourselves with God. He is constantly growing us in discipline (discipled) and obedience to Him. He desires His followers to one day join Him for all eternity.

I keep hearing this theory.... about CHRISTIANS who don't think they need to change....WHO is teaching this??

Are we talking about people who have been churched since infant-hood... and rebelled as teenagers... and then loosely claiming to be Christians as adults??? Being a "Christian" has been LOOSELY used for years now. Those people are pretty easy to scope out.

 

[bobinfaith]

I keep hearing this theory.... about CHRISTIANS who don't think they need to change....WHO is teaching this?? Are we talking about people who have been churched since infant-hood... and rebelled as teenagers... and then loosely claiming to be Christians as adults??? Being a "Christian" has been LOOSELY used for years now. Those people are pretty easy to scope out.

Good morning, In Awe of Him;

You asked great questions for our benefit. The transparent, obedient Christian must always keep their guard up. I know your heart is right with God after all your testimonies shared.

"WHO is teaching this??" One example: People who feel they can manipulate or fool God by continuing their sin in secret.

"Being a "Christian" has been LOOSELY used for years now. Those people are pretty easy to scope out." When God matures His followers who desire to live in obedience receives the benefit of wisdom and discernment when other's sin is exposed, even in secret.

God cannot be mocked. Galatians 6:1-10

God bless you, sister.

Bob

 

[In Awe of Him]

"WHO is teaching this??" One example: People who feel they can manipulate or fool God by continuing their sin in secret.

"Being a "Christian" has been LOOSELY used for years now. Those people are pretty easy to scope out." When God matures His followers who desire to live in obedience receives the benefit of wisdom and discernment when other's sin is exposed, even in secret.

I will have to chew on this because for the life of me... when you state this... I simply think of LEGALISM... those who live off FEAR based religion keep ALL their sins in secret because to CONFESS them means... to admit that they have sinned... so it's a huge dysfunctional cycle of comparing their lives to OTHER according to OUTWARD appearances.

What about the ADDICT that is indeed a CHRISTIAN but the ANIMAL of ADDICTION is just something they can't seem to BEAT?
I can think of so many SINS of STRUGGLE that people are in constant battle to overcome... but make NO mistake... they are HIGHLY AWARE of their SINS.

Manipulating God or sinning in SECRET??? I see LEGALISM.....

I think we can UNDERESTIMATE the GRACE of GOD.

 

[bobinfaith]

I will have to chew on this because for the life of me... when you state this... I simply think of LEGALISM... those who live off FEAR based religion keep ALL their sins in secret because to CONFESS them means... to admit that they have sinned... so it's a huge dysfunctional cycle of comparing their lives to OTHER according to OUTWARD appearances. What about the ADDICT that is indeed a CHRISTIAN but the ANIMAL of ADDICTION is just something they can't seem to BEAT? I can think of so many SINS of STRUGGLE that people are in constant battle to overcome... but make NO mistake... they are HIGHLY AWARE of their SINS. Manipulating God or sinning in SECRET??? I see LEGALISM.....I think we can UNDERESTIMATE the GRACE of GOD.

Hey, In Awe of Him;

As you said, chew on it. Many of these same things I also chew in my thoughts and communication with God.

I know you think of legalism. Talking about sin in secret because of the fear of religion does exist, comparing our lives to others and addictions that we can't kick....it goes on and on. Sin comes in all sorts of darts and arrows.

I know people as you describe that overcame their demons after many years. For others who are remain in their addictions we pray for them, pray with them. For those who don't believe in prayer, still, we continue to pray for them.

Our God remains an Awesome God and can overcome any spiritual darkness for all peoples who follow Christ face.

God bless you, sister.

Bob

 

[In Awe of Him]

Our God remains an Awesome God and can overcome any spiritual darkness for all peoples who follow Christ face.

I do feel like I am missing something... This topic of sin has me ALWAYS on HIGH ALERT... because there are so many theories about HOW much GRACE is TOO much... I have seen a great many debates about this topic and so I think I have a TRAUMA response.

In my personal life... I don't think about SIN. I don't wake up in the morning and think..... HEY.... I don't want to sin today.... because I used up all my week's quota already and it's only Wednesday.

My walk with GOD is a constant conversation... It is me.... talking to JESUS... about HOW WONDERFUL HE IS.... and HOW BLESSED I am... and even STILL.... .sometimes... I fall off the cliff... I go out... and meet someone who has an ATTITUDE...and BANG..... I delivered an attitude BACK. NO time to prepare... just BANG.... I acted UNBECOMING.... sometimes I get complacent... because something has occupied too much of my time ( and not in a good way )... I suddenly find that I have allowed bad/negative topics ( with regards to the NEWS)... bother me way too much... to the point where I become NEGATIVE. It's called LIFE.... and we all get swept away in places we did not want to go.

I believe this will be a THING until we die.

I KNOW when I have done wrong.... but I don't DWELL on NOT wanting to do wrong. I dwell on my relationship with JESUS. I dwell on WHO GOD IS.... I try to fill my mind and heart with lovely things worthy of thought.... THAT is how I fight the negative that comes.

When I do wrong... if I can fix it... I have no problem going to someone and apologizing.... I am often talking to FATHER about my limitations and short comings.... but I NEVER dwell on SIN... or the consequence of it... because I KNOW that GOD will finish within me what HE has begun.

I am not for one moment condoning sin.... but if we focus on SIN... it takes us away from WORSHIP.

Anyways.... I am a strange critter... and I know that I often see things backwards. God has so much GRACE for us... HE continues to WOO us unto HIMSELF.... It is this intimacy that washes away the tendencies to give into sin. It is a natural process for those who LOVE the LORD.

 

[Major]

Some people claim that repentance has no place in salvation, that you can believe in Jesus as “Savior” but never repent of your sin. That you can be saved even if you continue in chained to sin and iniquity just as it was before you became a Christian, that no change is needed. So what does Christ say:

Matthew 4:17 King James Version (KJV)
17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Mark 1:15
And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Matthew 9:13
But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Mark 2:17
When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Luke 5:32 King James Version (KJV)
32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Jesus even repeated it for emphasis in describing to the people:
Luke 13:1-6 King James Version (KJV)
1 There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.
2 And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?
3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?
5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Jesus told his disciples to proclaim “repentance and remission of sins” in his name to all the nations (Luke 24:47).
When the apostles preached in Acts, they called people to repent of their sins in order to be forgiven:

Acts 2:38 King James Version (KJV)
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 3:19 King James Version (KJV)
19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

Acts 5:30-31 King James Version (KJV)
30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.
31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

Scripture is clear, repentance is absolutely necessary in order to be saved. Only those truly repent and turn to Christ and His righteousness in their lives, and away from their sin, will be saved on the last day.

YES.

Repentance is not a work we do to earn salvation. No one can repent and come to God unless God pulls that person to Himself.

Repentance is something God gives—it is only possible because of His grace .. No one can repent unless God grants repentance. All of salvation, including repentance and faith, is a result of God drawing us, opening our eyes, and changing our hearts. God’s longsuffering leads us to repentance, as does His kindness.

 

[LearningToLetGo]

All of salvation, including repentance and faith, is a result of God drawing us, opening our eyes, and changing our hearts.

There must also be room for human agency, otherwise we become mere playthings.

 

[forgiven61]

repentance is turning from so yes that's what salvation is by grace your saved your a new creation in Christ Godly sorrow brings repentance .

2 Corinthians 7:10
​

10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

 

[LearningToLetGo]

People who feel they can manipulate or fool God by continuing their sin in secret.

Ah... But with God there are no secrets. He knows your thoughts before you do. With God there is no hiding, no excuses, no defense. One can repent or one can flee. There are no other options.

 

[BibleLover]

There must also be room for human agency, otherwise we become mere playthings.

The Greek word for repentance is  metanoia which means a complete transformation of thought and outlook. That is where the human agency is involved. Your mind and world view cannot be metamorphisized unless you are a willing participant in the process. The Holy Spirit activates the process, and you yield your will to Him to complete the repentance action.

 

[In Awe of Him]

Ah... But with God there are no secrets. He knows your thoughts before you do. With God there is no hiding, no excuses, no defense. One can repent or one can flee. There are no other options.

That is how I see it... or view it... HA.

The "hiding" is simply man's way of trying to pull the wool over other HUMANS eyes... so as to maintain a FALSE facade of "GOODNESS"
Sadly... this only leads to extreme guilt and shame... or can also turn in the other direction of developing a HARD heart.

Sometimes... I am NOT in the mood to do the right thing... and when I say this... I mean sins of ATTITUDE. I don't want to pray for someone who has offended me... I secretly want to DWELL in the place of BAD thoughts towards them as far as hoping they GET what they deserve.

This is where the FEAR of the LORD comes in.... Because I love GOD.... I don't want to be DISOBEDIENT and displeasing to HIM and so.... I have an honest chat about my BAD ATTITUDE.... tell HIM I can't fix it on my own but I SURRENDER the WRONG thinking to HIM for HIS TRUTH.

 

[Major]

There must also be room for human agency, otherwise we become mere playthings.

Why do you think that there "Must be room for human action"?

There are many, many people who are more Biblically equipped than me, but I do not know of any place in the Bible where scriptures claim that our salvation is ever the result of anyone but God.

Now I will however concede that in both the OT and NT, "obedience is a requirement to remain in the covenant."
This is what I understand Paul to have in mind in Colossians and elsewhere.

Colossians 1:22-23.......
“But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation – if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the Gospel.”

 

[LearningToLetGo]

Why do you think that there "Must be room for human action"?

Human agency, not action.

There must be a point at which individuals have a real choice. We can't truly reject God without first knowing him, but once we do we face a choice to accept or reject.

Yes, God draws us to him but he does not force us into salvation or damnation. We take that final step ourselves.

 

[Major]

Human agency, not action.

There must be a point at which individuals have a real choice. We can't truly reject God without first knowing him, but once we do we face a choice to accept or reject.

Yes, God draws us to him but he does not force us into salvation or damnation. We take that final step ourselves.

OK. Excellent point!

If I understand correctly what you are saying about Human Agency in the context of salvation, is that it refers to the role and responsibility of human beings in responding to God's offer of salvation. That would be what I said as "obedience".

It encompasses the capacity and freedom to make choices that align with or reject divine grace.
This concept is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, where human free will and divine sovereignty intersect.

God’s sovereignty means that His ultimate purposes will always be fulfilled. Within this overarching sovereignty, humans exercise genuine choice and are held accountable for their actions.

Proverbs 16:9 captures this interplay:.......
"In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”

 

[cocoa]

Sometimes... I am NOT in the mood to do the right thing... and when I say this... I mean sins of ATTITUDE. I don't want to pray for someone who has offended me... I secretly want to DWELL in the place of BAD thoughts towards them as far as hoping they GET what they deserve.

This is where the FEAR of the LORD comes in.... Because I love GOD.... I don't want to be DISOBEDIENT and displeasing to HIM and so.... I have an honest chat about my BAD ATTITUDE.... tell HIM I can't fix it on my own but I SURRENDER the WRONG thinking to HIM for HIS TRUTH

This is so real! This was something I struggled with big time, someone would cut me off in traffic or a coworker would say something off color and I would silently cuss them out in my head. And the Lord has truly transformed me... Now when someone is driving like a their from crazy town, I pray that they get to their destination safely. And when someone says something offensive, I just let it go, and pray they treat the next person with more respect.