"Therefore having left the beginning, teaching Christ to maturity we should move on, not again laying a foundation of repentance from dead works and faith in God."1
Moving on, having laid the foundation teaching, those of Repentance from Dead Works and Faith. This word for repentance, refers to a "change in mind" but the idea is that of "turn." Turn from dead works, or change the way you are doing something, we see this concept often in the old testament, for example, turn from your idols back to God. Now, one can say that "dead works" refers to sin as some teach repentance to be a "turn" from sin, but it is by faith we please God thus works without faith are dead works and faith without love is nothing. Now, we are dead in sin, so we can say we must turn from sin but it is in belief that I am made alive thus in unbelief I am dead. Repentance in Christianity, in its simplest form, is a turn from dead works to works of faith.
The closest old covenant Hebrew word for repentance is shûb, which means to "turn" or "return." The prophets to God's people told them to return or turn from their harlotry, adultery, and drunkenness which was symbolic of the condition of their hearts and minds.10 It was a turn but also included amending their deeds, "turn away from your idols."11 In the old covenant there was a day of atonement, it was considered the Sabbath of Sabbath's, no one was to work, and a blood sacrifice was offered by the high priest for the atonement of sin and there was even an atonement for unknown sins.
Repentance in Rabbinic Judaism (which form exists today as there is no temple for blood atoning sacrifice) is atonement for the forgiveness of sin achieved by repentance and confession. The Day of Atonement, Yom Kipper is a day of fasting, prayer, and repentance. The Mishnah which is referred to as the "Torah that is spoken" or the unwritten Torah states, "To a man who says, 'I will sin and repent, I will sin and repent', Yom Kippur brings no atonement. Therefore, in modern Judaism repentance is necessary for atonement of sin. Of course this is the obedience that the Law required.
"now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law... the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ."5
Repentance in Judaism in its most basic form consists of regret, resolve, and confession. Repentance in Judaism is atonement for sin as they do not accept the atonement blood of Christ. There was a righteousness in the Mosaic Law, it stated you must follow the Law and it provided for atonement of sin through a blood sacrifice. So the question is invited can there be atonement for sin through repentance? Surely in the new Jesus provides atonement for sin but is repentance necessary?
"whom God set forth a propitiation through faith, in the blood of him for a display of his righteousness because of the forbearance of previously committed sin."6
In the new covenant Jesus became the atonement for sin, the propitiation for sin, the blood of Christ covered sin.7 It was a display of his righteousness to forgive previously committed sin. Redemption is the forgiveness of sin not by works "being justified freely by the grace of him through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus."7 So we see that repentance in Christianity is different than modern Judaism which believes it is an atonement for sin, something the person must do. In fact Judaism believes without true repentance from sin there is no atonement. In the new covenant repentance is not atonement for sin, we are justified freely by the grace of him through the redemption.
"Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying 'I repent,' you must forgive them."9
Doesn't such a statement by Jesus conflict with Judaism' teaching of repentance which states without change there is no true repentance? yes, I believe so. Does not God forgive us accordingly? Now, if we understand this conflict of a believer, between the Law of the Spirit and the Law of sin, that which Paul writes about, then we have more understanding. Such a person is wretched, say someone dealing with habitual sin who finds redemption but not deliverance. Yes, we can see what Jesus is referring to, such a person repenting over and over again. They need transformation and grace allows for such.
John the Baptist came "preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins." If we associate this with the idea of "turn" and the fact that John is speaking to God's people, then it is to turn to God through baptism for atonement of sin. While water cleansing was part of the ritual, atonement in the old came through blood sacrifice, and it would be a "leap of faith" to "change your mind" and to now accept the forgiveness of sins through baptism. Of course faith would be required for one to turn from the old covenant requirements and to now receive atonement in the blood of Christ that which was to come.
“You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit worthy of repentance."13
John prepared the way for Jesus and here he was speaking to the Pharisees, "the ax lies ready at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire." Such was prophesied of the coming of Jesus, as a refiners fire, refining the hearts of men. This baptism Jesus brings is by fire and Spirit, circumcision of the heart, refining, transforming men from inside. Repentance produces fruit, but what was the fruit?
"Indeed, according to Godly sorrow repentance to salvation produces, without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death."12
Repentance is by the will of God and produces salvation. Two key points; God's will, salvation. His will or how we please Him is by faith and faith comes by hearing. It is the Spirit that draws men to Christ. With these truths we know that repentance must be by spirit and truth, by faith. Men place upon the shoulders of other men heavy burdens, teachings of repentance that require one to turn from sin to be saved, such a repentance without the will of God will produce a worldly sorrow that brings death. Godly sorrow leads to salvation. Notice, in Judaism repentance requires regret, but here Paul writes there is no regret, "repentance to salvation, without regret." Condemnation, fear, these things are weapons of the warfare of the enemy.
"the time has been fulfilled and has drawn near the kingdom of God, repent and believe in the gospel."14
Some translations actually say "repent of your sins," but Jesus said "repent and believe in the gospel." This is very important in this concept of "turn" because they would have to change their mind about how they would obtain righteousness. Jesus was bringing in a new covenant, one were righteousness was no longer found in following the Law and the atonement of sin would be given once and for all by the blood of the Lamb. The blood of Jesus provides redemption, the forgiveness of sin. John the beloved says that a child in maturity understands their sins are forgiven, such is a core to the gospel, a foundational teaching. Through faith in Christ we receive the gifts of justification and righteousness by grace.
Repentance is not a turn from sin but a turn to Christ for the atonement for sin. This redemption in Christ is a core principle of the new covenant. It is analogous in the sign in the wilderness, when the people were bit by poisonous snakes because of sin and only had to "turn" and look upon the serpent lifted up on a pole. Did they have to "turn" from sin or to the redemptive power "displayed" in the serpent? So Christ was lifted up for salvation, "everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life,"14 Those who look, have faith, put trust in Christ, will have atonement for sin.
"Do not work for food that perishes, but for food that endures to eternal life..."15
Christianity has certainly been influenced by Judaism's definition of repentance. I think repentance in Christianity is much like works which comes with faith, repentance comes with faith and produces fruit. We must be careful to teach such that would lead to worldly sorrow and bring death not life. Paul writes I can boldly approach the throne of Grace and receive grace and mercy as needed. And for the believer, repent and be baptized is learned, a turn from dead works to works of faith. It is a baptism by the Spirit. I think of it this way, I have walked in the flesh (dead works) now I must "turn" and walk by faith in the Spirit. Repent (turn, confess my sins) and be baptized (cleansed of my sins.)
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."17
Repentance of a type of worldly sorrow would keep men from approaching God boldly, heavy burdens it places on the shoulders of men. Not by works, but "by Grace through faith am I saved" and it is because of the redemptive work of Christ, the Lamb of God, whose atonement takes away the sin of the world. Repent and be baptized, a call to God's people, turn from dead works and be alive in Christ Jesus.
Redeemed
Moving on, having laid the foundation teaching, those of Repentance from Dead Works and Faith. This word for repentance, refers to a "change in mind" but the idea is that of "turn." Turn from dead works, or change the way you are doing something, we see this concept often in the old testament, for example, turn from your idols back to God. Now, one can say that "dead works" refers to sin as some teach repentance to be a "turn" from sin, but it is by faith we please God thus works without faith are dead works and faith without love is nothing. Now, we are dead in sin, so we can say we must turn from sin but it is in belief that I am made alive thus in unbelief I am dead. Repentance in Christianity, in its simplest form, is a turn from dead works to works of faith.
The closest old covenant Hebrew word for repentance is shûb, which means to "turn" or "return." The prophets to God's people told them to return or turn from their harlotry, adultery, and drunkenness which was symbolic of the condition of their hearts and minds.10 It was a turn but also included amending their deeds, "turn away from your idols."11 In the old covenant there was a day of atonement, it was considered the Sabbath of Sabbath's, no one was to work, and a blood sacrifice was offered by the high priest for the atonement of sin and there was even an atonement for unknown sins.
Repentance in Rabbinic Judaism (which form exists today as there is no temple for blood atoning sacrifice) is atonement for the forgiveness of sin achieved by repentance and confession. The Day of Atonement, Yom Kipper is a day of fasting, prayer, and repentance. The Mishnah which is referred to as the "Torah that is spoken" or the unwritten Torah states, "To a man who says, 'I will sin and repent, I will sin and repent', Yom Kippur brings no atonement. Therefore, in modern Judaism repentance is necessary for atonement of sin. Of course this is the obedience that the Law required.
"now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law... the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ."5
Repentance in Judaism in its most basic form consists of regret, resolve, and confession. Repentance in Judaism is atonement for sin as they do not accept the atonement blood of Christ. There was a righteousness in the Mosaic Law, it stated you must follow the Law and it provided for atonement of sin through a blood sacrifice. So the question is invited can there be atonement for sin through repentance? Surely in the new Jesus provides atonement for sin but is repentance necessary?
"whom God set forth a propitiation through faith, in the blood of him for a display of his righteousness because of the forbearance of previously committed sin."6
In the new covenant Jesus became the atonement for sin, the propitiation for sin, the blood of Christ covered sin.7 It was a display of his righteousness to forgive previously committed sin. Redemption is the forgiveness of sin not by works "being justified freely by the grace of him through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus."7 So we see that repentance in Christianity is different than modern Judaism which believes it is an atonement for sin, something the person must do. In fact Judaism believes without true repentance from sin there is no atonement. In the new covenant repentance is not atonement for sin, we are justified freely by the grace of him through the redemption.
"Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying 'I repent,' you must forgive them."9
Doesn't such a statement by Jesus conflict with Judaism' teaching of repentance which states without change there is no true repentance? yes, I believe so. Does not God forgive us accordingly? Now, if we understand this conflict of a believer, between the Law of the Spirit and the Law of sin, that which Paul writes about, then we have more understanding. Such a person is wretched, say someone dealing with habitual sin who finds redemption but not deliverance. Yes, we can see what Jesus is referring to, such a person repenting over and over again. They need transformation and grace allows for such.
John the Baptist came "preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins." If we associate this with the idea of "turn" and the fact that John is speaking to God's people, then it is to turn to God through baptism for atonement of sin. While water cleansing was part of the ritual, atonement in the old came through blood sacrifice, and it would be a "leap of faith" to "change your mind" and to now accept the forgiveness of sins through baptism. Of course faith would be required for one to turn from the old covenant requirements and to now receive atonement in the blood of Christ that which was to come.
“You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit worthy of repentance."13
John prepared the way for Jesus and here he was speaking to the Pharisees, "the ax lies ready at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire." Such was prophesied of the coming of Jesus, as a refiners fire, refining the hearts of men. This baptism Jesus brings is by fire and Spirit, circumcision of the heart, refining, transforming men from inside. Repentance produces fruit, but what was the fruit?
"Indeed, according to Godly sorrow repentance to salvation produces, without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death."12
Repentance is by the will of God and produces salvation. Two key points; God's will, salvation. His will or how we please Him is by faith and faith comes by hearing. It is the Spirit that draws men to Christ. With these truths we know that repentance must be by spirit and truth, by faith. Men place upon the shoulders of other men heavy burdens, teachings of repentance that require one to turn from sin to be saved, such a repentance without the will of God will produce a worldly sorrow that brings death. Godly sorrow leads to salvation. Notice, in Judaism repentance requires regret, but here Paul writes there is no regret, "repentance to salvation, without regret." Condemnation, fear, these things are weapons of the warfare of the enemy.
"the time has been fulfilled and has drawn near the kingdom of God, repent and believe in the gospel."14
Some translations actually say "repent of your sins," but Jesus said "repent and believe in the gospel." This is very important in this concept of "turn" because they would have to change their mind about how they would obtain righteousness. Jesus was bringing in a new covenant, one were righteousness was no longer found in following the Law and the atonement of sin would be given once and for all by the blood of the Lamb. The blood of Jesus provides redemption, the forgiveness of sin. John the beloved says that a child in maturity understands their sins are forgiven, such is a core to the gospel, a foundational teaching. Through faith in Christ we receive the gifts of justification and righteousness by grace.
Repentance is not a turn from sin but a turn to Christ for the atonement for sin. This redemption in Christ is a core principle of the new covenant. It is analogous in the sign in the wilderness, when the people were bit by poisonous snakes because of sin and only had to "turn" and look upon the serpent lifted up on a pole. Did they have to "turn" from sin or to the redemptive power "displayed" in the serpent? So Christ was lifted up for salvation, "everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life,"14 Those who look, have faith, put trust in Christ, will have atonement for sin.
"Do not work for food that perishes, but for food that endures to eternal life..."15
Christianity has certainly been influenced by Judaism's definition of repentance. I think repentance in Christianity is much like works which comes with faith, repentance comes with faith and produces fruit. We must be careful to teach such that would lead to worldly sorrow and bring death not life. Paul writes I can boldly approach the throne of Grace and receive grace and mercy as needed. And for the believer, repent and be baptized is learned, a turn from dead works to works of faith. It is a baptism by the Spirit. I think of it this way, I have walked in the flesh (dead works) now I must "turn" and walk by faith in the Spirit. Repent (turn, confess my sins) and be baptized (cleansed of my sins.)
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."17
Repentance of a type of worldly sorrow would keep men from approaching God boldly, heavy burdens it places on the shoulders of men. Not by works, but "by Grace through faith am I saved" and it is because of the redemptive work of Christ, the Lamb of God, whose atonement takes away the sin of the world. Repent and be baptized, a call to God's people, turn from dead works and be alive in Christ Jesus.
Redeemed