Of Repentance unto Life and Salvation
1689 London Baptist Confession · 15.1–15.5
15.1. Of Repentance unto Life and Salvation
Such of the Elect as are converted at riper years, having sometimes lived in the state of nature, and therein served divers lusts and pleasures, God in their Effectual Calling giveth them Repentance unto Life.
Proof texts
- Titus 3:2-5 — [2] to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. [3] For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. [4] But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, [5] he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,
For discussion
- The Assembly cited Titus 3:2-5 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
- WSC Q85 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
- WSC Q86 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
Read alongside
WSC Q85 · WSC Q86 · WSC Q87 · WCF 15.1 · HC Q86 · BC 6.3 · BC 6.4 · BC 6.5 · SD 15.1 · SD 15.2 · SD 15.3 · SD 15.4 · SD 15.5
15.2. Of Repentance unto Life and Salvation
Whereas there is none that doth good, and sinneth not; and the best of men may through the power, and deceitfulness of their corruption dwelling in them, with the prevalency of temptation, fall into great sins, and provocations; God hath in the Covenant of Grace, mercifully provided that Beleivers so sinning, and falling, be renewed through Repentance unto Salvation.
Proof texts
- Ecclesiastes 7:20 — [20] Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins.
- Luke 22:31, 32 — [31] “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, [32] but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”
For discussion
- The Assembly cited Ecclesiastes 7:20 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
- 2 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
- WSC Q85 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
- WSC Q86 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
Read alongside
WSC Q85 · WSC Q86 · WSC Q87 · WCF 15.1 · HC Q86 · BC 6.3 · BC 6.4 · BC 6.5 · SD 15.1 · SD 15.2 · SD 15.3 · SD 15.4 · SD 15.5
15.3. Of Repentance unto Life and Salvation
This saving Repentance is an evangelical Grace, whereby a person being by the Holy Spirit made sensible of the manifold evils of his sin, doth, by Faith in Christ, humble himself for it, with godly sorrow, detestation of it, and self abhorrency; praying for pardon, and strength of grace, with a purpose and endeavour by supplies of the Spirit, to walk before God unto all well pleasing in all things.
Proof texts
- Zechariah 12:10 — [10] “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn.
- Acts 11:18 — [18] When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.”
- Ezekiel 36:31 — [31] Then you will remember your evil ways, and your deeds that were not good, and you will loathe yourselves for your iniquities and your abominations.
- 2 Corinthians 7:11 — [11] For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter.
- Psalms 119:6 — [6] Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
- Psalms 119:128 — [128] Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right; I hate every false way.
For discussion
- The Assembly cited Zechariah 12:10 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
- 6 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
- WSC Q85 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
- WSC Q86 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
Read alongside
WSC Q85 · WSC Q86 · WSC Q87 · WCF 15.1 · HC Q86 · BC 6.3 · BC 6.4 · BC 6.5 · SD 15.1 · SD 15.2 · SD 15.3 · SD 15.4 · SD 15.5
15.4. Of Repentance unto Life and Salvation
As Repentance is to be continued through the whole course of our lives, upon the account of the body of death, and the motions thereof; so it is every mans duty, to repent of his particular known sins, particularly.
Proof texts
- Luke 19:8 — [8] And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.”
- 1 Timothy 1:13, 15 — [13] though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, [15] The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.
For discussion
- The Assembly cited Luke 19:8 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
- 2 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
- WSC Q85 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
- WSC Q86 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
Read alongside
WSC Q85 · WSC Q86 · WSC Q87 · WCF 15.1 · HC Q86 · BC 6.3 · BC 6.4 · BC 6.5 · SD 15.1 · SD 15.2 · SD 15.3 · SD 15.4 · SD 15.5
15.5. Of Repentance unto Life and Salvation
Such is the provision which God hath made through Christ in the Covenant of Grace, for the preservation of Believers unto Salvation, that although there is no sin so small, but it deserves damnation; yet there is no sin so great, that it shall bring damnation on them that repent; which makes the constant preaching of Repentance necessary.
Proof texts
- Romans 6:23 — [23] For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
- Isaiah 1:16-18 — [16] Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil, [17] learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause. [18] “Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.
- Isaiah 55:7 — [7] let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
For discussion
- The Assembly cited Romans 6:23 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
- 3 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
- WSC Q85 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
- WSC Q86 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
Read alongside
WSC Q85 · WSC Q86 · WSC Q87 · WCF 15.1 · HC Q86 · BC 6.3 · BC 6.4 · BC 6.5 · SD 15.1 · SD 15.2 · SD 15.3 · SD 15.4 · SD 15.5