WCF 15.5

15.5. Of Repentance unto Life

Men ought not to content themselves with a general repentance, but it is every man’s duty to endeavour to repent of his particular sins, particularly.

Proof texts

• Ps. 19:13 — [13] Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.
• 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 Tim. 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

1. The Assembly cited Ps. 19:13 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 3 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WSC Q85 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. WLC Q153 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WSC Q85 · WLC Q153 · WSC Q86 · WSC Q87 · BC 6.3 · BC 6.4 · BC 6.5 · HC Q86 · 1689 15.1 · 1689 15.2 · 1689 15.3 · 1689 15.4 · 1689 15.5 · SD 15.1 · SD 15.2 · SD 15.3 · SD 15.4 · SD 15.5 · IAR 5.6 · SC60 5.1 · SC60 5.2 · SC60 5.3 · SC60 5.4 · SHC 5.1 · SHC 5.2 · SHC 5.3