Quote:
Originally Posted by Amanah
What does repentance mean to you?
I'm rereading a booklet "Which way from Here?" by Pastor Charles R. Grisham.
Is repentance turning away from sin and toward Godliness?
this is an excerpt from Pastor Grisham's booklet:
"Frustrated ministers who want results often put more emphasis upon growth than they do upon God. When there is a strange absence of sin, there is little if anything to be repented of, and the result is there has to be a whole new approach to God and most certainly church life. A de-sensitized minister will eventually preach a de-sensitized message to a de-sensitized church who will have little effect on an already de-sensitized community.
Things once thought to be sin become so prevalent in the church that bloody, conviction-type preaching just isn't welcome any more. So without conviction, there has to be another approach to get the "tongues-speaking" experience for it has become fashionable to speak in tongues . . .
Then, the new birth has to be redefined which automatically means you change the gospel. With this all-encompassing "new liberty," you feel that the Godhead, Oneness, and Acts 2:38 are simply theological arguments and not salvation issues . . .
When you lose your identity - you will also lose your message." |
I agree the Oneness and
Acts 2:38 message are being lost at this time. The Evangelical Protestant doctrine of salvation is flourishing. Where repenting is just seen as receiving forgiveness from sin past yet being taught you will always be subject to it.
Jesus message of repentance was more like turning from your self life and the things of the world to live for doing his will.
9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
9:24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.
Luke 9:23-24
Losing our life and gaining his.
Peter put it this way:
4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;
4:2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. 1 Peter 4:1-2
The doctrine of repentance has been minimized to mean be sorry, pray and accept forgiveness. No wonder people dont understand discipleship.