Home Problem Verses Member Search Bookstore Log In Forgot Password? Sign Up
Clear Gospel Campaign
by Ronald R. Shea, Th.M., J.D
 
Topics Touching the Message of Salvation
— Repentance —
Curriculum Outline and Study Guide | Resurrection | Assurance | Baptism | The Bema | Calvinism | The Gospel Message & Content of Saving Faith | The Creator | Dispensationalism | Eternal Security | Evangelism & Discipleship | Expiation, Propitiation and Redemption | Faith | Fruit . .. Don't you need it? | Grace | Hebrews 10 | Hebrews 6:1-15 | Heirship and Rewards | James 2:14-26 | Jesus is God | 1st John | John MacArthur | Justification | Bilateral Contract Salvation or "Lordship Salvation" | The Market Driven Church | Perseverance of the Saints | Predestination and Free Will | Public Confession of Christ | Regeneration | Repentance | Roman Catholicism | Salvation | Sanctification | The Sheep and Goats Judgment | Silly Gospel Substitutes | "Sovereign" (Irresistible) Grace | Stewardship of the Gospel Message | The Modern "Testimony" | The Ten Commandments: Their Relationship to the Believer | Theology and Doctrine | Total Depravity and `The Bondage of the Will` | Worship Music | Appendix I: Church History from a Free Grace perspective
Introduction and Overview of Repentance
Confusion Over Repentance 3
Repentance in a Nutshell
In a Nutshell, Repentance in the Old Testament
In a Nutshell -- Repentance in the New Testament
Generic Repentance
What Is Saving Repentance?
Repentance: Looking at the Context
Repentance and the Divinity of Jesus, Part 1
Repentance and the Divinity of Jesus, Part 2
Repentence and the Divinity of Jesus, Part 3
Savins Repentnace About the Person and Work of Christ
Repentance and Jesus' Offer of Salvation
Repentance from Religion, Matthew 3:5-9 Part 1
Rep;entance from Religion, Matthew 3:5-9 Part 2
Repentance from Religion: Matthew 3:5-9, Part 3
Repentance from self righteousness: Luke 13:4-5
Repentance from Self Righteousness, Luke 13:4-5
Repentence from Self Righteousness, Luke 13:4-5
Repentance from Religious Ritiuals, Hebrews 6:1-2
Repentance from Religious Rituals, Hebrews 6:1-2
Repentance and Jesus' Offer of Salvation, Summary
Repentance from Sin
Why Would God Need a Bull Horn?
Repentance throughout the New Testament, Introduction
Repentance in Matthew 3
Repentance in Matthew 4:17
Repentance in Matthew 9:13
Repentance in Matthew 11:20-24
Repentance in Matthew 12:41
Repentance in Matthew 21:29
Repentance in Matthew 27:3
Repentance in Mark 1:4
Repentance in Mark 1:15
Repentance in Mark 2:17
Repentance in Mark 6:12
Repentance in Luke 3:3
Repentance in Luke 3:8
Repentance in Luke 5:32
Repentance in Luke 10:13
Repentance in Luke 11:32
Repentance in Luke 13:3, 5
Repentance in Luke 15:7
Repentance in Luke 16:30
Luke 17:3-4
Repentance in Luke 24:47
Repentance in Acts 2:38
Repentance in Acts 3:19
Repentance in Acts 5:31
Repentance in Acts 8:22
Repentance in Acts 11:18
Repentance in Acts 13:24
Repentance in Acts 17:30
Repentance in Acts 19:4
Repentance in Acts 20:21
Repentance in Acts 26:20
Repentance in Romans 2:4
Repentance in Romans 11:29
Repentance in 2 Corinthians 7:8-10
Repentance in 2 Corinthians 12:21
Repentance in 2 Timothy 2:25
Repentance in Hebrews 6:1
Repentance in Hebrews 6:6
Repentance in Hebrews 7:21
Repentance in Hebrews 12:17
Repentance in 2 Peter 3:9
Repentance in Revelation 2:5 (2x)
Repentance in Revelation 2:16
Repentance in Revelation 2:21-22
Repentance in Revelation 3:3
Repentance in Revelation 3:19
Repentance in Revelation 9:20 & 21
Repentance in Revelation 16:9 & 11
Appendix C, Repentance as a Condition for Salvation, pg. 1
Appendix C: Repentance as a Condition for Salvation, pg. 2
Appendix D - Repentance from Sin in the New Testament
Appendix E, Other Theological Usages of Repentance in the New Testament
Appendix F: Generic Repentance in the New Testament

 

Other Theological Usage of "Repentance" in the New Testament

 

NOTE:  In New Testament passages addressing repentance that are not dealing with salvation, the three most common consequence for repentance (or lack thereof) are:

a)                    temporal judgment (or deliverance from temporal judgment) during this life;

b)                    the judgment seat of Christ, where the works of the saved are judged, with the sense of shame and/or public approbation that attends that judgment, and

c)                    the rewards (or lack thereof) that follow that judgment.

 

Matthew 4:17

Those who heard Jesus teach.

The object is unstated, but is presumably the message of Jesus, that the kingdom (and their King) are at hand.

The consequence for repentance or lack thereof is not expressed, nor may it be reasonably inferred with any certainty.

Matthew 12:41

Men of Nineveh

Matthew does not state the object of Nineveh's repentance, as it was not relevant to Jesus argument. However, a review of the Book of Jonah discloses that the object of repentance was the sin of violence and wickedness.  The Assyrians were known to skin their enemies alive during battle.

Matthew does not disclose the consequence of Nineveh's repentance, for it was not relevant to Jesus argument.  However, the Book of Jonah shows that their repentance resulted in their temporal deliverance.  God spared the city from temporal judgment.

Romans 11:29

God

The election of Israel

God will not repent.  Even though the Jews of Jesus day had rejected Jesus, the promises God made to Israel will be fulfilled.

Hebrews 6:6

A hypothetical believer who falls away from their Christian Faith.

The object of repentance is not expressly stated, but from the context, it appears to be identical to verse 1.  One must repent of dead works and trust in Christ alone to be saved.  One who falls away from the Christian faith unto a religion of salvation by ritual must be restored to the same faith by which he was saved.

Not stated in the immediate context.  The greater context of the entire epistle shows that one who falls away from his faith also walks away from his inheritance.  (The privilege of ruling and reigning with Christ, which is a reward for faithfulness to our Savior.)

Hebrews 7:21

The Lord

The appointing of Jesus as an High Priest after the order of Melchisedec (vs. 21).

Jesus will continue forever in an unchangeable priesthood (vs. 24).

Revelation 2:5 (2 x)

The church of Ephesus

They had "left their first love."  The context shows that they are clearly saved.

"I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place" (vs. 5). The nature of the judgment is poetic, but is plainly dealing with temporal judgment of the local church at Ephesus, not eternal judgment.

Revelation 2:16

The Church of Pergamos

The object(s) from which they are called to repent are the doctrine of Balam and the Doctrine of the Nicholatians.  Saving faith is not in view, since they are already said to hold fast His name.

Poetic language suggests that temporal judgment and eternal rewards are both in view.

Revelation 2:21 & 22

A false prophetess called "Jezebel" (vs. 20, 21), and they which commit adultery with her (vs. 22).

She is called to repent of "her fornication," and "they which commit adultery with her" are called to repent of their "deeds."  Although it may be metaphorical, there are reasons for interpreting the passage plainly.

She will be cast into a bed, and those that commit adultery with her into tribulation.  They will be judged according to their works.  Again, the image is one of temporal judgment, shame at the judgment seat, not eternal condemnation.  There is nothing in the language that suggests the salvation of the subjects is in question, or in danger.

Revelation  3:3

The church of Sardis

"the things thou has received and heard"  Nothing more is stated about the content of repentance.

The Lord shall return as a thief at an hour they know not (vs. 3)  The context is plainly related to the judgment seat of Christ, not eternal judgment.

Revelation 3:19

The subject called to repentance is "As many as [God] loves" (vs. 19).  The Greek word "phileo" requires that the call to repentance is direct to the believer.

The object of repentance is not plainly stated, and is inferred only from a poetic invitation.

The poetic language in both vs. 19 and 20 suggests that eternal rewards, and a more intimate fellowship in this age, are the consequences of repentance.

 


Appendix E, Other Theological Usages of Repentance in the New Testament

 

Clear Gospel Campaign is currently seeking 501 (c) (3) status. All donations are tax deductable.
Other books by Ronald Shea will be available soon. Visit our Bookstore regularly for new selections.