It is easy for us to forget that repentance is a vital part of our saving faith. Let’s be real clear… Salvation is based on the gift of God in Jesus Christ alone. Anything besides faith in Christ leads you into a “works-based” salvation. Your works just cant save you. But this is important: Faith is BASED ON repentance. They are two different sides of the same coin.
Repentance without faith (changing your mind about sin, but not trusting in God) is simply you trying to work it out on your own. It is law… Not grace. It is a works-based salvation.
Ephesians 2:8
God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
Faith without repentance (believing in God without turning from sin) is not real faith… God says trust ME with your life by turning it over to me and living the way I have called you to live. “belief” without repentance is not really belief.
James 1:17
So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.
18 Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.”
19 You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God.* Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. 20 How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless?
The very first sermon that Jesus preached in his ministry was simple…
Mark 1:15
“The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News,”
This is an important concept for all believers. You can listen to this week’s message about repentance in Jacob’s family right here.
All Orchard messages are also available on iTunes as podcast downloads.