Dr. Charlie Bing of GraceLife Ministries has written a new article on repentance titled "Quotes on Repentance as a Change of Mind, Part 2". The article is available on the Resources page of the GraceLife.org website. Please check it out!
In the conclusion of the article, Dr. Bing says something that I think is important to notice. What Dr. Bing points out is that although many Bible scholars down through church history have correctly understood the meaning of repentance (as being a change of mind), they have not always been consistent to apply that definition theologically. Concerning this, Dr. Bing writes:
"For twenty centuries, Bible experts consistently agree that the simple meaning of repentance is a change of mind or heart, an inner change. Many state that it should lead to an outward change but distinguish this from the inner change. After admitting that repentance is a change of mind, a few of those cited sometimes modify the word to include sorrow and/or turning from sins. But these adjustments are likely capitulations to theological biases not supported by the biblical evidence. All agree on the essential meaning of a change of mind as the starting point that is faithful to the clear biblical evidence. Rightly so, many of these cited thinks that repentance that relates to salvation reflects the change of mind that comes when one believes in Jesus Christ as Savior (see GraceNotes - no. 22: "Repentance: What's in a Word"). Such an understanding of repentance keeps salvation absolutely free by grace through faith."[1]
Amen!
For more information please see the following articles:
- The Meaning of Repentance: Quotes from the Ancients, Lexicons, and Theologians by Jonathan Perreault (1st Edition)
- The Meaning of Repentance: Quotes from the Ancients, Lexicons, and Theologians by Jonathan Perreault (2nd Edition)
- Quotes on Repentance as a Change of Mind, Part 1 by Charlie Bing
- Quotes on Repentance as a Change of Mind, Part 2 by Charlie Bing
Reference:
[1] Charlie Bing, "Quotes on Repentance as a Change of Mind, Part 2". GraceNotes - no. 93.
Thanks for your work Jon, it's been useful and hopefully it will open some eyes.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting how "theologians" have allowed their theological constructs to drive their interpretation and application, and in their case, even the definition of a word. So while recognizing the plain sense of metanoia, it didn't (or doesn't) fit their narrative, so it must mean something different. Satan's lie has been simple and highly effective since Adam and Eve, "did God really say..."
"being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" - Rom 3:24
Hi Rich,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing those thoughts, that is very well said!
And let me just say too that I appreciate your ministry and how you've helped me with some of the editing of my articles and posting them on the GraceLife website. Thanks!