We understand repentance to properly mean "contrition" and "terrors of conscience" over one’s sins and lost estate. The Scriptures use the term in a broad sense and a narrow sense. When used in a broad sense, the term refers to both contrition and faith in the Gospel, and can be equated with the word "conversion". When used in a narrow sense, the term refers to contrition alone, and is often followed by a reference to faith in the Gospel (i.e. Acts 20:21).
We would assert that Peter was using the term "repent" in its wider sense in Acts 2:38, which would have included a call to faith in Christ and his Gospel promise of "the remission of sins". Faith has to be included in the word "repent", as it is followed by the command "be baptized". Only believers are to be baptized. Also, the fact that Peter offers the forgiveness of sins indiscriminately to a large crowd of people implies a universal atonement, that is, that the payment for that forgiveness had already been accomplished at the cross of Calvary. You can’t offer what you don’t have to give. Peter understood he could offer it to all. Notice too how the sermon began, "But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words" (Acts 2:14). Also cf. v. 21 - "whosoever".
Repentance (narrow sense) is a result of the preaching of the Law, while faith is a result of the preaching of the Gospel. To give an analogy – suppose I have been floating down the smooth gentle attractive river of life as an unbeliever, not knowing that the current will eventually sweep me off a frightful waterfall to my eternal destruction. Suddenly I start to notice signs on the bank of the river warning me that there is this mortal danger ahead. I seek to get out of the river but I cannot. The speed of the current seems to be picking up, and I start to notice sharp rocks and rapids indicating the end is near. I am terrified and regret ever having entered into this river. I have had a true "change of mind". Now, the warning signs are the preaching of the Law, and the alarm and terror I feel is repentance. Repentance is necessary, but it does not save me. It cannot rescue me from the river.
Now suppose also that the Lord has graciously provided a red rope across the river, with a sign that implores every man to grab hold of the rope before it is too late. He also assures us that this is His sign and that the rope will not fail. Via this rope, He Himself will pull us out of the river to safety. Now the sign telling of the rope is the Gospel, and the red rope itself is the atoning work of Christ. If we believe the sign (intended for all) and grab hold of the rope (intended for all) then we will be saved from the river and its terrible end. The Lord will be faithful to His Word. This is the Law and the Gospel. This is repentance and faith.
Pastor Wood
rivergums@sbcglobal.net
Taking the Mask off Calvinism
We would assert that Peter was using the term "repent" in its wider sense in Acts 2:38, which would have included a call to faith in Christ and his Gospel promise of "the remission of sins". Faith has to be included in the word "repent", as it is followed by the command "be baptized". Only believers are to be baptized. Also, the fact that Peter offers the forgiveness of sins indiscriminately to a large crowd of people implies a universal atonement, that is, that the payment for that forgiveness had already been accomplished at the cross of Calvary. You can’t offer what you don’t have to give. Peter understood he could offer it to all. Notice too how the sermon began, "But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words" (Acts 2:14). Also cf. v. 21 - "whosoever".
Repentance (narrow sense) is a result of the preaching of the Law, while faith is a result of the preaching of the Gospel. To give an analogy – suppose I have been floating down the smooth gentle attractive river of life as an unbeliever, not knowing that the current will eventually sweep me off a frightful waterfall to my eternal destruction. Suddenly I start to notice signs on the bank of the river warning me that there is this mortal danger ahead. I seek to get out of the river but I cannot. The speed of the current seems to be picking up, and I start to notice sharp rocks and rapids indicating the end is near. I am terrified and regret ever having entered into this river. I have had a true "change of mind". Now, the warning signs are the preaching of the Law, and the alarm and terror I feel is repentance. Repentance is necessary, but it does not save me. It cannot rescue me from the river.
Now suppose also that the Lord has graciously provided a red rope across the river, with a sign that implores every man to grab hold of the rope before it is too late. He also assures us that this is His sign and that the rope will not fail. Via this rope, He Himself will pull us out of the river to safety. Now the sign telling of the rope is the Gospel, and the red rope itself is the atoning work of Christ. If we believe the sign (intended for all) and grab hold of the rope (intended for all) then we will be saved from the river and its terrible end. The Lord will be faithful to His Word. This is the Law and the Gospel. This is repentance and faith.
Pastor Wood
rivergums@sbcglobal.net
Taking the Mask off Calvinism
This is centuri0n, aka Frank Turk, who has been an internet apologist for about 10 years and has never really gained anything for himself through it but a handful of friends and a lot of ill-will. Most people, honestly, do not like to argue with him because he doesn't know how to let it go. He's a blogger of some minor note, and he's a "calvinist".
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