Is Repentance Really Necessary?

It’s been a while! With seminary, work, family, travel, songwriting…it’s been crazy and a break from social media was long overdue. Something caught my attention this week, and when thinking through things, it always helps me to write it out. Alistair Begg calls it “writing yourself clear.”

So, here goes. I know this isn’t new, and maybe you’ve seen this too - people making the argument that repentance isn’t necessary for salvation. My first thought is “come on bro, really? Of course it is.” But then I pause for a second, because that’s not something I want to be wrong about. I mean, is it???

I feel like I see it more and more all the time. The argument suggests that repentance stands apart, labeling it as a "work.” Maintaining that it’s distinct from the path of redemption.

But that’s the thing. Repentance is not a work. It’s a gift!

Repentance isn't a mere task. In the grand scheme of things, one of the roles of the Holy Spirit is to awaken us to our sins, to shake us from our spiritual slumber. That prickling sensation of conviction? That’s a merciful reminder of our need for grace!

Repentance isn't about squaring up a checklist of wrongdoings—God does that for us through His Son. Rather, it’s a profound shift in our understanding—a transformation of our perception of Christ, sin, holiness, and the will of God. This transformation encompasses a profound and God-given sorrow for our transgressions that ultimately paves the way to salvation.

This “godly sorrow” isn't a dead end either. It’s the starting point of a transformative journey. It's the spark that guides our repentantly charged hearts to the way, the truth, and the life—Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

Granted, we're bound to stumble, but in the grand scheme, clinging to sin while professing love for God is the real paradox. Placing our faith in Christ means turning away from the allure of sin, allowing His light to expose the darkness we once embraced. They’re two sides of the same coin.

There's a misconception that salvation hinges on meticulously cataloging every misstep and repenting for each one, as if you’ll get to judgement day and will have missed a couple sins, barring you from heaven. NOT the case. That whole idea implies salvation through self-accounting and contrition rather than Christ’s finished work on the cross. Ultimately, THAT is indeed a works-based salvation and is antithetical to the gospel of grace.

Let's clarify: believing in Christ directly includes acknowledging our inherent sinfulness and abandoning our former lives of iniquity. It's not a casual coexistence with sin; it's a conscious choice to follow Christ. This path, aided by the Holy Spirit, leads us to confront and conquer sin. That happens gradually over time, and isn’t necessarily linear. It’s about direction rather than perfection.

While the desire for indulgent sinning without consequence is tempting, the truth remains unaltered: sin corrodes, and Christ redeems. It's a matter of embracing this truth and understanding that embracing Christ is inextricable from forsaking sin.

In the words of 1 John 1:6, if we claim fellowship with God while dwelling in darkness, we deceive ourselves. To practice the truth is to authentically align our actions with our faith.

And once we’re saved, may we continue to walk with Him in heart and action! Worship and obedience! Learning from scripture more and more who God is and what He wants. When we stumble, we rest in His sacrifice, mercy, forgiveness, and love and with repentantly directional hearts, continue to follow Him until the end.