Repentance Not Required
or
Self Professing Christians
G.D.O'Bradovich III
October 17, 2019
“The terms “repent” and “saved” never occur in the same verse in the entire Bible. Yet “believe” and “saved” or “faith” and “saved” occur a multitude of times. No one can show me one verse in the Bible that says a person must give up any sins to be saved (or that a person must be willing to give them up).”
Steven L Anderson, 2006 |
By appealing to the authority of the Bible, Anderson states that no one is required to either cease sinning or prepared to end sinning. Since Anderson's novel proposition is opposed to the near universal understanding of modern Christianity, we are intrigued by this radical argument and will test his various claims.
all occurrences of belief and saved
He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. Matthew 27:42
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Mark 16:16
Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. Luke 8:12
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:18
And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. John 12:47
But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
Acts 15:11
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
Acts 16:31
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? Romans 10:9-10,14
For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 1 Corinthians 1:21
By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:2
I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. Jude 1:5
all occurences of faith and saved
And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace. Luke 7:50
And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole [G4982]. Luke 17:19
And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. Luke 18:42
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Ephesians 2:8
Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety. 1 Timothy 2:15
What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? James 2:14
And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. James 5:15
all occurences of repent and saved
No verses.
all occurrences of repent and repentance
All occurrences of "repent" [G3340] and "repentance" [G3341] in the New Testament:
And saying, Repent ye: G3340 for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matthew 3:2
Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: G3341 Matthew 3:8
I [John] indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: G3341 ... Matthew 3:11
Jesus began ... to say, Repent: G3340 for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matthew 4:17
I [Jesus] am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. G3341 Matthew 9:13
Then began he [Jesus] to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented G3340 not: Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented G3340 long ago in sackcloth and ashes. Matthew 11:20-21
The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented G3340 at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. Matthew 12:41
John did ... preach the baptism of repentance G3341 for the remission of sins. Mark 1:4
The ... kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, G3340 and believe the gospel. Mark 1:15
[Jesus said] I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. G3341 Mark 2:17
And they went out, and preached that men should repent. G3340 Mark 6:12
[John came] preaching the baptism of repentance G3341 for the remission of sins; Luke 3:3
Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, G3341 and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. Luke 3:8
I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. G3341 Luke 5:32
Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, G3340 sitting in sackcloth and ashes. Luke 10:13
The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented G3340 at the preaching of Jonas;... Luke 11:32
I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, G3340 ye shall all likewise perish. -Luke 13:3, 5
I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, G3340 more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. G3341 Luke 15:7
Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. G3340 Luke 15:10
And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. G3340 Luke 16:30
Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, G3340 forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; G3340 thou shalt forgive him. Luke 17:3-4
And that repentance G3341 and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Luke 24:47
[Peter said] Repent, G3340 and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins... Acts 2:38
Repent ye G3340 therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out... -Acts 3:19
Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance G3341 to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. Acts 5:31
Repent G3340 therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, ... Acts 8:22
Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance G3341 unto life. Acts 11:18
John had first preached ... the baptism of repentance G3341 to all the people of Israel.
Acts 13:24
And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: G3340 Acts 17:30
John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, G3341 saying unto the people, that they should believe ... on Christ Jesus. Acts 19:4
the baptism of repentance
John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. Mark 1:4
And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; Luke 3:3
John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. Acts 13:24
And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
Acts 19:3-4
The "baptism of repentance" only occurs in connection with John the Baptist and, as a result of not being explained, is ambiguous. It is not recorded that Jesus did this type of baptism and it occurs only four times in the New Testament.
Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance G3341 toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 20:21
But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent G3340 and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. G3341 Acts 26:20
Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness ...; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? G3341 Romans 2:4
Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: G3341 for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance G3341 to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. 2 Corinthians 7:9-10
And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented G3340 of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed. 2 Corinthians 12:21
In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance G3341 to the acknowledging of the truth; 2 Titus 2:25
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance G3341 from dead works, and of faith toward God, Hebrews 6:1
If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; G3341 seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. Hebrews 6:6
For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, G3341 though he sought it carefully with tears.
Hebrews 12:17
The Lord ... [is] not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. G3341 Simon Peter 3:9
Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, G3340 and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, ... except thou repent. G3340 Revelation 2:5
Repent; G3340 or else I will come unto thee quickly, ... Revelation 2:16
And I gave her space to repent G3340 ... and she repented G3340 not. Revelation 2:21
Behold, I will cast... [them] into great tribulation, except they repent G3340 of their deeds.
Revelation 2:22
Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. G3340
Revelation 3:3
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. G3340
Revelation 3:19
And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented G3340 not of the works of their hands,... Revelation 9:20
Neither repented they G3340 of their murders, nor of their sorceries, ... Revelation 9:21
[Men] blasphemed the name of God, ...and they repented G3340 not to give him glory.
Revelation 16:9
And blasphemed the God of heaven ... and repented G3340 not of their deeds.
Revelation 16:11
Breakdown of verses using "repent" or "repentance" by book:
Luke + Acts
Revelations Matthew Mark 2 Corinthians Hebrews 2 Titus Simon Peter |
23
10 8 4 3 3 1 1 53 |
The Gospel of John mentions neither "repent" nor "repentance". Words under consideration in the New Testament with the most frequent English translations and number of occurrences:
Strong's Number
G4100 πιστεύω G4102 πίστις G4982 σῴζω G3340 μετανοέω G3341 μετάνοια |
Most Frequent English Translation
Believe Faith Saved Repent Repentance |
Occurances
248 244 110 34 24 |
If the frequency of a word indicates it's significance, then "belief" and "faith" are several times more important than repentance on the authority of the King James Bible version.
Almost all modern communities of Christians profess a belief in being "born again" or "born from above" [John 3:3]. The Greek word anōthen [G509 ἄνωθεν ] is ambiguous, asit can mean either "again" or "above". All occurrences of G509 in the New Testament:
Almost all modern communities of Christians profess a belief in being "born again" or "born from above" [John 3:3]. The Greek word anōthen [G509 ἄνωθεν ] is ambiguous, asit can mean either "again" or "above". All occurrences of G509 in the New Testament:
And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top G509 to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; Matthew 27:51
And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top G509 to the bottom.
Mark 15:38
It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, G509 to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, Luke 1:3
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, G509 he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:3
Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. G509 John 3:7
He that cometh from above G509 is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. John 3:31
Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: G509 therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin. John 19:11
Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top G509 throughout. John 19:23
Which knew me from the beginning, G509 if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. Acts 26:5
But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again G509 to be in bondage? Galatians 4:9
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, G509 and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. -James 1:17
This wisdom descendeth not from above, G509 but is earthly, sensual, devilish. James 3:15
But the wisdom that is from above G509 is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. James 3:17
Strong's Number G509 ἄνωθεν occurs thirteen times and is translated as: from above (5 times), top (3 times ), again (twice), from the first (once), from the beginning (once), and not translated (once). It is clear that the editors of the King James Bible version had difficulty with this word in the third chapter of the Gospel of John, as the translation of G509 as "again" only occurs here.
Jesus: Except a man be born again [ἄνωθεν], he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Nicodemus: How can a man ...enter the second [δεύτερον] time into his mother's womb, and be born?
Jesus: Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again [ἄνωθεν].
From the context of Nicodemus' response, he understood Jesus stating the importance of being "born again". However, from Jesus' next statement concerning the spirit and the Kingdom of God, that the proper translation of verse seven should be "Ye must be born from above." Of course, the wordplay on "again" and "above" cannot occur in Hebrew or Aramaic, only in Greek.
The modern English understanding of the word "repent" is clearly influenced by opinions from the New Testament, firstly, through the Latin [paenitere -to cause to repent] and, secondly, on a prior sense from early English.
The modern English understanding of the word "repent" is clearly influenced by opinions from the New Testament, firstly, through the Latin [paenitere -to cause to repent] and, secondly, on a prior sense from early English.
1. feel or express sincere regret or remorse about one's wrongdoing or sin.
2. view or think of (an action or omission) with deep regret or remorse. 3. [Archaic] feel regret or penitence about. |
The Greek word μετανοέω [G3340] used throughout the New Testament means to "change one's mind" and has no essential moral qualities.
"I was going to have some cake for dessert, but repented and ate pie instead."
In the epilogue, Pastor Anderson provides a "brief synopsis of the points and scriptures I use to win people to the Lord. " We quote in full:
1. Every one is a sinner (Rom 3:10, Rom 3:23)
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: Romans 3:10
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 3:23
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 3:23
2. Everyone deserves to go to Hell (Rom 6:23, Rev 20:14, Rev 21:8)
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23
And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
Revelation 20:14
But the fearful, unbelieving, the abominable, murderers, whoremongers, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Revelation 21:8
And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
Revelation 20:14
But the fearful, unbelieving, the abominable, murderers, whoremongers, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Revelation 21:8
3. Jesus died on the cross for us so we could be saved (Rom 5:8, I Pet 2:24)
(At this point I go through the events of the cross, the blood, the death, burial, and resurrection)
But God commendeth his love toward us, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8
Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 1 Peter 2:24
Romans 5:8
Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 1 Peter 2:24
4. You must believe on Jesus Christ as your only way to Heaven (Acts 16:31, John 3:16)
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
Acts 16:31
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
Acts 16:31
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
5. When you believe on Jesus Christ, God gives you eternal life (Rom 6:23)
(At this point I use the illustration of receiving a gift and explain eternal security in detail)
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23
conclusion
Pastor Anderson is consistent between his question that opened our essay and how he wins people to the Lord or brings others to Christ: repentance is not necessary for his version of salvation. Of course, any inconsistency immediately suggests that either a writer is possibly in error or the reader is careless. However, to be consistent is not to be confounded with accuracy.
Based on Anderson's five points, it follows that belief in the Bible, whether ancient or modern, is not necessary for salvation, although it is utilized as the proof text. Furthermore, any item that is not listed within the five points are superfluous to the salvation of eternal souls, for example: man made in the image of God, miracles, and the virgin birth. Jesus does not need to be identical with God under Anderson's five points to be resurrected on the third, since resurrections occur both in the Old Testament and the resurrection of Lazarus occurs on the fourth day.
However, if repentance and confession are not required for one to claim to be a Christian, then, once again, it seems that the ancient Roman and Greek churches have misunderstood what Christianity is and, more importantly, how to teach the good news. In the second epistle to the Thessalonians, Saint Paul writes that the readers are to "stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle."
In the King James Bible version, the word "sin" is found 405 times in the Old Testament and of 43 occurrences of G264 [ἁμαρτάνω hamartanō] in the New Testament, only 14 are found in the epistles of Saint Paul. Following Pastor Anderson's manner of reasoning regarding repentance, we conclude that sin is less of a Christian concern than we originally believed.
As always, the Gentle Reader will reach his own informed decision regarding the likelihood that Pastor Anderson has discovered a valid insight: that repentance or changing one's mind is not necessary to claim to be a Christian and the Gentle Researcher will correctly conclude that some traditions are written, "our epistle", while other traditions are oral, "by word".
Based on Anderson's five points, it follows that belief in the Bible, whether ancient or modern, is not necessary for salvation, although it is utilized as the proof text. Furthermore, any item that is not listed within the five points are superfluous to the salvation of eternal souls, for example: man made in the image of God, miracles, and the virgin birth. Jesus does not need to be identical with God under Anderson's five points to be resurrected on the third, since resurrections occur both in the Old Testament and the resurrection of Lazarus occurs on the fourth day.
However, if repentance and confession are not required for one to claim to be a Christian, then, once again, it seems that the ancient Roman and Greek churches have misunderstood what Christianity is and, more importantly, how to teach the good news. In the second epistle to the Thessalonians, Saint Paul writes that the readers are to "stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle."
In the King James Bible version, the word "sin" is found 405 times in the Old Testament and of 43 occurrences of G264 [ἁμαρτάνω hamartanō] in the New Testament, only 14 are found in the epistles of Saint Paul. Following Pastor Anderson's manner of reasoning regarding repentance, we conclude that sin is less of a Christian concern than we originally believed.
As always, the Gentle Reader will reach his own informed decision regarding the likelihood that Pastor Anderson has discovered a valid insight: that repentance or changing one's mind is not necessary to claim to be a Christian and the Gentle Researcher will correctly conclude that some traditions are written, "our epistle", while other traditions are oral, "by word".