Faith and repentance must always be linked; when divorced neither remains.
Faith cannot be realized unless it's recipient is worthy of the trust. We cannot trust a god who is less than holy and perfect. Being in the presence of Holiness and Perfection highlights our sinfulness and yields repentance.
Repentance without faith is only shame. Unless there is hope of healing, the sting of guilt and the sorrow for sin remains a galling weight. True repentance highlights the forgiving character of the injured and yields faith.
"Whoever under the reproof of God will humble the soul with confession and repentance, as did David, may be sure that there is hope for him. Whoever will in faith accept God's promises, will find pardon." P&P 9726.5)
Sadly, the need for repentance is so often overlooked in today's generation. People are tricked into believing they can simply repeat after the pastor and thus secure eternal life when, as Jesus said in Luke 13:5, "Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." Thanks for the great reminder!
ReplyDeleteAnd in case you were wondering, I just came across your blog by doing a bit of blog-suring. I just added myself as a follower and I hope you'll check out my Christian devotional blog as well.
Have a blessed day!
In Christ,
Dakota - A Look at Life from a Deerstand