Monday, December 29, 2008

Turn or Burn? The Meaning of Repentance...

In a sermon I recently preached, I mentioned that the verb "to repent" does not mean "to turn from sin" or "reform one’s lifestyle" as many preachers and teachers have taught for some time. It is my conviction that this definition of repentance is more closely tied to ancient Roman Catholic ideas than it is to a biblical understanding of the word. I too was raised with idea that repentance means "making a 180-degree turn from sin toward righteousness." In fact, this definition of repentance is so prevalent among many evangelical Christians, that it often comes as a shock to people when I question it.....

The Greek verb "to repent" is metanoeo - a compound from meta (meaning "to change") and gnosis (meaning "mind, perspective or knowledge"). Etymologically, the biblical definition of the verb "to repent" is clearly "to change one’s mind or perspective." The etymology of a biblical word is always where we begin our journey in seeking to understand its meaning.

Once we have identified this, we then begin to consider the various ways in which the word or concept is used Scripturally - since context ultimately determines meaning. It is clear that Scripture sometimes links repentance to a turning from sin. For example, the rough Hebrew equivalent of the Greek metanoeo is used to describe the Ninevites who "repented" at the preaching of Jonah (Jonah 3). There is no doubt that turning from sin can accompany repentance. The big question is whether or not "repentance" and "turning from sin" are in fact. synonymous. This may sound like a technicality, but it is hugely significant in our understanding of the true Gospel of grace.

Much of the debate over "repentance" revolves around two theological "camps" within evangelicalism – The "Lordship Salvation" camp and the "Free Grace Salvation" camp. I once vigorously supported the former, and have since moved toward the latter as I’ve come to what I believe is greater clarity on these matters.

The Lordship Salvationists claim that "repentance" (defined as "turning from sin and surrendering to Christ as Master and Lord) is synonymous with what they call "saving faith." The most outspoken proponents of this view over the past 20 years include teachers like John MacArthur, R.C. Sproul, Kenneth Gentry and others.

Free Grace salvationists like myself point out that if "turning from sin" were a requirement or ingredient of authentic "saving faith" - this would combine works as part of the Gospel, making Christianity essentially no different from any other legalistic religion. The Lordship theologians (most of whom come from a hyper-Calvinist viewpoint that I once espoused) get around this by their conviction that since salvation includes nothing of the will of humans, then "turning from sin" cannot be considered works-based salvation. In other words, since God essentially "forces" the turning from sin and submission upon the elect individual as a work of his elective process, it’s not really the human "turning" of his own volition – and therefore cannot be considered a human "work."

The bottom line is that the New Testament word "repent" literally means "a change of mind." It is always desirable that a change of lifestyle would accompany biblical repentance. This is why in the very first occurrence of the word in the New Testament, John the Baptist challenges the religious Jews to "produce fruit in keeping with (their) repentance" (Matt. 3). If repentance were synonymous with a changed lifestyle as Lordship Salvationists claim, then John’s words would seem a rather redundant since he in essence would be saying "change your lifestyle in keeping with your changed lifestyle." Clearly, it seems more reasonable to define repentance for what the word actually means rather than reading a pre-conceived theological idea into it that was not originally there. A change of lifestyle can (and should ) accompany a change of perspective about God and Jesus and life – but it is dangerous to imprecisely use these terms in relation to the Gospel. If there is anything we MUST get right as Christians – it’s the Gospel!

When someone exercises faith in Christ (which the Scriptures repeatedly teach is the sole condition for salvation) - in essence, that person has repented by the true definition. They have changed their perspective. They have gone from unbelief to belief – from not trusting in Christ’s finished work on the cross to trusting in Him alone for their rescue. However, if repentance (defined as turning from sin) is part of the Gospel offer - then it is no Gospel at all and no different from the basic ideas of Islam, Mormonism or any other legalistic faith.

When Paul was asked "What must I do to be saved?" he thunderously responded "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved!" (Acts 16:30-31). Jesus and the Apostles were united on this point - and we would be also. In his first edition of The Gospel According to Jesus, John MacArthur makes the terribly inaccurate statement "True faith is humble, submissive obedience." (p. 140). I have benefitted from many of the works of Dr. MacArthur and those who espouse his views, and I choose to believe that he was not trying to be deliberately dishonest when he wrote this and other shocking statements like it throughout his book. But this is at best a gross error in understanding what biblical faith is. To be fair, MacArthur softened his words in subsequent revisions of this book.

The Bible repeatedly affirms that changing one’s perspective (repentance) often involves turning from sin. Often the very change of perspective itself is related to the emptiness of living in sin as opposed to living for God. It is also commanded and desirable that all people – including believers – exercise a lifestyle of repentance (which would include, but not be defined as "turning away from a sinful lifestyle wherever possible and living for God.") There are often horrible earthly consequences connected to living in rebellion against God.

I will conclude this brief analysis by stating that I am mindful of the fact that many sincere brothers and sisters in Christ disagree over this issue of the meaning of repentance. While I am presently convinced of my understanding as opposed to the "Lordship Salvation" camp, I respect much of what those theologians have articulated in other areas of theology. Which ever position you lead toward, I invite you to share your thoughts with me on this blog.....

Blessings,
Pastor Jeremy

Friday, December 26, 2008

Reflecting on Christmas and New Year's Resolutions

It's after midnight - and Christmas day is officially over for 2008. My kids are in bed, and I'm longing to follow suit. As I reflect on the day, I am again overwhelmed at God's faithfulness throughout this past year. My heart as a human father has been filled with joy over the gifts we gave to our kids today - combined with materialistic wishes that we could have afforded to give them more. And the joy I feel about gift-giving triggers thoughts about another Dad who loves giving gifts to His children.

As my young boys opened their presents and enjoyed them all day long, they had no idea about the sacrifices parents make this season. The crazy lines at Target on Black Friday a month ago when this mad rush kicked off. The saving and scrimping to get them a few things they really wanted. The stress and secrecy of mom and dad trying to hide the stuff till Christmas morning. The list goes on.

And as I reflect on those small sacrifices - I am more deeply aware of the Gift God gave for us even though we'll never fully understand the sacrifice entailed in making it happen. As a dad watching my kids enjoy their gifts, I find fulfillment in the happiness on their faces. It makes me wonder - what kind of joy does God's heart feel when He sees His children enjoying Jesus? Isn't that the ultimate point of prayer, worship, Bible study, fellowship, etc. - to simply enjoy Jesus wherever He is found?

If you're planning on making any resulutions regarding your spiritual growth as the New Year approaches, let me beg you not to make any outside of this one pursuit - to enjoy Jesus more. Don't promise God you'll read the Bible 15 minutes a day, or pray 3 times a day, or whatever. Simply ask God for the ability to enjoy Jesus. That's the point of all those things - to enjoy Jesus. Completing your "daily devotions" isn't the point. The point of "daily devotion" is to enjoy Jesus. The Father sacrificed unimaginably to give the gift of Jesus to you and me. And even though we're oblivious to exactly what extent that sacrifice entailed, let's bring joy to the Father's heart by enjoying the Gift daily. He loves you.....go enjoy Him!!!

Friday, December 19, 2008

Welcome to Raw and Relevant

As a communicator and teacher of the Bible, I love discussing theological and philosophical issues with my brothers and sisters in faith - as well as with those you are yet undecided about Jesus. The Bible isn't for wusses. It is both awe-inspiring and down-to-earth. Both mysterious and practical. Both lofty and simple. No matter your opinion of the Bible, it is both Raw and Relevant. It is full of love and hatred, integrity and scandal, success and failure - just like life itself. And above all it is the message of a gracious God involved in a passionate love-affair with the humanity He created.

As the Scriptures are taught each week at Valley Church, my hope is that you would be more deeply engaged in wrestling with how to apply it to your life. If you are someone who wants to discuss or even debate any of the countless relevant issues addressed in the Bible or in the things taught at Valley - and can do so without being divisive or arrogant - I welcome you to this conversation. Let's help one another grow deeper in the understanding and application of the faith that unites us.

And one more thing. If you are a fellow skeptic to whom faith has not or will not come easy, I have a special place in my heart for you. I am one of you. But more importantly, Jesus welcomes you - for He is the one who said that even faith the size of a tiny mustard seed could move mountains. The "amount" of your faith is not nearly as important to Jesus as the "object" in which your faith is placed. I have found that Jesus is indeed that worthy object. Now feel free to chat away and I will join in as often as I can.......