Ep. 4 - Faith & Repentance
Episode Description
The gospel has been declared — Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day. But what response is God looking for? Is it faith? Is it repentance? Is it both? And what exactly does repentance mean — turning from sin, cleaning up your life, mustering up strength to be worthy?
In this episode, Pastor Josh distinguishes faith from works, shows why grace and faith are compatible while grace and works are not, and clears up one of the most common sources of confusion in Christianity — the proper definition of repentance. Faith is the God-ordained, non-meritorious response that trusts in the merit of Jesus Christ alone. Repentance is the change of mind that leads the heart to that faith. Confuse the two, and the gospel collapses into another religion of human effort.
Key Scriptures
Ephesians 2:8–9 — Grace and Faith
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Romans 4:4–5 — Faith Counted for Righteousness
Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Romans 4:24–25 — Believing on Him Who Raised Jesus
But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
Galatians 3:5, 12 — The Hearing of Faith, Not the Works of the Law
He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? … And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.
Romans 3:27 — The Law of Faith
Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
Romans 11:6 — Grace and Works Cannot Mix
And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
Isaiah 66:2 — The Heart God Looks Upon
For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.
Romans 6:17 — Obedience from the Heart
But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
Romans 2:4–5 — The Goodness of God Leads to Repentance
Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God.
Romans 5:8 — Christ Died for Sinners
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Episode Outline
The Question Before Us — What response is God looking for from the unbeliever?
Defining Faith — Trusting in someone or something to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves
Faith vs. Works — Galatians 3, the chair illustration, and why they are like water and oil
Grace and Faith Are Compatible — Romans 4 and 11 on why grace requires faith, not works
The Law of Faith — Romans 3:27 and the God-ordained response that excludes all boasting
Faith Comes from the Heart — Isaiah 66:2 and Romans 6:17 on the contrite spirit
Where Does Repentance Fit In? — Why “turning from sin” muddies the waters
Repentance Properly Defined — A change of mind, a penitent heart, agreeing with God
Faith Alone Saves — Believe today and be saved
Questions Discussed
What does it mean to truly believe the gospel — and how is that different from just knowing facts about Jesus?
If salvation is by grace through faith, what role does repentance play — and is it something we do to be saved?
How is faith different from a work?
Why are grace and faith compatible, but grace and works are not?
Can the ungodly have faith?
Where does repentance fit in if it is not part of the law of faith?
Does repentance mean turning from sin — or something else?
Have you responded to the gospel in the God-ordained law of faith?
