Originally Posted by CKG

While there have been different views expressed, no one on this thread has advocated taking sin lightly. No one has advocated a license to sin. No one has advocated that a Christian can sin all they want with no consequences. When a person gets saved all of their sins are forgiven. The idea that a Christian has to get their sins forgiven every time they sin comes from Roman Catholicism and taken up by Protestants and unfortunately many Baptists.

Once again, I see this persistent confusion over the issue of RELATIONSHIP (our unchanging position in Christ) and FELLOWSHIP (our daily walk with Christ).

Brother, I understand where you are coming from, but the word "confess" in 1 John 1 has no more to do with Roman Catholicism than it does the man on the moon. In 1 John 1:9 there is no stained glass priest involved in our fellowship and cleansing, only God. And the RCC is based on confession to an earthly MEDIATOR—not to God, so I'm sorry but suggesting that troubled believers who confess their sins TO GOD (exactly as the text instructs) are somehow using a spin off error from the RCC is simply absurd. Believers get into trouble every day with practical sin, we all agree on this, and the passages to prove this are overwhelming. Regardless of this confusion, it is important for believers to confess (acknowledge) and deal with sins in our life, and that is NOT RCC teaching—it's scriptural.

[CKG]

Originally Posted by Bro. Parrish

Once again, I see this persistent confusion over the issue of RELATIONSHIP (our unchanging position in Christ) and FELLOWSHIP (our daily walk with Christ).

Brother, I understand where you are coming from, but the word "confess" in 1 John 1 has no more to do with Roman Catholicism than it does the man on the moon. In 1 John 1:9 there is no stained glass priest involved in our fellowship and cleansing, only God. And the RCC is based on confession to an earthly MEDIATOR—not to God, so I'm sorry but suggesting that troubled believers who confess their sins TO GOD (exactly as the text instructs) are somehow using a spin off error from the RCC is simply absurd. Believers get into trouble every day with practical sin, we all agree on this, and the passages to prove this are overwhelming. Regardless of this confusion, it is important for believers to confess (acknowledge) and deal with sins in our life, and that is NOT RCC teaching—it's scriptural.

The "we" of 1 John 1:9 is referring to the "we' of 1 John 1:8 who say they have no sin and who are void of the truth.

On the other hand for true believers, those who walk in light

1 John 2

1. My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

12. I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.

and have the truth,

1 John 2
19. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

20. But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.

21. I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.

26. These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.

27. But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

Originally Posted by CKG

The "we" of 1 John 1:9 is referring to the "we' of 1 John 1:8 who say they have no sin and who are void of the truth....

I understand your view but as I have already proven, that is a matter of interpretation and you can trace the "WE" all the way up the chapter to verse 1, so that point is kinda moot. Look, we could debate that all night but there is no need for it because we have already scorched the ground there. All I'm saying is that suggesting that troubled believers who confess their sins TO GOD (exactly as the text instructs) are somehow using a spin off error from the RCC is simply nonsense in my book (and my book is the Bible). I guess we are never going to see it the same, but I'm okay with that.

[CKG]

Originally Posted by Bro. Parrish

I understand your view but as I have already proven, that is a matter of interpretation and you can trace the "WE" all the way up the chapter to verse 1, so that point is kinda moot. Look, we could debate that all night but there is no need for it because we have already scorched the ground there. All I'm saying is that suggesting that troubled believers who confess their sins TO GOD (exactly as the text instructs) are somehow using a spin off error from the RCC is simply nonsense in my book (and my book is the Bible). I guess we are never going to see it the same, but I'm okay with that.

Yes like I said earlier, there is some disagreement among us about 1 John 1:9, but I think it is clear among us all who have posted that sin is not to be taken lightly and is not to be trifled with and if you're really saved you will be bothered and disturbed when you fall into it and God will not let us stay in it.

[Richard.Strickland]

Originally Posted by CKG

Yes like I said earlier, there is some disagreement among us about 1 John 1:9, but I think it is clear among us all who have posted that sin is not to be taken lightly and is not to be trifled with and if you're really saved you will be bothered and disturbed when you fall into it and God will not let us stay in it.

I have enjoyed the fellowship with each of you, May you grow in grace, and the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
since their is an disagreement among you on I John 1:9 I am not backing down from my understanding of that verse and how it applies but I have used different path to show what I believe to be. It begins the way my previous post did but grew in lenght so as to try convey my point of view without hopefully creating any strifes.

The Doctrine of Repentance
Luke 24:46-48
46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And ye are witnesses of these things.
The great commission is found 5 times in the New Testament.
Luke 24:46-48
Matthew 28:19,20
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Mark:15,16
15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
John 20:21-23
21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: 23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.
Acts 1:8
8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Now what I am saying is this, that what we have read in Luke 24:46-48 is just as much of the great commission as what we commonly read in Mathew 28:19,20. So; if this is the great commission, then it necessitates that the doctrine of repentance must be included as we preach the word of God among all nations. And if a person does not include the message of repentance, then he is not fulfilling the great commission.
The doctrine of repentance, In many of our fundamental Baptist pulpits today , the message of repentance is seldom preached. I have seen in revival meetings of years gone by, it was not uncommon to see people coming down an aisle throbbing under conviction and sobbing woe is me for I am undone. But today we see people coming down the aisle, to make their quote unquote decisions for Christ and they`re cracking their bubble gum with a smirk on their face and I want to say seldom is the plow of conviction driven deep into the soil of the human soil. But it is my contention, that whenever repentance is preached and insisted upon, solid results are going to follow. And those who get saved under that kind of preaching, generally turn out to be stalwart robust Christians. It must be insisted upon by the man of God that before the prodigal(Luke 15:11-32) is reinstated, he must return in sorrow. Notice 3 things of the doctrine of repentance:

First of all the definition of repentance is #1 not simply remorse. For an classic example Judas Iscariot in Matthew 27:3 & 4.3 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.
Get it, repented himself. Now there are some that would say that repentance is simply a change of mind and does not necessitate a change in direction. If that is true than Judas Iscariot repented. But Judas did not repent. His sorrow was not for his sin. His sorrow was that he had gotten caught. Paul describes that in II Corinthians 7:9 & 10
9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. 10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

Now here it is; For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but sorrow of the world worketh death. You see Judas was simply sorry that he had gotten caught. Have you ever got caught in an embarrassing situation and you wept bitter tears because you got caught? And so many claim that as their salvation. I ask you was that Godly sorrow? Was it sorrow for what your sin did to Jesus on the cross at Calvary? or was it just merely the sorrow of the world worketh death? Do you know that it is possible for a person to thrive and weep under conviction and still stop one step short of genuine repentance? it say of Felix in Acts 24:5
And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
Get it, Felix trembled , he was under conviction, but he stopped one step short of genuine repentance. It says of Ahab in I Kings 21:27
27 And it came to pass, when Ahab heard those words, that he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly.
He cried Lord have mercy and rent his clothes, but he did not rent his heart. So #1, the definition of repentance is not remorse. #2 it is simply not reformation. Now, consider this statement. While there may be reformation in one area of a person's life. There may be de-generation in another area of a person`s life. For example; I have been in a church worship service and saw those that really were under conviction, and this one said you know I am going to quit drinking, I am going to quit running around on my wife, and I am going to quit using God`s name in vain. Are you Listening? You could quit it all and still be a first class candidate for hell. Romans 8:8 says:
8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

There is nothing you can give up that can please God Almighty. As a matter of fact, the bible teaches, that when a person tries to get to heaven by self reformation his last mistake is worse than his first before he even tried to reform. I am sure each or you have seen an example of this in someone that you know. Have known of or have you been around drunkard, who after spending a whole day in jail because while drunk he would get in a fight, and see this drunkard get out of jail and come down the aisle of a church building and say this drinking is no good, it has broken up my family, it has robbed me of my joy, it has taken all of my money, I am going to get rid of the bottle. You know what the tragedy is? The next weekend he will be back at the bottle worse than before. Suppose you cheated on your Federal 2008 tax return ,and suppose that the IRS opens your Federal 2009 tax return and money falls out with an attached note that says Dear Sirs; I cheated on my Federal 2008 tax return this money is what I stole from the Federal Government. Now if it had been repentance; the note would have said, I have been saved by the grace of God. And because God has made me a new creature in Jesus Christ I believe this restitution is in order.

Mathew 12:43-45 says
43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. 44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. 45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

So, you can quit it all, you can look right, your hair can be cut right, you can wear the right length of dresses and still be unsaved. The definition of repentance is not #1 remorse, it is not #2 reformation, and it is not #3 religion. CKG in post #76 made the following statement and I quote, " The idea that a Christian has to get their sins forgiven every time they sin comes from Roman Catholicism and taken up by Protestants and unfortunately many Baptists." Okay a little research reveals; In Matthew, the Roman Catholic (the corrupt)Douay version of the Bible says thisThe Doctrine of Repentance
Luke 24:46-48
46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And ye are witnesses of these things.
The great commission is found 5 times in the New Testament.
Luke 24:46-48
Matthew 28:19,20
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Mark:15,16
15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
John 20:21-23
21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: 23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.
Acts 1:8
8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Now what I am saying is this, that what we have read in Luke 24:46-48 is just as much of the great commission as what we commonly read in Mathew 28:19,20. So; if this is the great commission, then it necessitates that the doctrine of repentance must be included as we preach the word of God among all nations. And if a person does not include the message of repentance, then he is not fulfilling the great commission.
The doctrine of repentance, In many of our fundamental Baptist pulpits today , the message of repentance is seldom preached. I have seen in revival meetings of years gone by, it was not uncommon to see people coming down an aisle throbbing under conviction and sobbing woe is me for I am undone. But today we see people coming down the aisle, to make their quote unquote decisions for Christ and they`re cracking their bubble gum with a smirk on their face and I want to say seldom is the plow of conviction driven deep into the soil of the human soil. But it is my contention, that whenever repentance is preached and insisted upon, solid results are going to follow. And those who get saved under that kind of preaching, generally turn out to be stalwart robust Christians. It must be insisted upon by the man of God that before the prodigal(Luke 15:11-32) is reinstated, he must return in sorrow. Notice 3 things of the doctrine of repentance: First of all the definition of repentance is #1 not simply remorse. For an classic example Judas Iscariot in Matthew 27:3 & 4.
3 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.
Get it, repented himself. Now there are some that would say that repentance is simply a change of mind and does not necessitate a change in direction. If that is true than Judas Iscariot repented. But Judas did not repent. His sorrow was not for his sin. His sorrow was that he had gotten caught. Paul describes that in II Corinthians 7:9 & 10
9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. 10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
Now here it is; For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but sorrow of the world worketh death. You see Judas was simply sorry that he had gotten caught. Have you ever got caught in an embarrassing situation and you wept bitter tears because you got caught? And so many claim that as their salvation. I ask you was that Godly sorrow? Was it sorrow for what your sin did to Jesus on the cross at Calvary? or was it just merely the sorrow of the world worketh death? Do you know that it is possible for a person to thrive and weep under conviction and still stop one step short of genuine repentance? it say of Felix in Acts 24:5
And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
Get it, Felix trembled , he was under conviction, but he stopped one step short of genuine repentance. It says of Ahab in I Kings 21:27
27 And it came to pass, when Ahab heard those words, that he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly.
He cried Lord have mercy and rent his clothes, but he did not rent his heart. So #1, the definition of repentance is not remorse. #2 it is simply not reformation. Now, consider this statement. While there may be reformation in one area of a person's life. There may be de-generation in another area of a person`s life. For example; I have been in a church worship service and saw those that really were under conviction, and this one said you know I am going to quit drinking, I am going to quit running around on my wife, and I am going to quit using God`s name in vain. Are you Listening? You could quit it all and still be a first class candidate for hell. Romans 8:8 says:
8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
There is nothing you can give up that can please God Almighty. As a matter of fact, the bible teaches, that when a person tries to get to heaven by self reformation his last mistake is worse than his first before he even tried to reform. I am sure each or you have seen an example of this in someone that you know. Have known of or have you been around drunkard, who after spending a whole day in jail because while drunk he would get in a fight, and see this drunkard get out of jail and come down the aisle of a church building and say this drinking is no good, it has broken up my family, it has robbed me of my joy, it has taken all of my money, I am going to get rid of the bottle. You know what the tragedy is? The next weekend he will be back at the bottle worse than before. Suppose you cheated on your Federal 2008 tax return ,and suppose that the IRS opens your Federal 2009 tax return and money falls out with an attached note that says Dear Sirs; I cheated on my Federal 2008 tax return this money is what I stole from the Federal Government. Now if it had been repentance; the note would have said, I have been saved by the grace of God. And because God has made me a new creature in Jesus Christ I believe this restitution is in order. Mathew 12:43-45 says
43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. 44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. 45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.
So, you can quit it all, you can look right, your hair can be cut right, you can wear the right length of dresses and still be unsaved. The definition of repentance is not #1 remorse, it is not #2 reformation, and it is not #3 religion. CKG in post #76 made the following statement and I quote, " The idea that a Christian has to get their sins forgiven every time they sin comes from Roman Catholicism and taken up by Protestants and unfortunately many Baptists." Okay a little research reveals; In Matthew, the Roman Catholic (the corrupt)Douay version of the Bible says this: Matthew 4 17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say: Do penance, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
From that time, according to the Roman Catholic Church, Jesus began to preach and say do penance, for the kingdom of God is at hand. Now what is penance, in 1545 the Roman Catholic Church at the council of Trent said this: This is an Exact Quote "penance is as necessary for one who falls into sin after Baptism as Baptism is for those who have never been baptized. So what are they saying, a Roman Catholic would go into the booth and name his sins to the priest. The priest would grant absolution from those sins. The confessor walking away from the both would have the satisfaction that those sins had been forgiven because the priest had said your sins be forgiven. that work of satisfaction is called the work of penance. Do you know that many times it involves doing bodily harm to one self. There are those who will lock their self in a room and they will take a whip and mutilate their body thinking that God is going to be pleased with that. But that is Religion. That is not repentance. Please allow me to refresh your memory of my stand on this based on the great commission. Now what I am saying is this, and this is from the KJV, that what we have read in Luke 24:46-48 is just as much of the great commission as what we commonly read in Mathew 28:19,20. So; if this is the great commission, then it necessitates that the doctrine of repentance must be included as we preach the word of God among all nations. And if a person does not include the message of repentance, then he is not fulfilling the great commission.

There are two letters difference between Christianity and Religion. Religion is spelled do. Christianity is spelled done. It has already been done. It was paid for at the cross at Calvary. The definition is not #1 remorse, or #2 reformation, or #3 religion.
The definition of repentance is simply to turning around. Consider this: Picture in your mind a man inside of a church building walking down the aisle to the alter and all the time he is walking he is swinging his arms saying, I`m going to hell, I`m going to hell, I`m going to hell... but when he reaches the alter, he turns around and heads back to his seat saying, I am going to heaven, I am going to heaven, I am going to heaven.... brothers and sisters that is repentance. IN the New testament the Greek word is used 61 times; meaning a change of mind: #1 about sin, #2 about self, and #3 about salvation.
First of all it involves the intellect or the mind. Now please consider this carefully, before you go out and tell someone to repent you need to tell them why they need to repent. you can`t just tell someone repent. You don`t do that. You have to tell them why. It must be impressed upon their minds that their sin nailed Jesus Christ to the cross. This is where the ten commandments come in. Galatians 3:24 says:
24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Romans 3;19,20 says:
19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
The first message that was preached after the cross was in Acts 2:38
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Peter preach repent and be baptized every one of you. Now consider this; before he told them to repent, he impressed upon their mind why they needed to repent. Peter said listen you were waiting for the messiah and he came and you tool a murderer and a thief by the name Barabbas and you let him go free and you put the Holy Spotless Son of God on the cross of Calvary you may have done it in ignorance but you`re guilty of the body and blood of Jesus Christ. Acts 2:37 says:
37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
Now here is what we have done many times, are kids grow up in Christian schools with theology in their head many times without a Christ in their heart. We have taught them the parent phrases; yes I am a sinner, yes Jesus died for me, yes I want him to come into my heart, and many times they go thru the whole scenario, never seeing themselves as a dirty filthy hell deserving sinner. Some of you have been reared in a Christian home, and your parents have made sure that you dress right, look right, and you put on all the appearances of a Christian. But you have never seen yourselves as a dirty filthy hell deserving sinner. The most difficult thing to do is to get someone to realize that they are a dirty filthy hell deserving sinner.
So #1 repentance involves the mind, # 2 in involves the emotions. There is an emotional involvement in repentance. But be cautious, you can`t rely on emotions alone. The classic example is found in Luke 18:10-14
10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. 13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Now get it He didn`t know nothing about the cross of Christ or the resurrection but he had a deep longing over his sin to get his to get it absolved. So he came to Jesus Christ God be merciful to me a sinner.
So #1 it involves the mind, #2 it involves the emotions, and #3 it involves the will. There must be a willingness. Deuteronomy 4:29-31 says:
29 But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. 30 When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice; 31 (For the LORD thy God is a merciful God he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.
Zechariah 1:3 says:
3 Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the LORD of hosts.
Most people stop one step short of salvation because they have a dominating sin in their life that they do not want to give up such as: In Memphis Tennessee; there was a house lying in rubble and ruin, a preacher went into the house and found a hippie fellow who was living in adultery with a girl, and the preacher urged him to be saved, and the guy told the preacher that he could not get saved, he said if I get saved I`ll have to give up my rock music, now the preacher hadn`t said one thing to the fellow about giving up the rock music but the man knew that rock music and Christianity were not compatible. The man said preacher if I get saved I`ll have to give up my marijuana, he said I don`t want to do that. He said if I get saved I`ll have to give up my girl friend. I don`t want to have to do that. I know I am living in adultery. The preacher said wouldn`t be wonderful to turn from sin have your sin forgiven and to come to Jesus Christ and be a new creature in Christ and know you`re going to heaven? He said preacher I am not willing. The preacher told him you know one day willing or not you will give up your sin. Three days later, he was in bed with his girlfriend smoking marijuana, the covers caught on fire, his girlfriend and he were burnt to ashes in the flames. Did he give up his marijuana? Sure he did. Did he give up his adultery? Sure he did. Too bad he wasn`t willing to give up sin as a life style and come to Christ and be forgiven.

There must be a willingness. No one can realize that he is a sinner until the Spirit of God shines a spot light on his soul. but when the Holy Spirit does that there must be a willingness. Sin is a lifestyle no longer do I want that lifestyle. In I Thessalonians 1:9 it says:
9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;
They turned to God from idols to serve the true and living God.
So #1, we have notice the definition of repentance. What it is and what it is not. Now consider #2 the imperative of repentance. Now follow me thru the (KJV) Bible and let me show you that the message of repentance has not been changed. That message is the same in every age. Who was the last of the Old Testament prophets? No, it was not Malachi. It was John The Baptist. In Matthew 3:1,2
1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, 2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
In Matthew 3:7,8
7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
Mark 1:4
4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

Who was the next major figure that came on the scene after John The Baptist? Jesus Christ.
Jesus did not come saying John said, but I say.
Jesus didn`t reconstruct Johns message. He preached the very same message that John the Baptist preached. Matthew 4:17
17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Matthew 9:13
13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Luke 10:13
13 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, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.
Luke 13:1-5 Jesus said twice, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish
1 There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? 3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
Okay you say but, that was on the other side of the cross.
The first Gospel message after the cross, preached by Peter in Acts 2:38
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
The second Gospel message after the cross, Acts 3:19,20
19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; 20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:
The Third Gospel message by Peter, Acts 5:31
31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
Okay so now you say, well Peter was the Apostle to the Jews. So his message to the Jews was to repent.
But Paul, was the Apostle to the Gentiles. Do you believe that Paul never preached repentance?
Consider this, Paul had just traveled thru the great cities of Athens, and past all the heathen Temples and he stood on Mars hill. Here were Greeks who worshiped their mind and their bodies. They were not Jews. And he stood there on Mars hill and point to where the woman had given themselves to there heathen Gods in immorality. And Paul said you know I have passed by one of your inscriptions and I say written on that idol to the unknown God. And Paul said you Greeks don`t even know who you are worshiping. Paul said I want to tell you about a God that you can know and that you can worship.
Come with me to Acts 17:30
30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
Now get it: all men every where to repent
Acts 20:21
21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
Repentance is not a Jewish message, it is a universal message. Unless you have repented, you have never been saved.
We have #1 considered the definition of repentance, #2 we have notice the imperative of repentance, and #3 consider the subjects of repentance.
First he commands the sinners to repent. Isaiah 55:6,7
6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
Ezekiel 33:11
11 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise. He is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. whether you have committed adultery, a blasphemer, pornographer or any manner of wickedness, he wants you. And thou your sins be as scarlet he wants to make them as white as snow. however if you do not repent you will burn in Hell forever.
Two brothers were convicted of stealing sheep in a Mid-western town many years ago. Their punishment was they were taken to the town square. And branded on their forehead "ST" for sheep thief. It would be on their head all of their life. One of the brothers could not stand the reproach the stamp of "ST" brought to him. So he decided to run as far away as he could from his home. But everywhere he went his reproach followed him. Finally in despair he took his own life. The other brother said you can run away if you want to, but this is what I`m going to do. He said; I am going to stay in this town and I am going to live such an exemplary life until what day people will look at that "ST" and forget what it is all about, and he did. Many years ago when he was an old man; still had the "ST" on his forehead. A visitor came to town, and he noticed the old man with the "ST" on his forehead. And he came to one of the town people he asked what did the "ST" mean that was branded on the old man`s forehead? The town person replied , there was a story about that years ago, but could not remember what that story was. the towns person said I have watch that old man for years and I expect that "ST" stand for saved.
The Bible calls that justification. God takes a sinner and write saved to his account. He takes the harlot and writes pure to her account. He takes a thief and writes honest to his account. He commands the sinners to repent. There is room at the cross for you, but are you willing.
Finally, he commands the saints to repent. So was the last word that Jesus spoke to the church was the Great Commission? No it wasn`t.
The last word that Jesus Christ spoke to the church was, repent.
Revelation 2 & 3 You will find that in 5 of his 7 churches, his command is to repent or else. If 5 of 7 churches need to repent. Is it possible 5 out 7 Christians reading this post need to repent.
Please follow me to Revelation 2:1-5

1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; 2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. 4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
Do you know what the name Ephesus means? It means desirable. This church was not only desirable in its name but it was desirable in its nature. There is a seven fold accommodation given to this local church. The number 7 the number of completion and perfection. This was a complete church. Twice it says that they laboured meaning that they worked to point of physical exhaustion. Not for 20 dollars an hour, but for the cause of Christ. It says they could not bear them which were evil. They practiced church discipline. I t says : and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: It was a spiritually discerning church. Verse 6 says that they couldn`t stand the works of the Nicolaitans 6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
Nicolaitanism is as we talked about the Roman Catholic Church the priest were the only ones allowed to read and interpret the scriptures. And so you had to rely on the priest to tell you what it meant. We have a lot of KJV believing preacher who are guilty of Nicolaitanism.
The church of Ephesus really appears to be a wonderful church, what in the world could be wrong with them. Well, God said there was something wrong with it. They were deficient in their devotion, but they were diligent in their duty. They were rigid in precept but they were routine in performance. They had they had they head of a fundamentalist. They dotted their eyes and crossed their "t`s". Theologically correct. But they had a heart of a liberal. It is a matter of a cold heart.
Matthew 4 17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say: Do penance, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
From that time, according to the Roman Catholic Church, Jesus began to preach and say do penance, for the kingdom of God is at hand. Now what is penance, in 1545 the Roman Catholic Church at the council of Trent said this: This is an Exact Quote "penance is as necessary for one who falls into sin after Baptism as Baptism is for those who have never been baptized. So what are they saying, a Roman Catholic would go into the booth and name his sins to the priest. The priest would grant absolution from those sins. The confessor walking away from the both would have the satisfaction that those sins had been forgiven because the priest had said your sins be forgiven. that work of satisfaction is called the work of penance. Do you know that many times it involves doing bodily harm to one self. There are those who will lock their self in a room and they will take a whip and mutilate their body thinking that God is going to be pleased with that. But that is Religion. That is not repentance. Please allow me to refresh your memory of my stand on this based on the great commission. Now what I am saying is this, and this is from the KJV, that what we have read in Luke 24:46-48 is just as much of the great commission as what we commonly read in Mathew 28:19,20. So; if this is the great commission, then it necessitates that the doctrine of repentance must be included as we preach the word of God among all nations. And if a person does not include the message of repentance, then he is not fulfilling the great commission.

There are two letters difference between Christianity and Religion. Religion is spelled do. Christianity is spelled done. It has already been done. It was paid for at the cross at Calvary. The definition is not #1 remorse, or #2 reformation, or #3 religion.
The definition of repentance is simply to turning around. Consider this: Picture in your mind a man inside of a church building walking down the aisle to the alter and all the time he is walking he is swinging his arms saying, I`m going to hell, I`m going to hell, I`m going to hell... but when he reaches the alter, he turns around and heads back to his seat saying, I am going to heaven, I am going to heaven, I am going to heaven.... brothers and sisters that is repentance. IN the New testament the Greek word is used 61 times; meaning a change of mind: #1 about sin, #2 about self, and #3 about salvation.
First of all it involves the intellect or the mind. Now please consider this carefully, before you go out and tell someone to repent you need to tell them why they need to repent. you can`t just tell someone repent. You don`t do that. You have to tell them why. It must be impressed upon their minds that their sin nailed Jesus Christ to the cross. This is where the ten commandments come in. Galatians 3:24 says:
24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Romans 3;19,20 says:
19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
The first message that was preached after the cross was in Acts 2:38
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Peter preach repent and be baptized every one of you. Now consider this; before he told them to repent, he impressed upon their mind why they needed to repent. Peter said listen you were waiting for the messiah and he came and you tool a murderer and a thief by the name Barabbas and you let him go free and you put the Holy Spotless Son of God on the cross of Calvary you may have done it in ignorance but you`re guilty of the body and blood of Jesus Christ. Acts 2:37 says:
37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
Now here is what we have done many times, are kids grow up in Christian schools with theology in their head many times without a Christ in their heart. We have taught them the parent phrases; yes I am a sinner, yes Jesus died for me, yes I want him to come into my heart, and many times they go thru the whole scenario, never seeing themselves as a dirty filthy hell deserving sinner. Some of you have been reared in a Christian home, and your parents have made sure that you dress right, look right, and you put on all the appearances of a Christian. But you have never seen yourselves as a dirty filthy hell deserving sinner. The most difficult thing to do is to get someone to realize that they are a dirty filthy hell deserving sinner.
So #1 repentance involves the mind, # 2 in involves the emotions. There is an emotional involvement in repentance. But be cautious, you can`t rely on emotions alone. The classic example is found in Luke 18:10-14
10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. 13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Now get it He didn`t know nothing about the cross of Christ or the resurrection but he had a deep longing over his sin to get his to get it absolved. So he came to Jesus Christ God be merciful to me a sinner.
So #1 it involves the mind, #2 it involves the emotions, and #3 it involves the will. There must be a willingness. Deuteronomy 4:29-31 says:
29 But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. 30 When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice; 31 (For the LORD thy God is a merciful God he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.
Zechariah 1:3 says:
3 Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the LORD of hosts.
Most people stop one step short of salvation because they have a dominating sin in their life that they do not want to give up such as: In Memphis Tennessee; there was a house lying in rubble and ruin, a preacher went into the house and found a hippie fellow who was living in adultery with a girl, and the preacher urged him to be saved, and the guy told the preacher that he could not get saved, he said if I get saved I`ll have to give up my rock music, now the preacher hadn`t said one thing to the fellow about giving up the rock music but the man knew that rock music and Christianity were not compatible. The man said preacher if I get saved I`ll have to give up my marijuana, he said I don`t want to do that. He said if I get saved I`ll have to give up my girl friend. I don`t want to have to do that. I know I am living in adultery. The preacher said wouldn`t be wonderful to turn from sin have your sin forgiven and to come to Jesus Christ and be a new creature in Christ and know you`re going to heaven? He said preacher I am not willing. The preacher told him you know one day willing or not you will give up your sin. Three days later, he was in bed with his girlfriend smoking marijuana, the covers caught on fire, his girlfriend and he were burnt to ashes in the flames. Did he give up his marijuana? Sure he did. Did he give up his adultery? Sure he did. Too bad he wasn`t willing to give up sin as a life style and come to Christ and be forgiven.

There must be a willingness. No one can realize that he is a sinner until the Spirit of God shines a spot light on his soul. but when the Holy Spirit does that there must be a willingness. Sin is a lifestyle no longer do I want that lifestyle. In I Thessalonians 1:9 it says:
9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;
They turned to God from idols to serve the true and living God.
So #1, we have notice the definition of repentance. What it is and what it is not. Now consider #2 the imperative of repentance. Now follow me thru the (KJV) Bible and let me show you that the message of repentance has not been changed. That message is the same in every age. Who was the last of the Old Testament prophets? No, it was not Malachi. It was John The Baptist. In Matthew 3:1,2
1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, 2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
In Matthew 3:7,8
7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
Mark 1:4
4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

Who was the next major figure that came on the scene after John The Baptist? Jesus Christ.
Jesus did not come saying John said, but I say.
Jesus didn`t reconstruct Johns message. He preached the very same message that John the Baptist preached. Matthew 4:17
17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Matthew 9:13
13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Luke 10:13
13 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, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.
Luke 13:1-5 Jesus said twice, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish
1 There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? 3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
Okay you say but, that was on the other side of the cross.
The first Gospel message after the cross, preached by Peter in Acts 2:38
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
The second Gospel message after the cross, Acts 3:19,20
19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; 20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:
The Third Gospel message by Peter, Acts 5:31
31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
Okay so now you say, well Peter was the Apostle to the Jews. So his message to the Jews was to repent.
But Paul, was the Apostle to the Gentiles. Do you believe that Paul never preached repentance?
Consider this, Paul had just traveled thru the great cities of Athens, and past all the heathen Temples and he stood on Mars hill. Here were Greeks who worshiped their mind and their bodies. They were not Jews. And he stood there on Mars hill and point to where the woman had given themselves to there heathen Gods in immorality. And Paul said you know I have passed by one of your inscriptions and I say written on that idol to the unknown God. And Paul said you Greeks don`t even know who you are worshiping. Paul said I want to tell you about a God that you can know and that you can worship.
Come with me to Acts 17:30
30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
Now get it: all men every where to repent
Acts 20:21
21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
Repentance is not a Jewish message, it is a universal message. Unless you have repented, you have never been saved.
We have #1 considered the definition of repentance, #2 we have notice the imperative of repentance, and #3 consider the subjects of repentance.
First he commands the sinners to repent. Isaiah 55:6,7
6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
Ezekiel 33:11
11 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise. He is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. whether you have committed adultery, a blasphemer, pornographer or any manner of wickedness, he wants you. And thou your sins be as scarlet he wants to make them as white as snow. however if you do not repent you will burn in Hell forever.
Two brothers were convicted of stealing sheep in a Mid-western town many years ago. Their punishment was they were taken to the town square. And branded on their forehead "ST" for sheep thief. It would be on their head all of their life. One of the brothers could not stand the reproach the stamp of "ST" brought to him. So he decided to run as far away as he could from his home. But everywhere he went his reproach followed him. Finally in despair he took his own life. The other brother said you can run away if you want to, but this is what I`m going to do. He said; I am going to stay in this town and I am going to live such an exemplary life until what day people will look at that "ST" and forget what it is all about, and he did. Many years ago when he was an old man; still had the "ST" on his forehead. A visitor came to town, and he noticed the old man with the "ST" on his forehead. And he came to one of the town people he asked what did the "ST" mean that was branded on the old man`s forehead? The town person replied , there was a story about that years ago, but could not remember what that story was. the towns person said I have watch that old man for years and I expect that "ST" stand for saved.
The Bible calls that justification. God takes a sinner and write saved to his account. He takes the harlot and writes pure to her account. He takes a thief and writes honest to his account. He commands the sinners to repent. There is room at the cross for you, but are you willing.
Finally, he commands the saints to repent. So was the last word that Jesus spoke to the church was the Great Commission? No it wasn`t.
The last word that Jesus Christ spoke to the church was, repent.
Revelation 2 & 3 You will find that in 5 of his 7 churches, his command is to repent or else. If 5 of 7 churches need to repent. Is it possible 5 out 7 Christians reading this post need to repent.
Please follow me to Revelation 2:1-5

1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; 2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. 4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. 6
Do you know what the name Ephesus means? It means desirable. This church was not only desirable in its name but it was desirable in its nature. There is a seven fold accommodation given to this local church. The number 7 the number of completion and perfection. This was a complete church. Twice it says that they laboured meaning that they worked to point of physical exhaustion. Not for 20 dollars an hour, but for the cause of Christ. It says they could not bear them which were evil. They practiced church discipline. I t says : and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: It was a spiritually discerning church. Verse 6 says that they couldn`t stand the works of the Nicolaitans 6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
Nicolaitanism is as we talked about the Roman Catholic Church the priest were the only ones allowed to read and interpret the scriptures. And so you had to rely on the priest to tell you what it meant. We have a lot of KJV believing preacher who are guilty of Nicolaitanism.
The church of Ephesus really appears to be a wonderful church, what in the world could be wrong with them. Well, God said there was something wrong with it. They were deficient in their devotion, but they were diligent in their duty. They were rigid in precept but they were routine in performance. They had they had they head of a fundamentalist. They dotted their eyes and crossed their "t`s". Theologically correct. But they had a heart of a liberal. It is a matter of a cold heart.

WOW, brother Strickland that looks like a good sermon,
I'll read the whole thing when I get a chance.
just kidding brother, God bless...

[chette777]

Good replies and glad to see some civility in these posts amongst those who disagree.

I know God knows are mental makeup. and seeing that we all know we are saved often men's minds are the grounds of fertile thinking. If anything is good about coming to God with our faults and sins is to help our minds deal with the facts we are struggling and growing. Men need their bouncing board and for Christians rather than it be our wives or workmates God is the best one to go to.

I don't see it so much as confession for forgiveness, though we may confess, it is more for our own mental health and growth in Christ's image. those things are daily and we are to participate. so I see it a a good practice and as we put more and more of God's word together on this I think we will learn that God is not against it as far as we are dealing with the issue of growth and not with the issue of Salvation. It is more about getting to a place where we are contrite and broken so we can put on more of Christ and put off more of ourselves.

[Denny]

I also voted yes. We should confess our sins to God, another way to put it would be to repent of ask God to forgive us. Although we who are truly Christians are under the blood of Jesus Christ. The scripture that come to mind is Rom.6:15 "What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid."

Denny

[Forrest]

Originally Posted by Denny

I also voted yes. We should confess our sins to God, another way to put it would be to repent of ask God to forgive us. Although we who are truly Christians are under the blood of Jesus Christ. The scripture that come to mind is Rom.6:15 "What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid."

Denny

Greetings Brother Denny. Although I am in total agreement that we should repent from sins and turn to Christ, I'm not really seeing Romans 6:15 as instruction for us to confess our sins. This verse simply tells the believer he/she should not use "grace" as a divine permission slip to go forth and sin freely.

[chette777]

Forrest,

since I started this thread I have prayerfully considered things that you shared and your book Putting away childish things, I must say they have helped me to walk more in Grace and I am more grateful for what Christ has done for me.

What do you think of this verse? I place the Book of James as transitional from Church Age to Kingdom age spanning the Great Tribulation. there is lots for application in James but little I would form Major Doctrine on.

James 5:16 Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.