#59 - What About Repentance?

In this podcast Charlie answers the question, "What about repentance?"  What does repentance mean?  You might be surprised!

One of the reasons for this discussion is that repentance, and its role in salvation, tends to be a controversial subject. Should we preach it more or less? What should we say when presenting the gospel. Do we understand what we're saying and can we explain each word?

You've probably heard from many preachers and evangelists their invitations where they say that in order to be saved you must "turn from your sins, from your self efforts and receive Christ alone as savior and Lord."  Others say that you must "repent of your sins and ask forgiveness in order to be saved." Still others note that "you must turn from every sin before receiving Christ" (In other words clean yourself up before you come to the cross). Another says that, "if you don't give up your sin after you repent that your repentance must have not been real." and "Thus the call resounds, is there genuine faith?" (In other words, clean yourself up after you come to the cross to prove you were saved).

As believers we've heard this language all our lives but it raises some questions. If we are required to repent of our sins, which sins must I repent from in order to be saved? How many must I repent from? What about the ones I can't think of right now, or can't recall? How do I know when enough is enough and where is that line drawn? Must I also change my conduct?  How sorry must I be?

So we'll take a look at the word repentance in this podcast and also relate it to faith and grace. We'll look at the confusion and take a look at the details. Warning: theology discussion ahead.