The Application of Salvation
Faith and Repentance
The Response of the Renewed Heart
Description
Faith and repentance are the twin graces by which we respond to the gospel. They are inseparable—there is no true faith without repentance, no genuine repentance without faith. Faith is not merely intellectual assent but wholehearted trust in Christ alone for salvation. It is the empty hand that receives the gift of righteousness. Repentance is a change of mind that leads to a change of life—turning from sin to God. Both faith and repentance are gifts of God, not human achievements. We are saved by grace through faith, and that not of ourselves; it is the gift of God. God grants repentance unto life. These graces flow from regeneration—the new heart believes and repents.
Key Verses
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.
When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake.
And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.