Is Repentance Necessary for Salvation?

In these dark times of great apostasy Satan has certainly been working overtime to deceive the masses. The devil has largely succeeded in blinding multitudes of professing Christians with a certain teaching that has infiltrated a large number of evangelical churches. I am referring to the belief that one does not need to turn away from their sinful lifestyle to be right with God; a teaching that says one only needs to "believe” in Christ and His finished work on the cross. It is a clever deception which sounds good. It sounds good at surface level because the Bible does teach that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ and not by works(Rom.3:28; Eph.2:8-9; Gal.2:16). The devil has taken that truth and twisted it to mean something that God never intended, namely, that one can be a true born again Christian while living a lifestyle of willful, habitual, unrepentant sin. Yet God’s Word clearly warns us about that kind of false teaching(Jude1:3-4). This teaching is sometimes called "easy-believism” or "cheap grace”.

God’s Word is crystal clear that both repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ are necessary for salvation(Acts 20:21;Mk. 1:15). Jesus said, "but unless you repent you will all likewise perish”(Lk.13:5). Acts 3:19 declares, "Repent therefore and be converted, so that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.”

There are multitudes who sit in our churches week after week who claim to know the Lord who have not truly repented of their sins against God. They have bought into a lie which has told them that God only requires for them to give "mental assent" to the sacrifice of Christ as payment for their sins. They are not sorry for their sins but are very comfortable in them and are not willing to depart from them with God's help. Jesus will tell many of these people, "depart from Me, for I never knew you, you who practice lawlessness"-Matt.7:23.

True biblical faith in Christ is always accompanied by true repentance, which involves a change of mind about our behavior which offends God. It begins in the mind and heart just like trusting in Christ's finished work begins in the mind and heart.

Those who promote "easy-believism” would have us think that when the Bible mentions the command to repent it is referring only to a change of mind about trusting in one’s own works or goodness for salvation, without any reference to any change of behavior. However, while biblical repentance does include a change of mind about trusting in one's own works for salvation, it also includes a change of mind about the way one has been living in open rebellion against God.

True repentance begins with an awakening to the dilemma of our sins against God like never before. It begins with a godly sorrow over our sins. We realize that we have turned our back on God all our lives after all of His mercy and goodness toward us. We begin to hunger and thirst for righteousness(being right with God and pleasing Him) as Jesus spoke of in the sermon on the mount(Matt.5:6). We are willing to do whatever God commands us to do in order to be in right standing with Him. We realize that we cannot continue to live the way we have been living, doing what is right in our own eyes.

At first the true believer may try to turn from sin in his/her own strength and soon realizes that he/she is too weak in the battle over sin. We soon learn that it is Christ in us and the Holy Spirit that enable us to overcome sin and temptation, not we ourselves in our own strength. And we learn immediately that Jesus Christ has paid the penalty for all of our sins and that we are saved by God's grace(undeserved favor), so we look to Christ alone for salvation, not to our efforts to please God. We also realize that we cannot be perfect in this life even though we sincerely desire to please God in all things. We learn that God does not expect us to be perfect in this life in order to be in right standing with Him, but He does expect us to hate sin and confess and forsake it continually with His help. We heartily embrace God's command to strive for holiness in the fear of God(2Cor.7:1; Heb.12:14).

Again, true faith in Christ will accompany true repentance which involves a turning from sin. James 2:20 tells us that faith without works is dead faith, it is not genuine saving faith. We cannot have friendship with our sins if we are to be right with God. We cannot justify our sinful lifestyle and expect to have the forgiveness of our sins. We must be broken over our sins and cry out to God for His mercy and deliverance from sin’s bondage. We must agree with God and hate our sin like He does. That is not trusting in our works but simply believing what God has said about sin and obeying His command to repent and trust Christ. Repentance(a sorrow which entails a change of mind and behavior) and faith in Christ are the two channels through which we humbly receive God's free gift of salvation. They are not works that earn salvation for us.

The following are some Scriptures that warn us about being deceived into thinking we can live a lifestyle of willful, habitual, sinful behavior and still be right with God.

"But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death”-Revelation 21:8.

"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God"-1Cor.6:9-10(see also 1Cor.5 whole chapter)

"Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God"-Gal.5:19-21

"But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; 4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them."-Ephesians 5:3-7

"Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. 5 And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. 6 Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him."-1John 3:4-6

"Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. 8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God"-1John3:5-9

"Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them"-Acts 14:15

"but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance."-Acts 26:20

"For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God"-1Thessalonians 1:9

"Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon."-Isaiah 55:7

"Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord God: "Repent, turn away from your idols, and turn your faces away from all your abominations."-Ezekiel 14:6

"Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways,” says the Lord God. "Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin."-Ezekiel 18:30

And then there is Revelation 2:23: "And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works."

This concept is demonstrated throughout the entire book of Revelation. One cannot say this idea is an OT one, that we live in grace and lifestyle is irrelevant.

I fear for those who live with this belief of easy-believism - imagine the horror they will experience when they find out they did not have their sins under the blood come judgment day.

Where does repentance come form?

Acts 5:31 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.

2 Timothy 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

What is repentance for?

Acts 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Who leads us into repentance?

Ephesians 2:1-22 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 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. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Tearing down this wall and giving us His Spirit making us one new man. He, Jesus Christ that is birthed in us is the One that leads to repentance. I of myself can repent of nothing, Only by the Christ that is birthed in us can we repent and do the good deeds God has built together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

If we are in Christ, repentance is of Him and we are the work being finished in Him, unto repentance.

Galatians 2:19-21 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Being made perfect in Christ is the only path to true repentance.

Who makes us perfect?

Colossians 1:26-29 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

In Christ repenting by His strength and His working in me mightily:

No one can be saved or repent unless it is of God.

Phillip

Hi Christinyou

good post.

I will add

Whom is called to repent??

all men every where

Act 17
24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
25 Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;
26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:
28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.
30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth (all men) every where to repent

Hi Oracio,
Repentance is required for Salvation but....
I was saved and I am being saved and I will be saved when Christ comes or I die.
Turning to Christ and accepting him as Saviour is repentance.
Most brothers n sisters(i realize I am generalizing) I thread with on SI believe in post trib, hyper persecution ,ten shekels and a shirt type Christianity,they believe wrongly in my opinion in an un biblical term called "cheap grace" which is the same as easy belierverism.
I think most brothers/sisters who believe this way are very genuine but their end time view is normally reflected in the hardness they have towards Christians who are at a different stage of development or are immature.
I also think their views are a reaction to the crazy tv evangelist,blab n grab it false teaching that has been going on for the last few decades.I totally understand the fustration however God does have a plan for these Christians caught up in the world.Paul did the things(sins)he did not want to.What happens if on the last day of Paul's life he sinned and did not repent!You see where is the cut off?I understand the true concern you have for these people but I would be pleasantly surprized if you do not hold to at least one of the beliefs outlined,
yours staff

The answer is yes and always yes and we know this is a necessary and essential component not only of salvation but also of the continued sanctification which accompanies the new life. The question preceding the posted question should be what is true repentance? It should not be without fear and trembling that Saints would join this thread for all are accountable in this process that God uses to conform his children.

For every original of great worth, there is the counterfeit. There is both a counterfeiter who creates the copy and the one who is deceived by the copy. The deceived is willing to pay even a great sum for what they are led into believing is true. Cheap easy believism, the cheap gospel, the false gospel, the partial gospel, the man centered gospel, and every other phrase or term identifying it will have enough of the original that it can be passed off as the real thing. So much so, that even the copy gains a much greater popularity than the original by virtue of the sheer number possessing it.

With such a vast number of those who have been deceived into buying the copy, the copy will come to redefine the work of the original for now the copy has become the standard. The fake's inferior paint will not hold its color over time. The canvass will deteriorate and not stand the test of the years. Even the technique and stroke of the con artist will now define how men will recognize the master. So what was the previous standard by which all things were measured and judged, is usurped by the new criteria formed by and based on the imposter and his counterfeit. It will change everything yet maintain a close semblance to the original.

What was The Good News, repentance, worship, regeneration, sanctification, the testimony of the changed life, baptism, communion, the gifts, the priesthood of the believer, prayer, discipline, evangelism, faith, confession, etc..... will all have to be redefined through doctrines born in hell. Scripture will have to be seen in a new light or rather an old darkness. To those who have bought into the work of the fraud, their only hope is to know the True Artist so that they can value His work alone. Then and only then will they come to recognize the fraudulent works of the deceiver. May his works be exposed.

Hi staff,
You wrote, "I was saved and I am being saved and I will be saved when Christ comes or I die."

If you are referring to the process of sanctification where we continually repent, confessing and forsaking our sins, I completely agree with you.

You also wrote, "Turning to Christ and accepting him as Saviour is repentance."

I would also agree with you there if you mean to say turning from sin to Christ is repentance. My concern is that Satan has used terms like the one you used to get multitudes of professing Christians to believe in easy-believism. Many pastors are afraid to preach on God's command for all men to turn from their wicked ways. The Gospel has been largely watered down. I am convinced we need more John the Baptist style preachers these days because of so much apostasy and deception.

Also, there is another aspect to this false teaching which says one can have Christ as Saviour without having Him as Lord of their lives. I tell you that is straight from the pit.

You also wrote, "Most brothers n sisters(i realize I am generalizing) I thread with on SI believe in post trib, hyper persecution ,ten shekels and a shirt type Christianity,they believe wrongly in my opinion in an un biblical term called "cheap grace" which is the same as easy belierverism.
I think most brothers/sisters who believe this way are very genuine but their end time view is normally reflected in the hardness they have towards Christians who are at a different stage of development or are immature"

I will have to apologize for my slowness because I'm not exactly sure what you mean there. Many true believers hold to different end-time views but it does not affect their salvation. I have met many on-fire-for-God true believers that hold to various end-time views. Also, I'm not sure how holding to a view of "hyper persectuion or ten shekels and a shirt" type of Christianity would equal "cheap grace".

I would agree with you that in those matters we should show each other much grace and patience and acceptance, for they are matters that are not essential to salvation.

You also wrote, "I totally understand the fustration however God does have a plan for these Christians caught up in the world."

I would hope that you mean to say that these "Christians" are false Christians, since God's Word warns us over and over about that kind of deception. A true Christian may struggle with a certain sin but he/she will not be comfortable with it or try to justify it. There is a difference between struggling or battling with sin and comfortably running to and justifying sin.

Good article. I want to share this message that I heard from SI recently of Brother Zac Poonen that blessed me so much.

'Repent first ' http://media.sermonindex.net/24/SID24330.mp3

Hi Sree, thank you so much for sharing that link. I too was really blessed by that message! Zac Poonen gives many great insights on repentance in that message!

Hi Oracio,
My apologies on looking at the way i Wrote that Paragraph I can see its confusing let me rephrase:
"Most brothers n sisters(i realize I am generalizing) I thread with on SI believe in post trib, hyper persecution ,ten shekels and a shirt type Christianity.
They use in my opinion un biblical term called "cheap grace" which is the same as easy belierverism(which is the opposite of the above)to describe Christians that have still attachment to the world of a sinful nature.
What I mean is that the bible teaches being under grace or not under grace,its one or the other but no such term as cheap grace.
No I dont see them as false Christians(once they have accepted Jesus as Saviour and are indwelt with his Spirit)I do see them as "prodigal sons and daughters" that are involved wrongly with sin for a season or seasons and are Christians acting falsely.I do think that God has a "John The Baptist" type plan for these people.He doesnt give up the way we do.It is very difficult to distinguish between a Christian struggling/battling with sin and a false Christian.I am not saying their are no false Christians(people who have no revelation of Jesus but attend bible believing Churches and have all the bells and whistles of Pentecostal Christianity as a learned behaviour)
Jesus waits to kill the fatted calf for his prodigals and robe them with a royal robe.
Paris Reidhead was as (far as I can remember)around fifteen years a born again spirit filled Christian before he became to believe what he writes about in "ten shekels".
It can take time before we become what the father wants us to be,
blessings staff

Absolutely..

Peter puts it like this.

'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'.
(KJV)

this applies to both pentecost, but also the indwelling presence of God or, as we put put today, being born again.

Matt 3 v 1-2

In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

& v 5-6

Then Jerusalem, all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,went out to him and were baptized of him in the Jordan, confessing their sins. (KJV)

also Acts 17 v 28-31

28 for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’ 29 Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising. 30 Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, 31 because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.” (KJV)

the list goes on and on.

If repentance is given by God and Faith is given by God to believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and Life is given by the Life of Christ in the believer, Then salvation depends upon God and His Grace which He also gives with Faith to believe.

If all is given by God, when are we to repent and what are we to repent of? The only repentance I see is turning to Christ, turning away from death and turning to Christ the Life God has birthed in us, making us son's of God. Then if we sin God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins when we humbly confess sin in our lives. Overcoming sin by the power of the risen Christ and the Holy Spirit quickening and revealing Christ in us and also revealing sin that we might confess and be cleansed from all unrighteousness.

2 Timothy 2:24-26 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; (((((if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;))))) And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

Galatians 2:16-21 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and (((((the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God,))))) who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

I do not frustrate the Grace of God by repenting in the righteousness of the Law, for repentance has already been given me to believe and enter into the new life, Satan out and Christ in with the Father and the Holy Spirit all Three in One in me.

Now repentance flows in me unto the righteousness of Christ that now lives in me. Now as at first I believe I am a sinner, but much more now repentance takes me into the greater things of Christ and my salvation by the Holy Spirit power in me.

Hebrews 6:1-3 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit.

Repentance is one of God's great gifts but it is not a requirement for The Grace of God giving Christ to those that are His which He bought and paid for on the Cross, those whom only one was lost, "Judas".

By Grace through Faith which is not of ourselves we now rejoice in our repentance which flows from the gift of God and the life of Christ through His Cross and precious blood, payment in full.

To the knowledge of the truth We may learn from this what is the actual repentance we have received, who for a time were all disobedient to God; for Paul declares that it begins with "the knowledge of the truth," "peradventure", that God give repentance to whom He wills, not by mans repentance that the understanding of man is blinded, so long as it stands out fiercely against God and his doctrine. He can only receive repentance and salvationn by the Hand of God, by His mercy and Grace through faith given to believe in the truth.

In Christ; Phillip

I like the way you see the book, or hold to the teachings in the book. I would be happy to hear you preach, so maybe you should.

Maybe get some prayer support and take gentle steps forward looking of a leading of some sort and in the meantime gather some friends and start sharing together if you are not doing so already.

You will be hated for his name sake, in the name is the character just as in the old testament. The character of God will bring persecution and from our own ranks first but keep going. I also liked your comment on the bride preparing herself, look into that.

There are others who also deserve encouragement.

Kind regards Oskar.

Yes Oracio,

I believe Repentance is absolutely a must for salvation.

It is the Grace of God,...His Devine inffluence upon our heart,drawing us to Himself,...showing us that we are lost sinners,In need of a Saviour,...lost and undone.

Mt.3:3,(where John the Baptist came preaching)
...,Repent;for the kingdom of heaven is AT HAND,....prepare ye the WAY of The Lord. (Lord: meaning,one who is ruling in our life)
,..make His PATHS straight".... we were WALKING on a crooked path of our own choosing / our way, but now;repent,." Repent : a turning from our old way and go toward the Lord...Go in the WAY that He will led us.

( seeking the kingdom of God ) ..(what would Thou have for me to do Lord?)

Jesus said," I Am the WAY," .....which is through His Truth,..so that
we may / can have Life.....His life flowing from us.

V 7 ,But when he (John) saw the Pharisees ( Pharisees: pretenders,actors)
and the Saddusees come to the baptism,he said unto them,O generation of vipers,who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
V 8,..Bring forth,therefore fruits [ befitting] [meet for] repentance.

V10 ,..And now also the axe is laid unto THE ROOT of the trees;therefore,every tree which bringth not forth GOOD FRUIT is hewn down,and cast into the fire.

(Now, in our old walk/ flesh, ,did we have good fruits? )..and when we turn
around / repent,doesn't He start working these fruits in us: ...?

Gal.5:22," But the fruit of the Spirit is love,joy,peace,long-suffering,
Gentleness,goodness,faith,meekness,self-control;...
V24,..and they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections
and lusts.

Lovingly always,
elizabert

Elibeth wrote

"I believe Repentance is absolutely a must for salvation."

Is this repentance pre or post the salvation of the believer being birthed by the incorruptible Seed of the Father, Jesus Christ, "Christ in you the hope of glory".

In Christ: Phillip

///Is this repentance pre or post the salvation of the believer being birthed by the incorruptible Seed of the Father, Jesus Christ, "Christ in you the hope of glory".///

'I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.'

repentance toward God is what initiates salvation, this repentance unto life is granted from God.

edit. for clarity

Philip,
You ask :
" Is this repentance per or post the salvation of the believer being birthed
By the incorruptible Seed of the Father,Jesus Christ. "Christ in you,the hope of glory"

Actually I have never considered it.

But I believe in repentance in the beginning (pre) and a continual attitude of repentance.

( I do know, that the Word says," except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish" .

So, for that order,..to save us from perishing,repent must come first.

I had wrote up about coming to The Lord,in step form,...lost it one time and canceled it the next,thinking not to do that.

Sorry, I wish I could answer more satisfactory.

Sincerely,
elizabeth

Some people do not like to hear much of repentance; but I think it is so necessary that if I should die in the pulpit, I would desire to die preaching repentance, and if out of the pulpit I would desire to die practicing it.

~Matthew Henry~

The Christian who has stopped repenting has stopped growing.

~A. W. Pink~