SEMESTER 5
365 – The Articles of Faith Concerning Repentance and Faith
BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE
COURSE: ECCLESIOLOGY V LESSON # 65
CHURCH COVENANT AND ARTICLES OF FAITH – CONCERNING REPENTANCE AND FAITH
Read: Acts 20:17-27
INTRODUCTION:
1. Here, Paul describes the entire direction of his ministry.
2. Summary, “Repentance toward God and faith toward Jesus Christ.”
3. What is faith and repentance and where does it come from?
4. Why are they necessary and how are they identified?
5. This article identifies and delineates faith and repentance.
I. REPENTANCE AND FAITH ARE SOLEMN OBLIGATIONS
1. Both repentance and faith are absolutely necessary to salvation.
i. Repent or perish. (Mark 1:15, Acts 17:30, Luke 13:5)
ii. Believe or be condemned. (Joh. 3:16, 18, 5:24)
2. Paul preached this responsibility and so must we.
II. REPENTANCE AND FAITH ARE ALSO INSEPARABLE GRACES
1. The inseparability of these two aids in their identity.
III:Neither of these in its true form can exist alone.
2. Repentance is a change of mind, or actually the heart, toward God, which results in a change of conduct.
3. Faith is true and final resting in the atonement of Christ.
4. These are graces, not works, you cannot initiate them, you only exercise them as they are given.
III. THEY ARE WROUGHT IN OUR SOULS BY THE HOLY SPIRIT
1. This is done in the work of quickening. (Eph. 2:1)
2. The works of calling and quickening form faith and repentance. (Gal. 1:13-16)
3. Not human acts, but states of the soul which we experience.
IV. WHAT ARE THE DISPOSITIONS THIS STATE OF SOUL IMPARTS?
1. Conviction of guilt, danger and helplessness. (Repentance)
2. Persuasion that Christ is the way of life. (Faith)
V. WHAT IS THE EFFECT OF THIS QUICKENING WORK?
1. We turn to God with unfeigned contrition.
2. We confess our sin and appeal to God for mercy.
3. We heartily receive Christ as our Lord.
4. We trust Him as our all sufficient Savior.