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. ~ Ephesians 2:8-9

You may be surprised to learn that this is a resurrection statement that has to do with new life in Christ.

That’s right, Ephesians 2:8-9 is a resurrection verse. Allow me to prove it to you by examining with me, the context and flow of thought in which these words are said. Let’s begin with verse 15 of the previous chapter because chapter 2 begins in mid thought of what is already being said.

Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places …

Now let’s pause for just a moment and notice the words in bold. Paul is praying for the Ephesians to have revelation of the exceeding greatness of God’s power towards us who believe. And this power is according to the working of his mighty power, which he demonstrated in Christ, when he raised him from the dead.

Notice that Paul’s emphasis is believing on the One who raised Jesus from the dead. Paul uses this same language elsewhere in his letters as well.

But for us also, to whom it (righteousness) shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead… ~ Romans 4:24

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. ~ Romans 10:9

Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. ~ Colossians 2:12

Now, certainly we are to have faith in Jesus because the New Testament speaks often of faith in Christ. However, I want to specifically point out that Paul expressively speaks of the work that God accomplished in raising Christ from the dead. This work of God is the context of the saved by grace statements in Ephesians.

Paul not only wants us to know what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, but Paul adds: and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, which is a point of emphasis in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians.

Let’s continue:

Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. And you hath he quickened (made alive), who were dead in trespasses and sins…

Notice that Paul first speaks of Christ being raised from the dead and now he says, And you hath he quickened (made alive), who were dead in trespasses and sins. In Christ Jesus, the one who believes has been made alive from being dead in his trespasses and sins. This is the grace by which we are saved. It is being made alive and raised to new life in Christ out of sin and death! 

Let’s continue.

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 (lifestyle) 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:

Did you notice that? Look at it again: Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)…

Let me say it again, the grace by which we are saved is specifically referring to being made alive with Christ out of being dead in our trespasses and sins.

Let’s continue:

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.

How often do we fixate on the part that says, not of works? This is especially emphasized by those who embrace doctrines such as Free Grace theology and use this verse as an eternal life insurance policy. Notice that Paul first says, not of yourselves. It is not of ourselves because we were all dead in our trespasses and sins. It is God who gives us life, thus it cannot be of ourselves.

In Galatians Paul drawing a distinction between the righteousness that is in Christ Jesus and the righteousness which comes by the works of the law says, Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. ~ Galatians 3:21

The issue of being saved by grace and justified by faith is an issue of being raised to new life in Christ from our old life of being dead in sins. This is why it is such an insult to the truth of God when Christians choose to believe that they can have a moment of belief and go on sinning and still have the blessing of eternal life in God’s Kingdom after they die.

Notice again what Paul says in 2:2-3, 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 (lifestyle) 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.

There are some Christians, and Christian ministers that will argue that you can go on living according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, and in the lusts of our flesh, and maintain eternal security. In fact Ephesians 2:8-9 is one of the “go -to” texts they’ll cite to defend this view, yet the saving grace that Paul is referring to has raised us up with Christ out of such living!

Now notice what Paul says right after telling us that we are saved by grace (which is being made alive together with Christ and seated with him in heavenly places).

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. ~ v.10

Now let’s take a moment and consider this verse in view of being made alive with Christ. Paul says we are God’s workmanship. This is a reference to the exceeding greatness of his power that Paul prays that the Ephesians would know. Now, I want you to notice what follows: created in Christ Jesus unto good works.

We are created in Christ Jesus for the purpose of good works. These two (created in Christ Jesus and good works) are inseparable. If you are in Christ Jesus, if you have been given new life in Christ, you are created anew in Christ, by God, for good works. Now, I want you to see what is said next and pay close attention to the word in bold.

…which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

The good works that Paul is referring to are not religious observances. He’s talking about a Christ-like life that we are to walk in. This is the opposite of walking according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, and fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind.

Now consider Paul’s words from Colossians 3.

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him… ~ Colossians 3:1-3

Notice the language of being risen with Christ and putting off the sins of the flesh that we once walked in. Paul’s words are not merely a suggestion for good Christian living which have no bearing on one’s salvation. They are the teachings of saving grace. In Titus 2, Paul tells us that saving grace teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lust and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world.

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. ~ Titus 2:11-14

Paul then tells Titus, These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee. ~ v. 15

Now, I could keep going because there are more scriptures to cover, but I want to say something now that I would urge you to consider. I have notice that many Christians have a very unhealthy understanding of the meaning of the finished work of Christ. Typically they will say something like this:

I am saved because of the finished work of Christ. There is nothing I can do to add or take away from Christ’s finished work. I simply receive it by faith and I am saved. It doesn’t matter how I live, godly or sinful because my works cannot save me. My salvation is eternally secure because I have the promise of eternal life.

This way of thinking has gotten so out of hand that there are some Pastors who now teach against repentance of sin, and some Christians are argue for their version of grace from the position of the freedom to sin. Yet Paul says to the Romans, Shall we continue to sin that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we who are dead to sin live any longer therein? ~ Romans 1:1-2

Allow me to be abundantly clear, the finished work of Christ is the work of redemption in Christ which God completed through his death, burial, and resurrection. When Jesus uttered the words “it is finished” from the cross, he was referring to the work God sent him to accomplish. If you will simply follow all the references in the Gospel of John where Jesus speaks of the work that the Father sent him to accomplish, this comes abundantly clear.

The finished work of redemption in Christ was not yet complete when Jesus died on the cross, for if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. ~ 1 Corinthians 15:17

The finish work of redemption in Christ includes his death, burial, and resurrection along with his exaltation at the right hand of God. The resurrection isn’t just about coming out of the tomb, it’s also about being exalted victoriously at the right hand of God. And when God raised us up together with Christ and seated us with Christ in heavenly places, it wasn’t only about giving us life from sin and death. It was about victory over sin and the powers of darkness which previously held us captive.

For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ. ~ Romans 5:17

Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son… ~ Colossians 1:12-13

We are victorious over the power of sin because of God’s grace.

For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. ~ Romans 6:10-15

Whenever anyone argues that they can go on sinning and not lose their salvation because of grace through the finished work of Christ, they are contradicting the teachings of scripture and practicing hypocrisy. In Titus, Paul speaks of those who profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. ~ Titus 1:16

When a person is saved by the grace of God, they are given a new heart and a new spirit, and they become the temple of God’s Holy Spirit, so that they can now walk in new life bearing fruit for the glory of our Father in Heaven.

The evidence of true faith in the finished work of Christ is that the same God who raised Jesus from the dead, has raised us up with him, and now lives in us to give us victory over the old life he redeemed us out of.

Those who are saved by grace ought to be living by the grace that saved them.

I was saved on a Thursday evening, April 3, 1980 after hearing Billy Graham preach the gospel. I did not know what words to pray. I waited in hopes that there would be someone to lead the viewing audience in a salvation prayer before the broadcast concluded. I was 14 years old at the time, and had been raised in church, but did not know how to pray for salvation. All I knew is that I was a sinner and headed to hell. The Holy Spirit gripped my heart with holy fear concerning my lost condition. 

Once there was no prayer for the viewing audience to pray for salvation, I got up out of the chair I was sitting in, went to my bedroom, closed the door, and got down on my knees and surrendered my life to Jesus the best I knew how. I cried out for forgiveness.

I prayed in response to the conviction I was under, forgive me, forgive, forgive me. I may have asked Jesus to save me or come into my heart, but I don’t remember if I said those exact words. I do know I cried out for forgiveness. The important thing is not the exact words, but my obedience to the Holy Spirit’s conviction that I was lost in sin and needed Jesus to save me.

I came to Jesus just as I am. I knew that Jesus was the Savior and I was coming to him to be saved. I can still remember the cleansing I felt in my soul. I was saved!

As I laid in the bed that night (I had to go to school the next day), I was clean, forgiven, and Jesus was my Lord. That was where my walk with God began. To hear anyone undermine the importance of repentance (as I am hearing from some Pastors), troubles me. One minister referred to repentance as a false response to the gospel. This same minister claimed that the phrase “repent of or from your sins” is never found in the Bible.

The phrase “repent of your sins” may not be in the Bible, but repenting of sins is! Consider the following:

Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord God. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. ~ Ezekiel 18:30

Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord God; Repent, and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations. ~ Ezekiel 14:6

Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. ~ Acts 8: 22

For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults: And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed. ~ 2 Corinthians 12: 20-21

And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts. ~ Revelation 20: 9-20-21

Repentance happens when the heart is humbled by the convicting power of the Holy Spirit. Repentance doesn’t happen when the heart resists the conviction of the Holy Spirit. The more, the heart resists the conviction of the Holy Spirit, the more the heart becomes hardened by sin (see Hebrews 3:7-14).

Now consider the following parable from Jesus.

And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 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. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. 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. 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. ~ Luke 18:9-14

Jesus said the publican who prayed, God be merciful to me a sinner, went home justified.

Let that sink in! The Bible teaches us that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble, and it is grace that saves the sinner. The gospel, when preached correctly, humbles the hearer, and if we don’t have humility when we come to Christ, we’ll not leave his presence changed. The night I was saved, the Holy Spirit awakened humility in my heart by his conviction that I was lost and needed Jesus. 

At that point, it really did not matter what words I would have said, what mattered is that I turned my heart to the Lord, in humility, and trusted in Jesus. That’s what I did when I cried out the only way I knew how to pray, and that was “forgive me!” Thank God I knew from having been in church most of my life, that Jesus forgives sins.

Those who humble themselves need not fear, if they prayed with the correct words. I know from my own experience that some can struggle with this, because I did. Not long after I was saved, the tempter came and suggested to me that I had not prayed the right words, and this truly scared me as a young teenager, even though I knew I had been changed in my heart by the grace of God.

At that time in my life, I didn’t know the Bible like I do today, but Satan attempted to rob me of the assurance of my salvation. God is not a machine that only responds to the right words, He is a living God who responds to the thoughts and intents of our heart. Jesus knew I was praying to be saved in response to the gospel message I had heard, and he saved me because it was he who died for me, and his Spirit who was convicting me.

I am concerned that there are people who have been taught that they only need to “believe” but have never felt the conviction of the Holy Spirit grip their heart. The Holy Spirit’s conviction is the missing component in some of the new doctrines about salvation, such as free grace theology.

When the Holy Spirit convicts a person to come to Christ, he’s not attempting to persuade them into a decisional of moment of belief. The Holy Spirit’s conviction is a call to follow Christ, and comes with the awareness that you can’t go on sinning. The Holy Spirit sanctifies us, not for Heaven, but for Christ! Heaven is the reward if we remain faithful to Christ.

This is why belief without repentance is so dangerous. In Acts 8 we have an example of belief without repentance, and we need to take to heart what the Bible has to tell us. 

In Acts 8, Philip preached the gospel to the Samaritans, and they believed the things that Philip preached and were baptized. Among them was a man named Simon, who was a Sorcerer and had previously bewitched the people with his sorceries.

Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. ~ Acts 8:13

Notice that Simon the Sorcerer believed and was baptized. Now don’t forget that as we move forward. This man who used sorcery to bewitch the people believed the gospel that Philip preached and was baptized. Another important point for consideration, is that he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

Having been involved in sorcery, Simon must have truly been fascinated when he saw miracles, signs and wonders in Philip’s ministry. Now let’s read the account and follow the flow of thought.

Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city. But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries. But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. ~ Acts 8:5-13 

Now, there is a lot going on in this section of scripture, but the part I want to point out to you is that Simon believed and was baptized, but Peter was not impressed when he met him. Peter and John were sent to Samaria by the apostles in Jerusalem.

Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost… ~ v. 14-15 

When Simon saw this, rather than desiring the gift of the Holy Spirit, he wanted to purchase the power of God from Peter and John. Simon was still behaving with the heart of a sorcerer, and not as one who had humbled himself and turned from his sin.

And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me. ~ Acts 8:18-24

Simon, who had believed and was baptized, is someone whom we would call saved, today. Isn’t he? Yes he is. We would count him among those who have made a decision for Christ. Yet according to Peter, the following were true regarding Simon.

1. He had no part or lot in this matter. In other words he wasn’t qualified to receive or minister to others the gift of the Holy Spirit.

2. His heart was not right in the sight of God.

3. He had not repented of his sorcery (repent of this, thy wickedness).

4. He needed forgiveness from God.

5. He was in the gall of bitterness and the bond of Iniquity.

Because of Philip’s ministry and the ministry of Peter and John, Simon could no longer bewitch the people or be admired by them as someone great. According to Peter, Simon was in the gall of bitterness and the bond of Iniquity. Consider the following definition of the gall of bitterness.

The bitterest grief; extreme affliction. The ancients taught that grief and joy were subject to the gall, affection to the heart, knowledge to the kidneys, anger to the bile (one of the four humours of the body), and courage or timidity to the liver. The gall of bitterness, like the heart of hearts, means the bitter centre of bitterness, as the heart of hearts means the innermost recesses of the heart or affections. In the Acts it is used to signify “the sinfulness of sin,” which leads to the bitterest grief. ~ Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894

It seems that Simon may have been bitter because Philip and the apostles influenced the people for Christ and he no longer had power over them. Regardless if this was the case, he was in bondage to sin according to Peter. Simon the sorcerer had believed, but not repented.

Biblical faith (faith that saves) comes from a posture of humility that turns from sin to serve the Living God. There is no evidence that Simon had this kind of faith. Though he had believed and been baptized, he had not repented and wasn’t right with God. That is a sobering truth, and I fear that we may have many Christians who have never experienced a real change in their hearts because they have been taught they do not need to repent. They are taught to just simply believe (no commitment to Christ is required) and you will have eternal life and go to Heaven. 

Humility is the posture of faith in the heart of the one who receives eternal life. You cannot have real saving faith if your heart is not humbled. “Mental agreement belief” is not enough. True belief in Jesus translates into humbling yourself to obey the call of the gospel.

This same Peter who rebuked Simon the sorcerer, wrote the following.

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. ~ 1 Peter 1:18-23

Belief in Jesus that saves is obeying the truth through the Spirit. It is not a mental agreement.

The exchange between Peter and Simon is all a person needs to know that a person can have belief, but not have true saving faith. Simon believed but Peter told him, thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

The following comments are from a minister who teaches Free Grace theology.

The Lord Jesus Christ gives everlasting life to all who believe in him. It’s not a matter of commitment, turning from sins, surrender, following Christ, or perseverance in faith and good works.

Faith is not turning from sins. Faith is not surrender. Faith is not commitment. Faith is not following.

Another minister teaching this theology claims that repenting of your sins is trusting in your own works to get to Heaven. This same minister claimed repenting is the act or deeds of the Pharisees, and that you can repent of your sins and go to hell.

Now both of these ministers teach these things under the guise of the finished work of Christ, but never does the Bible teach such things in view of the finished work of Christ.

In this article, I would like to address the issue of repentance. The disdain for repentance seems to continue to grow in some places, and it isn’t just isolated to hard core Free Grace theology advocates. Some teach that once you are saved you never need to repent again because all your past, present, and future sins are already forgiven. Yet, Jesus confronted the churches in the book of the Revelation, calling them to repentance, and Paul confronted the Corinthians regarding their need to repent, and James does as well.

With regards to repentance and conversion, Peter tell us, 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. ~ 2 Peter 3:9 

Repentance is not a work that is to be categorized as all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags. Rather genuine repentance is a work of the Spirit in our heart.

Jesus said, when the Spirit of truth is come he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. ~ John 16:8-11

The word reprove in the reference above means convict. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, and when a lost person turns to Christ there is a conviction to turn from sin, and that is repentance. Once a person is saved, there is a conviction unto righteousness. If you are a true believer there is an abiding conviction in you to live godly and holy before the Lord.

Repentance comes from the convicting power of the Holy Spirit as a result of hearing the gospel. With all the preaching going on in the world today, hearing the gospel is missing in a lot of places, because the gospel calls a person to repent and follow Jesus. The gospel that you initially hear that brings about the salvation of your soul, is the message that continues to guide you the rest of your life.

In 1 John, the apostle John writes, Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. ~ 1 John 2:24-25

The promise of eternal life is for those in whom the gospel message abides and who continue in the Son and in the Father. Walking in the truth, sanctification, godliness, and living by faith are not optional post salvation truths. Instead, they are the continuation of what began in the heart at the moment a person is enlightened and tastes of the heavenly gift of Christ.  

In his letter to Titus, Paul tells us that saving grace teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and that we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. ~ Titus 2:11-14

Paul then says, These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee ~ v. 15.

John the Baptist preached to the Pharisees that they should repent and do works in keeping with repentance (Matthew 3:1-8). This is contrary to the minister (cited above) who claims that repenting is the act or deeds of the Pharisees. In fact both Jesus and John the baptist preached repentance as the gospel message. ~ Matthew 3:1-2; 4:7

Jesus said that he came to call sinners to repentance (Matthew 9:13, Mark 2:17, Luke 5:32). And after his resurrection, Jesus commissioned his disciples (the apostles) to preach repentance and the remission of sins in his name among all nations beginning at Jerusalem. ~ Luke 24:44-47

If Jesus commissioned his disciples to preach repentance and the remission of sins to all nations, we ought to be preaching repentance as a vital part of the gospel message as well.

Repentance is the gift of grace at work in the heart, for it is God who grants repentance (2 Timothy 2:25), and it’s the goodness of God that leads to repentance.

Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds… ~ Romans 2:1-6

According to Isaiah, Jesus is the redeemer who comes to those who turn from transgression: And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD. ~ Isaiah 59:20 

Notice that Isaiah declares that the Redeemer comes to them that turn from transgression. That’s repentance from sins. Paul quotes Isaiah in his letter to the Romans saying, And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob… ~ Romans 11:26 

During his time on earth, Jesus sent his disciples out to preach repentance (Mark 6:12), and Jesus pronounced judgment on the cities that did not repent after he had ministered there (Matthew 11:20-24; Luke 10:13). Furthermore, Jesus pronounced judgment on his generation for not repenting ~ Matthew 12:39-41; Luke 11:32. 

Jesus also taught us what repentance looks like from God’s perspective, referring to repentance as a shepherd finding his lost sheep (Luke 15:1-7), and as finding that which was lost (Luke 15:8-10). In both instances, Jesus says, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. Jesus then illustrated these truths in his teaching regarding the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32).

On the day of Pentecost, Peter preached to the Jews to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). In Acts 3, Peter preached to the Jews, 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. ~ Acts 3:19

A few verses later Peter says to them, Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities. ~ Acts 3:26

As we continue through Acts we read that the apostles declared that God exalted Jesus with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. ~ Acts 5:31 

After hearing Peter’s testimony about how God sent him to preach the gospel to Cornlieus and his house, the Jews at Jerusalem glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. ~ Acts 11:18 

While preaching at Mars Hill, Paul declared, And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commands all men everywhere to repent:  Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. ~ Acts 17:30-31

Now pause for a moment, and notice that Paul says, God commands all men everywhere to repent. Now remember what I said above, Walking in the truth, sanctification, godliness, and living by faith are not optional post salvation truths. Instead, they are the continuation of what began in the heart at the moment a person is enlightened and tastes of the heavenly gift of Christ. 

Salvation begins by obeying the command to repent, and this obedience coincides with faith in Jesus (believing that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God). Repentance may be expressed differently from person to person, but repentance is active in the heart of a person who truly believes in Christ as their Lord and Savior. 

Again, Paul says, God commands all men everywhere to repent, and the apostle Peter refers to those who forsake the Lord as turning from the holy commandment delivered unto them. ~ 1 Peter 2:21

When Paul testified of the commission he received from Jesus as he stood before king Agrippa, Paul said he was sent to preach to the people that they should repent and turn to God, and do works in keeping with repentance.~ Acts 26:15-20

Writing to the Thessalonians, Paul commended them because they turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God… ~ 1 Thessalonians 1:9

Paul’s word to the Thessalonians echo the words of Ezekiel.

Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord God; Repent, and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations. ~ Ezekiel 14:6

Ezekiel also preached repentance when he said, Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord God. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. ~ Ezekiel 18:30

Repentance is an act of faith in response to the work of grace convicting the heart and turning it to Jesus and the Father. Repentance brings about a cleansing from sin, and that is the work of the true grace of God in the heart in response to hearing the gospel, and repentance is weaved into the very fiber of the message of God to all people throughout the scriptures.  

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. ~ Isaiah 55:7

And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. ~ Revelation 3:1-3 

Notice the warning of Jesus to the church on Sardis, he warns them to be watchful and to strengthen the things which are ready to die. It is not clear from this portion of scripture what the sin of the Sardis church was, but whatever it was, it had caused them to become complacent and their spiritual garments were defiled.

We know this because Jesus speaks of the few among them who had not defiled their garments and would walk with in white for they were worthy. In other words, they had kept themselves pure by the blood of the lamb. We see that those who had not defiled their spiritual garments, were already overcomers, and Jesus wanted the entire church at Sardis to be overcomers: He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

Being clothed in white raiment is the spiritual language for keeping sin out of our lives. In Revelation 16, Jesus says, Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame ~ v.15. Then in chapter 19 we read the following:

And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. ~ Revelation 19:6-9

Notice that the lamb’s wife hath made herself ready, and was arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

Contrary to the lamb’s wife that had made herself ready in chapter 19, we see Jesus telling the church at Sardis that they were not ready and their garments were defiled. We must remember that Jesus is talking to the church, so this is a message for the church. It is entirely possible that we who claim to know the Lord could be in a state of not being ready if we are harboring unrepentant sin in our lives. Harboring unrepentant sin could cause the coming of the Lord to overtake us as a thief, just as Jesus pointed out to the church in Sardis, and just as he says in Revelation 16:15, Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

The book of the Revelation is not the first time we see Jesus referring to his coming in the likeness of a thief. Consider our Lord’s words in Matthew 24.

But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; And shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. ~ Matthew 24:43-51

Notice that Jesus describes two types of servants. The first was a faithful and wise servant. The second was an evil servant who said in his heart, “My Lord delayeth his coming,” and consequently begins to live in egregious sin. 

Unfortunately, this evil servant is comforted in many places by Pastors and ministers who will tell them that they are eternally secure even if they forsake Jesus and live in willful sin. Conversely, Jesus says that this evil servant will be cut asunder and appointed his portion with the hypocrites.

In case anyone needs help understanding what that means, it ain’t good, and it’s not an entrance into the kingdom of Heaven, because there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Now, if we were to keep reading this section of scripture, it would lead us right into the parable of the ten virgins. So let’s read the two sections together as one flow of thought, beginning with Matthew 24:43 to 25:13. You might be surprised at what you discover.

But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; And shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.Then shall the Kingdom of Heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. ~ Matthew 24:43- 25:13 

Notice the correlation between the faithful and wise servant and the five wise virgins. Notice also the how evil servant who has his portion with the hypocrites relates to the five foolish virgins who were not ready and and was shut out of the marriage.

Don’t be deceived. Believe the teachings of Jesus.