Chapter XV - Of Repentance Unto Life
I. Repentance unto life is an evangelical grace,(Zech 12:10, Acts 11:18) the doctrine whereof is to be preached by every minister of the Gospel, as well as that of faith in Christ.(Luke 24:47, Mark 1:15, Acts 20:21)
II. By it, a sinner, out of the sight and sense not only of the danger, but also of the filthiness and odiousness of his sins, as contrary to the holy nature, and righteous law of God; and upon the apprehension of His mercy in Christ to such as are penitent, so grieves for, and hates his sins, as to turn from them all unto God,(Ezek 18:30-31, 36:31, Isa 30:22, Psa 51:4, Jer 3:18-19, Joel 2:12-13, Amos 5:15, Psa 119:128, 2 Cor 7:11) purposing and endeavouring to walk with Him in all the ways of His commandments.(Psa 119:6, 59, 106, Luke 1:6, 2 Kings 23:25)
III. Although repentance is not to be rested in, as any satisfaction for sin, or any cause of the pardon thereof,(Ezek 36:31-32, 16:61-63) which is the act of God's free grace in Christ,(Hos 14:2, 4, Rom 3:24, Eph 1:7) yet it is of such necessity to all sinners, that none may expect pardon without it.(Luke 13:3, Acts 17:30-31)
IV. As there is no sin so small, but it deserves damnation;(Rom 6:23, Rom 5:12, Matt 12:36) so there is no sin so great, that it can bring damnation upon those who truly repent.(Isa 55:7, Rom 8:1, Isa 1:16, 18)
V. Men ought not to content themselves with a general repentance, but it is every man's duty to endeavor to repent of his particular sins, particularly.(Psa 19:13, Luke 19:8, 1 Tim 1:13, 15)
VI. As every man is bound to make private confession of his sins to God, praying for the pardon thereof;(Psa 51:4-5, 7, 9, 14, 32:5-6) upon which, and the forsaking of them, he shall find mercy;(Pro 28:13, 1 John 1:9) so he that scandelizeth his brother, or the Church of Christ, ought to be willing, by a private or public confession and sorrow for his sin, to declare his repentance to those that are offended;(James 5:16, Luke 17:33-4, Josh 7:19, Psa 51:1-19) who are thereupon to be reconciled to him, and in love to receive him.(2 Cor 2:8)
Table of Contents
- Chapter I Of the Holy Scripture
- Chapter II Of God, and of the Holy Trinity
- Chapter III Of God's Eternal Decree
- Chapter IV Of Creation
- Chapter V Of Providence
- Chapter VI Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and the Punishment thereof
- Chapter VII Of God's Covenant with Man
- Chapter VIII Of Christ the Mediator
- Chapter IX Of Free Will
- Chapter X Of Effectual Calling
- Chapter XI Of Justification
- Chapter XII Of Adoption
- Chapter XIII Of Sanctification
- Chapter XIV Of Saving Faith
- Chapter XV Of Repentance unto Life
- Chapter XVI Of Good Works
- Chapter XVII Of the Perseverance Of the Saints
- Chapter XVIII Of Assurance Of Grace and Salvation
- Chapter XIX Of the Law Of God
- Chapter XX Of Christian Liberty, and Liberty Of Conscience
- Chapter XXI Of Religious Worship, and the Sabbath Day
- Chapter XXII Of Lawful Oaths and Vows
- Chapter XXIII Of the Civil Magistrate
- Chapter XXIV Of Marriage and Divorce
- Chapter XXV Of the Church
- Chapter XXVI Of the Communion Of Saints
- Chapter XXVII Of the Sacraments
- Chapter XXVIII Of Baptism
- Chapter XXIX Of the Lord's Supper
- Chapter XXX Of Church Censures
- Chapter XXXI Of Synods and Councils
- Chapter XXXII Of the State Of Men after Death, and Of the Resurrection Of the Dead
- Chapter XXXIII Of the Last Judgment