[soc.religion.christian] If it's not a work, how can we do it?

kilroy@gboro.glassboro.edu (Dr Nancy's Sweetie) (01/07/91)

In yet another `Faith vs Works' discussion, Cindy Smith said that
`Repentance is a good work', and Ken Kutz objected, apparently on the
grounds that repentance is not something we do, but something God does.

As Cindy pointed out, however, Jesus' instruction was `Repent'.

(I could spend a few paragraphs discussing what kind of instruction that
 is, and how there is an implied `you' on the front of it, and naming the
 parts of speech, but I won't.  It would certainly match the arrogant tone
 of superiority that some articles in this thread have had, but I'm rather
 sick of it myself.)

If "[r]epentance originates with God and is a gift granted to us", why did
Jesus tell us to do it?  If we cannot repent, what is the sense in telling
us to do so?  Why would Jesus give instructions that we can have no part
in carrying out?

If we do have some part (however small) in carrying out the instruction,
then that part was something we did -- a work.  If we can have *no* part in
carrying out Jesus' instruction, then why did he bother giving it to us?

I am presuming that you believe we have *no* part in carrying out the
order to repent -- why then do you think Jesus gave the order?


kilroy@gboro.glassboro.edu      Darren F. Provine      ...njin!gboro!kilroy
"Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed -- not only in my
 presence, but now much more in my absence -- continue to work out your
 salvation with fear and trembling." -- Philippians 2:12

kutz@cis.ohio-state.edu (Kenneth J. Kutz) (01/16/91)

In article <Jan.6.23.16.47.1991.23373@athos.rutgers.edu>, kilroy@gboro.glassboro.edu (Dr Nancy's Sweetie) writes:

> As Cindy pointed out, however, Jesus' instruction was `Repent'.

> If "[r]epentance originates with God and is a gift granted to us", why did
> Jesus tell us to do it?  If we cannot repent, what is the sense in telling
> us to do so?  Why would Jesus give instructions that we can have no part
> in carrying out?

> I am presuming that you believe we have *no* part in carrying out the
> order to repent -- why then do you think Jesus gave the order?

All throughout Scripture there are paradoxical exhortations to action
on the part of the human being who is the receipient of the message.
These exhortations to action come from those around us.  The strength
and willingness to carry them out comes from God.

Consider Romans 10:9

ROM 10:9  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.

Do we believe because we "figured out the facts" or by God's grace?

It is perfectly reasonable to exhort someone to believe based
upon facts given.  The same is true for repentance.  It is perfectly
reasonable to exhort someone to repent by considering their utter
depravity, yet the strength and ability to repent comes from God
into the willing heart.  NOWHERE in Scripture however is repentance
called a "good work" of man.  To take credit for repentance expresses
the same prideful attitude as does the person who claims to have
figured out (by their intelligence and Sherlock Holmes style of
investigating) that Jesus Christ is Lord.

-- 
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