ADMITTANCE of Sin vs. REPENTANCE of Sin….Is Salvation HARDER Than ABC?

In Acts 19:17-20, we are told of a group of people in Ephesus who appear to have been saved. After the incident with the demon possessed man and the failed exorcism of the Sceva boys---we read that “Many also of those who had believed kept coming, confessing and disclosing their practices.” (Acts 19:18 NASB) Magicians were being saved and (it appears) were repenting and turning to Christ.

I think this is very important to point out----We are NOT saved by ADMITTING we are sinners and “asking Jesus into our hearts.” I have heard evangelism pleas numerous times that say things to this affect. As a case in point, perhaps you’ve heard that salvation is as easy as A-B-C. Admit you’re a sinner, Believe in Christ, and Confess your sins and ask Jesus into your heart. Sounds good doesn’t it? Its clever, its cute….but it doesn’t go far enough in sharing the true Biblical gospel. Here’s the problem.

Admitting you’re a sinner is a far cry from repenting of your sin nature. I can catch my son picking on his sister and force him to admit his guilt, and even force him to give her a mock apology….but is he REALLY sorry? Of course not. The same is true of us spiritually. Anyone can admit they’re a sinner. But Jesus said,  "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matt 3:2 NASB) AND “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish." (Luke 13:5 NASB)

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Here are some differences between ADMITTANCE and REPENTANCE. Admittance requires only head knowledge. You tell someone what they did is wrong, and they agree with you. Repentance requires head knowledge AND heart affection. To repent means you genuinely feel bad (towards GOD) because of your sin. Admittance requires no conviction. Repentance requires Holy Spirit conviction. Admittance requires no change in behavior. Repentance leads to a changed life. Admittance has no saving power (contrary to the cute gospel presentation above)--- Repentance is required for salvation. Unless you turn from your sins in REPENTANCE and place your faith in Christ as Lord…you will perish.

The ABC gospel is a very “American” type gospel. Many Americans don’t want to be told they must turn from their sin to be saved. They want to continue in their sin and get eternal Heaven to boot. The problem is you can’t reconcile that with what Jesus continually taught. But many preachers (some naively) have taught that all you must do is Admit, Believe, and Confess. Its scary to think that Hell may be running over with people who “admitted sin” and prayed a “sinner’s prayer” yet had NO TRUE change of heart---which is proven by NO TRUE change in behavior.

What about “believing?” We must believe to be saved right? Yes, but we must be sure to tell the lost (and understand ourselves) that “believe” means more than simply believing the truth or validity of a statement. Believe means to “put your faith in.” Saving faith (belief) involves NOT ONLY believing the “facts” about Jesus. But bowing to Him as the One and Only, Supreme LORD of your life. One of the saddest statements you’ll ever hear is to hear someone who just lost a loved one say, “I know they’re in Heaven because they ‘believed in Jesus.’” Sometimes you’ll hear this said of people who clearly were NOT followers of Christ on earth. Yet they and they’re loved ones are deluded into thinking salvation comes by mere “intellectual belief.” It doesn’t. Jesus never said it did.

Confess. What does it mean to confess. Some would say it means to “agree with God about your sin.” Some would say it means to publicly confess your sins. Both could be true. But once again we must realize that mere confession (taking to a priest or pastor, etc.) does not save. We must confess Christ as Lord to be saved. This means our faith MUST be public. Incidentally Biblical public confession NEVER means coming forward at an altar call. They didn’t have altar calls in the Bible--and we don’t have to have them today. People are saved by turning from sin (repentance) and turning to Christ as Lord (faith). The church ordinance we are called to do to publicly “confess Christ” is baptism. Of course if you’re not “confessing” Christ with your life, then your baptism didn’t amount to much anyway but a public dunking. Baptism is required for obedience, but not for salvation. (Don’t forget--saved by grace, NOT works…but true salvation leads to works, such as baptism). Baptism is scriptural, altar calls aren’t (but that’s a blog for another day). Which is why when we do the invitation, I NEVER say, “come forward and be saved.” You’re not saved by changing locations in a building. I do invite people to come and pray with me, or to come and make a public “decision.” Oh well, I’ve chased that rabbit far enough…

Salvation involves more than “Admit, Believe, Confess.” Salvation involves REPENTANCE and FAITH and it leads to a changed life. The Ephesian magicians gathered up all their magic books and burned them publicly. That seems to be an evidence of genuine salvation. Of course some of them could have been caught up in the excitement and acting rashly. How do you know if they were really saved? You look at their life one year, five years, ten years down the road. Are they following Christ, or are they pulling rabbits out of their hat? Acts 19:18 says they “kept coming” and disclosing their evil deeds. It was continuous. So is true saving faith. We are NOT called to make “converts” who admit, believe, and confess. We are called to make “disciples” who deny themselves, persevere, follow, and if necessary die for their King. Do you want to be a convert or a disciple? Do you want to admit or repent? Do you want to go to Hell or Heaven? Do you want Jesus as your Lord, or do you only want Him as eternal “fire insurance?” If you don’t REALLY love Him, and follow Him, then you won’t REALLY go to Heaven…because you’re not REALLY saved. Sound harsh? Sometimes the truth hurts. But not as bad as eternal judgment does. Jesus said: "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.  Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles ?’  And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me you workers of iniquity.” (Matt 7:21-23)

So who are the one’s who are saved? Those who “repented.” Who are the one’s who are deluded? Those who “admitted.” ……. Which one are you?

Comments

[Joe Tolin]

Shane,

Very good post. There is a big difference in evangelical repentance and what is passed off today as "being sorry for my sins" or "admitting I am a sinner." And don't forget the real "sinner's prayer" found in Psalm 51.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.
Psalms 51:17 (NASB)

Joe

[brian]

if you think about it, repenance is a gift FROM GOD, admittance is a work of man trying to achive the same result as repentance, but of course it falls short. admittance says I am in the wrong, i need to change, repentance says I am in the wrong, i cant change, HELP! we are not able to turn from our sins, we need devine help, dont you think, great blog, your bible study picture has helped me greatly on this subject thanks

[Jesse]

Good post, Shane, you have struck the nail squarely on the head!

It seems like everything we do in America is the dumbed-down version of the real thing. Sadly, when the gospel is dumbed-down it's no longer the gospel.

[Perry Belleau]

Dear Shane
I agreed with you. I was myself deaf pastor...I did preached like most churches do like 'Accept Jesus in your heart'. It was frustrated me that deaf people didnt changed. Then one day I happened bought a christian book, I learned that it was Finneyism way. So I learned and changed...we are saved by faith alone....many people thought they can be saved by sinner's prayer...that is the problem. Your explaining is very clear and simple. I pray that all pastors need to wake up from the way of Finneyism. I was also former indepentent baptist church....now no longer. Pray that deaf can come to know by faith and believe what Christ did for them by died and rose for their sins. Thanks for good subject.