“For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.”  Romans 5:6-11 King James Bible

It is commonly taught today that the word ‘repent’ in the Bible means to ‘turn from sins’, or at least be ‘willing to turn from sins.’ It is also frequently taught that this is a necessary condition to be saved (have eternal life).

In other words, people are told that in addition to believing in what Christ did for their sins, that they must also do something about their sins to be saved. Is this true, or is this an unbiblical addition to faith in Christ? 

What does ‘repent’ in the New Testament mean? 

The Greek word translated ‘repent’ in the New Testament is the word metanoeo.  Metanoeo is derived from two Greek words, metawhich means after and noeo, which means to think.  ‘Repent’ and its noun form ‘repentance’ in the New Testament Greek mean ‘to think differently’, or to ‘change the mind’.  See for example Hebrews 12:17 where Esau was unable to change the mind of his father about his blessing despite seeking it carefully with tears. 

“For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.” 

No set object in the Greek word itself.

If someone came up to you and told you ‘to think differently,’ you would probably reply ‘about what?’ There is no set object in the phrase ‘to think differently’, context has to be provided as to what you are ‘to think differently’ about.  Likewise, the word ‘repent’ in the New Testament has no set object. It does not always refer to sin. What the subject is ‘to think differently’ about can only be determined by carefully studying the context of the passage. Only then can the object of repentance in a particular passage be determined.  

‘Turn’ a different Greek word.

Not only does repent have no set object, the Greek word for ‘turn’ is a completely different word (epistrepho), than the Greek words translated ‘repent’ and ‘repentance’). 

The Phrase ‘repent of sins’ not found anywhere in the New Testament.

The phrase “repent of sins” in any form is not found anywhere in the New Testament. (The few versions that use (such as the New Living Translation do so with no support from the Greek text.)

Word meanings change over time.

The meaning of words can change over time. This is what has happened with the word “repent”. The King James translators certainly did not think that the word “repent” necessarily referred to ‘turning from sin’ since they translated some Old Testament passages as God being the one who repented (For example: Psalm 106:43-46).

What about salvation passages? 

Most salvation passages do not even use the word ‘repent’.  In the limited number of possible New Testament salvation passages that the word ‘repent’ is found, the object of repentance is never sin. Instead, in these passages the contexts involve thinking differently about Jesus Christ, or what God is like. 

Compare for example Acts 3:12-19 with Acts 13:16-39. Both of these passages are addressed to “men of Israel” yet only those who had previous wrong thinking about Jesus Christ [they did not believe that he was the Messiah] were told to ‘repent’ (to think differently).  The other “men of Israel” who didn’t have previous wrong thinking about Jesus Christ were only told to “believe” (Acts13:39).  If repent meant to ‘turn from sin’ or ‘turn from all sins’ and was necessary for salvation, then should not both groups have been told to “repent’? 

Acts 17:30, A look at the context shows that it is referring to thinking differently about the nature of God. “Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent” Here people were commanded to ‘repent’ [to think differently] about the nature of God.

The Gospel of John, the books of Romans, Galatians, and Ephesians.

The Gospel of John (the Gospel with the express purpose of leading people to salvation -John 20:31.) uses the word “believe” 98 times, yet does not use the words “repent” or “repentance” even once. 

Likewise, the book of Galatians (written to defend the gospel of grace) does not use the words ‘repent’ or ‘repentance’ one single time. Neither does the book of Ephesians. 

The apostle Paul in Chapters 3 to 5 in the book of Romans gives the most detailed theological treatment of salvation by grace. There is no mention of ‘repenting of sins’ or ‘turning from sins for salvation’ in this passage, yet the words “believe” and “faith” are used repeatedly. The books of John, Romans, Galatians and Ephesians are considered to be the books most focused on salvation, yet the Greek word usually translated repent is only found one single time in all these books put together. 

Why ‘repentance of sins’ is not involved in salvation by grace.

Grace means unmerited favor, or undeserved mercy. It is God saving us where we are at, just as we are, dead in sins. 

“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;)” Ephesians 2:4-5 [Note the condition we are in when we are saved “dead in sins,”]

The Bible says that salvation is by grace through faith: “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.  Salvation by grace is “not of works“. Turning from sin is a work: “And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way. . .” (Jonah 3:10)., so turning from sins could not be a part of salvation by grace. 

Faith alone in Christ alone.

In Over 150 places the Bible presents faith in Christ as the sole condition for receiving salvation. Not only that, but adding ‘repentance of sins’ as a requirement for salvation would actually contradict the passages in Romans and other places that state that salvation is received completely by faith.

“Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath sent forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, . . . ” Romans 3:22-25  [note: “all them that believe”, not “all them that repent of their sins and believe”]

“To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.”  Acts 10:43

“And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.” Acts 13:39.

What Christ did about our sins was sufficient.

If we say that we have to do something about our sins to be saved in addition to what Christ did about our sins, then we are saying that what Christ did about our sins was not enough. “The issue in salvation is not what man must do about his sin, but what Christ has already done about man’s sin.” Dr. Charles Bing

Conclusion.

The Lord Jesus Christ is God and has been eternally. Jesus paid for all of our sins (past, present, and future.) on the cross. He did this for all people (Heb. 2:9). The issue in salvation is not what we must do about our sins, but what Christ has already done for our sins on the cross.  Believe on him alone for your salvation. Eternal life is a free gift, and you will never perish. 

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

“. . . Sirs, what must I do to be saved?  And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, . . .”  Acts 16:30-31 

“For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:6-8

“But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Romans 4:5

“Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe . . .” Romans 3:22

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.” John 6:47.  

(Note: Please don’t misunderstand this paper. This is not to say that those who are saved should then live a sinful life! Christians (those who are forgiven), should live a life pleasing to the LORD). 

Discerning the Gospel of Jesus Christ

“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21

“But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” Romans 3:21-26

The “Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” (LDS Church) claims that the gospel of Jesus Christ was corrupted and then in the course of time “restored” starting with the Book of Mormon delivered by “Moroni, an angel from heaven” (D&C 128:20).

The Bible warns us though that we are to be careful about such things, even warning us against receiving “another gospel” even from “an angel from heaven”. 

“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:6-8

The Book of Mormon states that, after receiving it, if a person sincerely prays about the truthfulness of the book that they will then receive a spirit “witness” that it is true. (Moroni 10:3-5). The problem however with such a test is that according to the Bible “another spirit” can accompany “another [false] gospel.” Hence, the receiving of a spiritual “testimony” for a gospel is not a biblical test of truthfulness.

“But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.” 2 Corinthians 11:3-4

A Biblical test (Acts 17:11; 1 Corinthians 2:13) is to compare the teachings of those who claim to speak for God, with what has already been written by God, in the Bible. The following compares some of the “gospel” found in LDS scriptures with what is written in the Bible. Please examine the following comparison (the passages can be easily looked up):

                           LDS

“And I say unto you again that he cannot save them in their sins; for I cannot deny his word, and he hath said that no unclean thing can inherit the kingdom of heaven; therefore, how can ye be saved, except ye inherit the kingdom of heaven? Therefore, ye cannot be saved in your sins.” Alma 11:37

“For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.” 2 Nephi 25:23

“I say unto you, can you imagine to yourselves that ye hear the voice of the Lord, saying unto you, in that day: Come unto me ye blessed, for behold, your works have been the works of righteousness upon the face of the earth?” Alma 5:16

“And may God grant, in his great fulness, that men might be brought unto repentance and good works, that they might be restored unto grace for grace, according to their works.” Helaman 12:24

“Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.” Moroni 10:32

“Now to him who is justified by the law of works, is the reward reckoned, not of grace, but of debt. But to him that seeketh not to be justified by the law of works, but believeth on him who justifieth not the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Romans 4:4-5 Joseph Smith Translation

                        BIBLE

“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;)” Ephesians 2:4-5 (see also Romans 5:6-8; 1 Timothy 1:15)

“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

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; . . . That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:5,7 

“And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.” Romans 11:6

“For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:6-8

“Now to him that worketh is the reward not reconed of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Romans 4:4-5

Witnesses?

The LDS church also appeals to the testimony of witnesses, some of whom who claim to have been shown the gold plates of the Book of Mormon by “an angel of God” “from heaven.” However, as was pointed out earlier, the Bible warns about accepting “another gospel” even from “an angel from heaven” (Galatians 1:6-8). Hence, even if their testimony is accepted as accurate as to what they saw, it still cannot be proof that the gospel in the book of Mormon is from God.

The Bible repeatedly warns about spiritual deception even stating that: 

“And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” 2 Corinthians 11:14 (The introduction to the LDS Doctrine and Covenants from at least 1921 to 1977 even used this exact phrase “an angel of light” to describe Moroni.)

The Bible warns us against accepting these other gospels. God has told us in the Bible that the gospel is “incorruptible” (1 Peter 1:23-25; see also 1 Cor. 15:1-8), and that even if “an angel from heaven” preaches to us another gospel we are not to accept it.

The gospel was never lost, Jesus himself said: “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” Matthew 24:35

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.” 1 Corinthians 15:1-8

“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.” 1 Peter 1: 23-25

“And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Acts 16:30-31

For information about the biblical Jesus please see:

GodReality.com

Copyright 2022 Brian Hoober  

bhooberus@yahoo.com