IPHC Doctrinal Exegesis Page One

Repentance (Gr. metanoia-from meta-with, and noos- mind-something done with the whole mind).

Mind, as thus viewed, embraces the spirit, with particular reference to the conscience and will, and denotes a decision made which changes the desires, views, attitude, purpose, and conduct of one's life. Truth inwardly applied produces conviction for sin; conscience awakened by conviction demands a change; and the will mightily influenced by the conscience in view of the judgment is moved to change the whole life. Metanoia signifies a whole life repentance-a lifetime forsaking of sin, and not a mere momentary act day by day.

Repentance is not "godly sorrow for sin," but "godly sorrow," which is produced by a display of the goodness of God that leads to repentance (Romans 2:4; 2 Corinthians 7:10). Repentance puts the heart in a position to believe.

Faith is the result of divine persuasion effected by the promises of God. It includes confidence and trust. The promises, "exceeding great and precious," express the faithfulness of God in the heart thus persuaded: confidence is begotten, trust is inspired.

"The promises are yea [established] and amen [fulfilled] in him"-the Christ. He, by them, is the "originator of faith" in the heart (Hebrews 12:2).

Confidence in and reliance [trust] upon Christ, the act of faith following repentance, brings to the heart the realization of the forgiveness of sins. Faith grows by the same process that gives it birth-the promises of God, centered in Christ, and fulfilled by Him. He is the finisher [perfecter] of faith.

Justification is the act of God, as the infinite Judge, pronouncing the penitent believing soul free from the condemnation of His righteous law. It is preceded by forgiveness and followed by regeneration. Forgiveness removes the guilt of sin; justification lifts the condemnation caused by those sins from the soul. The just God makes the soul just and upholds His just laws. His law is righteous, and the trusting soul being made just is also made righteous by the same act. Both are one. Justification and righteousness come from the same word in the original. The "righteousness of the law is fulfilled in them who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit" (Romans 8:4). Justification opens the way for the heart's regeneration. The penitent believer is rightly related to law and justified by it through faith. The law endorses him because he is in Christ. Forgiveness, justification, and regeneration are not identical, but they all take place at the same time. The three are simultaneously received by the same act of faith.