Survey of the Westminster Confession of Faith (Chapter 15)

Survey of the Westminster Confession of Faith

Chapter 15

Of Repentance Unto Life

I. Repentance unto life is an evangelical grace, the doctrine whereof is to be preached by every minister of the Gospel, as well as that of faith in Christ.

Repentance is that initial turning from sin to God which occurs in connection with regeneration. It is described here as “an evangelical grace” meaning that it is the work of God. This phrasing reflects the Scripture’s teaching concerning fallen man’s deadness to spiritual things prior to conversion.

The writers say that this is a doctrine that should be preached regularly. This statement may suggest the absence of such an emphasis in the Church of the seventeenth century.

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, purposing and endeavoring to walk with Him in all the ways of His commandments.

This paragraph explains the nature of repentance. Repentance sets up a contrast between the sinner’s state and the holiness of God, this in turn produces in the sinner a sense of fear. Repentance unto life also includes a corresponding recognition of the mercy of the holy God to the miserable sinner as found in the Savior. This “awakening” naturally produces a desire in the sinner to refrain from unholy conduct and engage in righteous conduct.

III. Although repentance is not to be rested in, as any satisfaction for sin, or any cause of the pardon thereof, which is the act of God’s free grace in Christ, yet it is of such necessity to all sinners, that none may expect pardon without it.

Repentance is not the cause or ground of forgiveness; i.e., God does not extend us pardon and forgiveness because we repent. Nevertheless, repentance is essential to true conversion in that it evidences the regenerated heart. So the Confession says that where there is no repentance (i.e., change of behavior or, to be more precise, behavior that is judged acceptable by the Word), there is no regeneration. This touches upon the issue of assurance. True conversion produces the desire for and practice of righteousness as defined by God; without such evidence, the sinner’s claim to have been born again is highly suspect.

IV. As there is no sin so small, but it deserves damnation; so there is no sin so great, that it can bring damnation upon those who truly repent.

This short paragraph emphasizes that all sin, no matter how “small,” is worthy of and receives condemnation. At the same time, however, the grace of God, which is manifested in true repentance, is greater than any sin.

V. Man 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.

Repentance loses its significance if it is done in some general way which really does not bring to mind the particular offenses from which the sinner is turning.

VI. As every man is bound to make private confession of his sins to God, praying for the pardon thereof; upon which, and the forsaking of them, he shall find mercy; so, he that scandalizes 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, who are thereupon to be reconciled to him, and in love to receive him.

This paragraph says that when sin involves another party, the one who genuinely repents has the duty to express that repentance to the one affected by his actions. We should note that the goal of such activity is restoration of the Christian relationship. Also implied here is the duty on the part of the innocent party to accept the expression of repentance.