BRIAN (FAITH ON FIRE) CAN WE SEPARATE FAITH AND REPENTANCE?

 (1) Justin Peters Blood Curdling Apostate Rantings and Works Based Salvation - YouTube

I recently recommended a video by Brian (Faith on Fire) in which he rejected Calvinism. {1} While I agree with Brian about Calvinism, I have a number of concerns about some other aspects of his teaching. In the above video, Brian accuses Justin Peters of preaching "works-based salvation" due to a statement he made about faith plus repentance. I absolutely reject the tenets of Calvinism as outlined in TULIP. Nevertheless, faith and repentance is not a false doctrine. Several scriptures demonstrate that faith and repentance are two sides of the same coin and are essential components of salvation. Those who teach faith alone do not take into account all that the scriptures say on this subject. The sum of your word is truth. (Psalm 119 160).

Justin Peters: "The only way to be saved is to repent of your sin, turn from your sin, and turn to the risen Lord Jesus Christ." (14:00 mark) 

A number of false teachers such as Steven Anderson, Jeff Durbin, Bill Weise etc. teach that repentance is not required for salvation. It is very concerning that Brian (Faith on Fire) has bought into this false doctrine. Faith alone minus repentance essentially changes the gospel message and wrongly divides the word of truth resulting in a different gospel. (2 Corinthians 11:14 cf. 2 Timothy 2:15). People do not come to faith in a vacuum - there is a critical reason why people put their trust in Jesus Christ. It sounds very "spiritual" to categorize repentance as a "work" and to look down on those who teach repentance as legalistic. Works-based salvation is the heretical doctrine that we must do certain good deeds in order to merit salvation. Repentance i.e. turning away from sin involves an inward change i.e. a change of heart rather than an outward observance. 

Strongs: repent = metanoeó: to change one's mind or purpose. {2} 

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:8-10).

And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: (John 16:8).

..and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:15). 

So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent. (Mark 6:12).

From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17).

No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. (Luke 13:3,5).

..and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. (Luke 24:47).

The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.. (Acts 17:30).

The conversion of the Philippian jailer and his household: "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. (Acts 16:30-33). The conversation did not end at verse 31 .they spoke the word of the Lord to him and his household  i.e. Paul and Timothy elucidated the gospel message in detail to the Philippian jailer and his household, no doubt fully explaining the need for faith and repentance.     

Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. (Acts 2:37-41). 

Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.. (Acts 3:19).

God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. (Acts 5:31).

When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.” (Acts 11:18).

And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’ (Acts 22:16).

 

And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him.. (Hebrews 5:9).

Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God.. (Hebrews 6:1). 

Repentance and faith is foundational.

Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. (Matthew 3:8 cf. Luke 3:8). The fruit of repentance is works i.e. the outward actions are the result of the inward reality of repentance. Believers are enabled to do good works through faith by His power. (2 Thessalonians 1:11). Conversely, works done in the flesh are not acceptable to God. 

..but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance. (Acts 26:20. A distinction is made between repentance and deeds that follow repentance. 

But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.(James 2:18). Works are a demonstration of genuine faith and repentance. Repentance and faith lead to obedience. 

Given the scriptural evidence, how can anyone deny faith and repentance?

Repentance is not an optional extra as some teach, it is an absolute necessity. Faith without repentance may be an appealing message, but it produces false converts and is counterproductive. Easy believism refers to the practice of simply praying a superficial prayer to receive Jesus without the conviction of sin resulting in genuine saving faith. 

The video below gives what I believe is an accurate picture of faith and repentance. I also recommend Mike Winger's video on this subject (see the link below), and also Jason P Perkins: JESUS-POWER - Home (weebly.com) 

Further Links

(1) Repentance is Part of the Gospel: The Mark Series part 5 (1:14-15) - YouTube
(5) WE OBEY JESUS - YouTube
christians_against_faith_alone.pdf (weebly.com)

1. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: MIKE WINGER VS JOHN MACARTHUR (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)
2. Strong's Greek: 3340. μετανοέω (metanoeó) -- to change one's mind or purpose (biblehub.com)