Justin Peters Contradicts Himself on Repentance - Can We Repent or Not? - Calvinism EXPOSED -
The above video contains clips of Justin Peters' perplexing statements about repentance.
On the one hand, Peters claims, "repentance is a work, but it is not our work", while on the other hand, he pleads with non-Christians to "repent and place your trust in Christ".
Peters: "In order to be saved, we would turn around and tell people they had to repent, which seemed to me to be doing a work...
I thought that repentance was something that I did, I thought it was something that I had to gen up within myself; I had to will myself to turn from certain sins..
The fundamental truth and teaching from scripture is that we can't repent on our own.
I want you to be truly broken over your sin, truly broken. I want you to cast yourself onto the mercies of Christ.
If you come to Him grieving over your sin because you understand that your sin grieves God and you understand the weight of the reproach that you have brought upon Christ, and the weight of how many people you have led astray in the name of Christ. If that bears heavy on you, and I hope and pray that it does, come to Christ empty-handed.. He will save you.
Turn from sin and place your faith in Christ.."
The horror of Reformed (Calvinist) theology is the teaching that God arbitrarily puts His mercy on very few people (the elect), and that the vast majority of humanity cannot be saved because they are not granted repentance. This false doctrine is a direct attack on the very nature of God and the gospel.
Peters' strained understanding is that repentance qualifies as a work: "you have to do something". In the scriptures, "work" (ἔργον) refers to action. (Romans 3:27-28; Galatians 2:16; 2 Timothy 1:9). "ἔργον comes from a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act."1 The verb "repentance" μετανοέω is to change one's mind or purpose. A contrast between work and faith is emphasised in the scriptures. (Romans 4:1-3). Romans 4:5 debunks the false assumption that faith is a work: And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness.. Calvinism piles error upon error and contradicts the scriptures by teaching that regeneration precedes faith. (Acts 16:31).
"Strong’s Greek 3340 describes the decisive, Spirit-wrought turning of heart and mind that re-orients a person from sin to God. Throughout the New Testament it is never presented as mere remorse but as a wholehearted response to divine truth that issues in faith, obedience, and fruit worthy of repentance."2
The scriptures are very straightforward and do not include the convoluted teachings of Calvinism. The Calvinist view of total inability, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints (TULIP) is presented in a way that appears wise and intellectual, but in actuality is a false ideology based on Augustinian soteriology that is incompatible with the true gospel of Jesus Christ. (Colossians 2:23). Augustine was deeply influenced by his early encounters with Stoicism, Neoplatanism, and Manichaeism. While he initially opposed deterministic ideology, Augustine incorporated elements of these philosophies into his debates with the Pelagians. Predestination and predeterminism became foundational for Augustine's theological development, and his influence on John Calvin (1509-1565) is beyond doubt. Calvin incorporated Augustinian philosophical ideas into his version of soteriology and divine providence. This has resulted in a huge swathe of the church being obliged to perform scriptural acrobatics that many find totally bewildering. Calvinism muddies the waters and puts a stumbling block in the way of those seeking salvation.
Simply put, the scriptures command all people everywhere to repent.
The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.. (Acts 17:30).Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.. (Acts 3:19).
This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:3-4).
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (2 Peter 3:9).
Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord GOD, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live? (Ezekiel 18:23).
For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord GOD; so turn, and live." (Ezekiel 18:32 cf. Job 36:9-12; Proverbs 1:23-33; Isaiah 1:19-20; Jeremiah 7:23-24; Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Ezekiel 18:30-32).
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16).
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people.. (Titus 2:11).
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! (Matthew 23:37).
The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. (Revelation 22:17).
He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:2).
God is not absent from repentance; the Holy Spirit convicts unbelievers of sin.
And when He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment" (John 16:8 cf. Acts 2:37).
God does not compel anyone to repent. People can resist the Holy Spirit and refuse to repent. This refusal is due to sin itself i.e. pride, stubbornness, and love for sin, which blinds individuals to the truth and grace offered by God. ..and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 2 Thessalonians 2:10 cf.
Calvinist proof text 2 Timothy 2:24-26
And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.
Calvinism distorts the basic lexical meaning of Greek words. The verb "grant" δίδωμι (to give in various senses).3 Alternative words are confer or bestow. Irresistible grace is not taught in the scriptures; on the contrary, people can resist the Holy Spirit. (Acts 6:1.0; 7:51-55). When a knighthood is conferred upon someone by the king, they must be willing to accept it. In other words, when God grants or confers repentance upon a person, they must be willing to receive it. (2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:4; Ezekiel 18:23). God does not override our free will. No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:5).
1. Strong's Greek: 2041. ἔργον (ergon) -- Work, deed, action, task, labor
2. Strong's Greek: 3340. μετανοέω (metanoeó) -- Repent
3. Strong's Greek: 1325. δίδωμι (didómi) -- To give, to grant, to bestow