EXAMINING GOD’S PLAN FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF BELIEVERS

Penance vs. Repentance

Introduction

even as a Christian, we will find ourselves in sin, needing forgiveness (1 Jn. 1:8, 10) sin separates us from God (1 Jn. 1:5-6)(Is. 59:1-2) God has extended His grace to us (1 Jn. 1:7, 9,

2:1-2)

differing doctrines on how to receive this grace some teach that must do good works as penalty some teach we have need of doing nothing

what does God require of His people to be fully cleared and blameless?

Definition of Terms

repentance a turning away, specifically away from sin and towards

God as a condition for divine forgiveness prompted by understanding of sin (2 Cor. 7:8-11) and

God’s goodness (Rom. 2:4), followed by fruits (Mk. 3:8)

penance depending on usage, can be interchangeable with above in Catholic usage, sacrament including confession of

sin, absolution of guilt, and imposing of “satisfaction” “penance” usually refers only to this last step in order

to redeem the earthly penalty of sin over time

Penance vs. Bible Repentance

penance extends the guilt of sin God’s forgiveness is complete (1 Jn. 1:9)(1 Pet. 3:11-13) undue guilt & sorrow may lead to more sin (2 Cor. 2:6-7)

penance allows self-imposed works to atone for sin nowhere in the Scriptures do arbitrary good works or acts of

contrition have any redeeming power (Eph. 2:8-10) adding to or modifying God’s word will not strengthen

Christians, but will lead them further into sin (Col. 2:23) Christ paid the penalty for sin; we meet the conditions of

repentance to avoid the penalty ourselves (Rom. 6:23)

Penance vs. Bible Penitence

what is a Christian’s attitude towards forgiven sin? hate it, but not burdened by it (1 Tim. 1:15-16)(2

Cor. 5:8) learn and grow (1 Pet. 4:1-5; 5:8)(Lk. 3:8)(2 Cor.

7:11) seek restitution (Lk. 19:8)(Mt. 5:23-26)(Phile. 18) accept consequences (Heb. 12:5-11)(1 Pet. 2:20;

4:15)

penance applies additional arbitrary consequences no positive value in self-imposed penalties

Conclusion

if separate from God in sin, can have confidence and rejoice in forgiveness through repentance His forgiveness is immediate and complete

to be true to our repentance, may require more actions on our part, e.g., if we harmed another to restore earthly bonds that may otherwise have

broken any additional good works not done as “penance”,

but as good works commanded of God (James 4:17)