May 25, 2009

The Gift of Repentance

"And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will." (II Timothy 2: 24-26 KJV)

"Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins." (Acts 5:31 KJV)

"When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life." (11: 18)

God commands all to repent but he does not give repentance to all. He desires all men to repent, but he especially desires it for his chosen people. God invites all to repentance, but the elect he effectually draws to it.

So, not only is faith a gift of God, but so also is repentance.

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