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)