Repenting in Advance
How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered! Psalm 32:1 NASB
Forgiven – Martin Luther broke ranks with the Roman Catholic Church over the practice of selling indulgences; the offer of providing forgiveness for sinful actions to be committed in the future for a monetary payment now. Actually, it was a rather ingenious idea for raising funds. If you desired to do something forbidden, you could purchase an indulgence and therefore be guaranteed forgiveness for the future sinful act when you carried it out. Luther, of course, saw the hypocrisy in this arrangement. This was one of the reasons he left the Catholic Church. But perhaps the action threw out the baby with the bathwater. Perhaps there is an aspect of the idea of indulgences that we should have kept.
Moses Luzzatto suggests that the biblical concept of watchfulness is defined by anticipating future sinful actions and repenting of them before they can occur. In fact, he teaches that the truly spiritual follower begins by repenting of sinful actions after they have happened and then progressively become more and more aware of the prior conditions that led to those sins. At each step of awareness, the true follower erects a wall of repentance until eventually he is able to anticipate the fateful outcome of even the smallest hint toward some sinful habit and arrest it before it can sweep him toward destruction. In this sense, repentance and forgiveness occur before the sin takes place, without, of course, ever allowing the sin to actually occur. If Catholicism had listened to Luzzatto, a great number of sinful events would have been avoided rather than simply turned into the Church’s treasury. In Luzzatto’s sense, an indulgence is the mental anticipation of a consequent sin and the exercise of repentance before the sin occurs.
Luther’s refusal to support the Church’s hypocrisy in the sale of indulgences is noble and righteous, but there is a tragic consequence to Luther’s rejection of indulgences for Protestant theology. Yes, Protestant denominations denounce this past Catholic practice, but some of those same denominations offer an even greater indulgence. It is called “eternal salvation.” This particular theological claim bears striking resemblance to a Medieval indulgence for it asserts that once someone is “saved,” all future sins are automatically forgiven. While there is no price tag associated with this future escape clause, the consequences for moral behavior are virtually the same. “Once saved, always saved” allows someone to live as they wish without concern about eventual consequences. In fact, one might wonder if the emphasis on the “freedom” that comes from knowing our eternal status before God is not rooted in the Greek concept of absence of restraint rather than in the Hebrew idea of reward and punishment.
I prefer Luzzatto for theological, moral and biblical grounds. To anticipate the destruction wrought by sin and respond with repentance before the action occurs is the real mark of transformation.
Topical Index: forgiven, Luzzatto, Luther, eternal salvation, nasa’
Skip,
If “once save, always saved” does not include the necessity to live the life of Torah righteousness, then it’s a heresy of the worst kind, misleading folk in a big way. But, if “once saved, always save” is predicated on the idea of “showing faith by your works” , then maybe it is a correct representation of these words of Sha’ul:
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
“No condemnation . . . set free from the law of sin and death . . . in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us.”
The trouble is, too many of “once saved, always saved” crowd have a misunderstanding of just what it is we are saved from in order to comprehend what we are save to. Saved from sin and death, saved to the Torah being fulfilled in us.
“Once saved, always saved”
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
“the life of Torah righteousness”
“What does our current religious and secular environment” tell us about the commitment that people allege to Torah?”
Hi Ian,
For me the statements above seem a bit too abstract to have much practical value
“Once saved, always saved” seems delusional and ignorant to me
“those who are in Christ Jesus” is part of a mystical experience that I’ve never had
As far as I know
Jesus is the model of man and Other to me
When I think of “the life of Torah righteousness” it brings Rabbis and Orthodox Jews to mind
Skip and others here are obviously a lot more firmly grafted to that Tree than I am
In the last twenty years it seems to me that a lot of Christians have become more aware
Of their Hebrew roots, and have been attracted to the Hebrew worldview
Our current religious and secular environment is not monolithic
But to the extent that it is involved in politics
The Torah becomes part of the struggle for power
And is hard for me to reconcile with Jesus
Jesus was a teacher who was committed to the Torah
But he was preaching peace and love
And he gave his power to God IMO
Michael,
You might like to read Romans Chapters 1 through 7 (especially chapter 6) to help you understand what Sha’ul means by “in Christ Jesus.”
Ian: “Read Romans Chapters 1 through 7”
Hi Ian, Thanks for the recommendation!
Mike: I added chapter 8 to make my point. And raise some questions.
Rom 7:5 For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death.
Mike: What law aroused our flesh? One of the 613?
Rom 7:6 But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.
Mike: Wouldn’t the “old way of the written code” be the Torah?
Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Mike: We can’t literally be in Jesus Christ so we must be in some sort of mystical experience “in Christ Jesus”?
Mike: I had experiences like that in my youth, but they were accompanied by an Angel of the Lord or Ha Satan, I wasn’t sure which …. and a lot of fear 🙂
Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.
Mike: Again a mystical experience?
Rom 8:3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh.
Mike: As I’ve mentioned a few times before, reading Paul for the fist time showed me the way from Judaism to Catholicism, or so I thought.
Mike
It may be some “mystical experience” but the question is: is it a spiritual (i.e. not platonic spiritual) “reality” that leads to a transformed life?
I think it is necessary to grasp Paul’s distinction between “law of works” and “law of faith” (Rom 3:26ff), and his comment 3:31 about the law is not nullified but established, to properly understand his comments at chapter 8. Also, what does it mean (ch.6) about buried with Him in baptism? Another “mystical” experience that is a “spiritual” reality that leads to a transformed life. That’s why we may not see sin abounding in our lives. Some fundamental change has taken place.
I cannot see why reading Paul would necessarily lead you to Catholicism. It should lead you to the Messiah, whether that is Catholicism, Protestantism, or Messianic Judaism, which, in my mind, are secondary to the central issue.
Hi Ian,
I think these are great questions and very interesting to think about
I’m not a Paul scholar, in fact I don’t know Paul very well at all
But I can form opinions fairly quickly, so my response will be opinions
Ian: It may be some “mystical experience” but the question is: is it a spiritual (i.e. not platonic spiritual) “reality” that leads to a transformed life?
Mike: Well I don’t have much knowledge of philosophy, but I would tend to think of a “mystical experience” as a subjective phenomenon that cannot be validated
And in a sense the spirit is somewhat objective, but it can’t be “nailed down” very easily either
I would probably tend to think that when you and I discuss these issues, it is all happening in language
And for the moment I would tend to think of the Spirit as one thing that can manifest itself as many things
And can be described in many different languages in terms of the culture of a given language
So I don’t really know the answer to your question, but Paul’s view of the world is not a requirement for anybody to worship God IMO
For Paul to say in Rom 8: For God has done what the law … could not do by sending his own Son, creates the basis of a new religion IMO
As far as I know, for a Jewish Rabbi, Jesus is optional, but not required
Jesus tells us to pray to his Father, but Paul says we need Jesus
The Catholic church takes the next step and makes Jesus part of the Trinity (God)
Ian: I think it is necessary to grasp Paul’s distinction between “law of works” and “law of faith” (Rom 3:26ff)
Mike: Paul’s argument regarding Abraham’s “faith,” which seems to be the basis of the distinction bewteen the two laws, does not ring true to me
Most of us have been taught about God or we would not know about God
In the case of Abraham, God commands Abraham to do “xyz” AND He will make his name so famous it will become a blessing
Most of us have probably had our moments of doubt and faith regarding God, but Abraham has no reason to doubt God’s existence or power
Abraham trusts God to do what he says
Ian: and his comment 3:31 about the law is not nullified but established, to properly understand his comments at chapter 8.
Mike: Uderstand but I don’t think faith establishes the law; I think God established the Law and commands that we obey it
Ian: Also, what does it mean (ch.6) about buried with Him in baptism? Another “mystical” experience that is a “spiritual” reality that leads to a transformed life. That’s why we may not see sin abounding in our lives. Some fundamental change has taken place.
Mike: Actually, I don’t know what to say about that.
Ian: I cannot see why reading Paul would necessarily lead you to Catholicism.
Mike: I meant that in history it looks like we had Jews, then we Jews and Jesus, then we had Paul and gentiles, and then we had Catholicism
Ian: It should lead you to the Messiah, whether that is Catholicism, Protestantism, or Messianic Judaism, which, in my mind, are secondary to the central issue.
Mike: I tend to think the mystical experience is the doorway to God and Jesus was teaching us how to find the door
Michael, you wrote, “…I don’t think faith establishes the law; I think God established the Law and commands that we obey it.”
That depends on your definition of two words: “faith” and “establish”.
There is no direct equivalent Hebrew word for “faith”. Remembering that Paul is writing as a rabbi schooled in Torah, fluent in Hebrew, Aramaic and (coming from Tarsus), probably Greek as well, he would have had in mind the Hebrew word emunah, which means faithfulness. Through faithfulness we “establish” the law i.e. we make it a reality in our lives. Faithfulness in or to what? Faithfulness in living according to God’s instructions. In other words, the Torah becomes reality in our lives when we do what it says.
“That depends on your definition of two words: “faith” and “establish”.”
Hi Rodney,
I understand your point about Paul, but we are speaking English 🙂
es·tab·lish/iˈstabliSH/
Verb:
Set up (an organization, system, or set of rules) on a firm or permanent basis.
Initiate or bring about (contact or communication).
IMO God set up rules on a firm or permanent basis 🙂
Michael, indeed we are speaking English, but we are reading a translation from a Greek source (founded on Hebraic concepts). I agree that God established/s his Law by declaring it and setting it on a firm foundation – that is beyond dispute, however that is not the only way by which it is established, which is James’ point.
The TDNT has this to say about histemi (the Greek word that is translated as “establish” in this passage):
“With reference to the covenant or word or command of God, the term carries the sense that God has ordained it or established it or given it its validity. God establishes the covenant with Noah for all generations (Gen 9:11-12). He makes a similar covenant with Abraham (17:19) and reminds Moses of this (Ex 6:4), on which the covenant with Israel rests (Lev 26:9). The people respond by establishing the covenant themselves as they let it shape their lives (2 Kings 23:3). The fact that God confirms the covenant by an oath indicates his self-commitment to it (Gen 26:3; Jer 11:5). The words of the covenant are thus inviolable (Deut 28:69). God will establish his word (1 Kings 2:4). This is the psalmist’s prayer (Ps 119:38). God’s people establish God’s word and statutes by keeping them (2 Kings 23:24). God’s work, whether in creation or covenant, is grounded in His counsel, which always stands (Is 46:10) and in fulfillment of which God does not stand still.” – TDNT p 1083, section 2.
Rodney: “indeed we are speaking English, but we are reading a translation from a
Greek source (founded on Hebraic concepts).”
Mike: I understand
Rodney: “however that is not the only way by which it is established, which is James’ point. I agree that God established his Law by declaring it And setting it on a firm foundation, that is beyond dispute However that is not the only way by which it is established, which is James’ point.
Mike: OK I think it would be fair say that God establishes this stuff for the the first
time. “In the beginning ….”
Mike: And I guess you are arguing that we (mankind) should be in a kind of “mystical dialogue” with God
In which we are obligated to establish these covenants ourselves, in a game of “follow the leader” (the Jews)
Sounds good to me
Mike: My original point was that in my view it is relatively easy to move
From Paul’s extraordinarily academic and somewhat mystical worldview
To the ideological superstructure of the medieval world, which is Catholic Theology
If you read Everyman’s Talmud, you can see it is the basis of Catholic Theology
On the other hand, it is not easy to move from Mark’s Jesus to Catholic Theology
They are “apples and oranges”
The one thing about The Catholic indulgence system was that it was only for after one died and went to Purgatory where the sentence was diminished by the number of indulgences one had pruchased!!!
As to “”Once Saved -Always Saved”” it eliminates the need for “”True Repentance””of “”Occasional Future Sins””. For as we are told in Peter 4:1-2 also 1 John 2: 1-2 also 1 John 5:18-20 this where the change in the Inner Man needs to be reflected!!!!
1 John 2: 1-2
Hi Gerald,
Apparently, In the Hebrew Bible the idea of atonement (Hebrew כפרת kaphoreth) is connected with “covering.” In Rabbinic Judaism, atonement is achieved through some combination of
– repentance
– Temple service (e.g. bringing a sacrifice, now not possible)
– confession
– restitution
– the occurrence of Yom Kippur (the day itself, as distinct from the Temple service performed on it)
– tribulations (unpleasant life experiences)
– the carrying out of a sentence of lashes or execution imposed by an ordained court (not now in existence)
– the experience of dying.
The Hebrew Bible states that human sacrifice is an abomination in the sight of God (Lev. 18:21, 20:2-5, Deu. 12:31, Jer. 32:34-35)
So 1 John 2: 1-2 is a problematic view of atonement for many Jewish people.
1 John 2:2 My little children, I write these things to you so that you may not sin. If anyone sins, we have a Counselor with the Father, Yeshua the Messiah, the righteous.
1 John 2:2 And he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world.
1 John 2:3 This is how we know that we know him: if we keep his mitzvot.
1 John 2:4 One who says, “I know him,” and doesn’t keep his mitzvot, is a liar, and the truth isn’t in him.
1 John 2:5 But whoever keeps his word, God’s love has most assuredly been perfected in him. This is how we know that we are in him:
1 John 2:6 He who says he remains in him ought himself also to walk just like he walked.
I am a believer in the once saved always saved but I can tell you that even though I do believe in Eternal salvation and that ALL my sin was dealt with on the Alter of HIS TIME, I have been granted the desire for righteousness. I do not desire to sin against the Almighty and when I do sin, it grieves me to no end. I am one that is purposely walking in the direction of life as I have seen the old man upon the alter and there was nothing but ashes left. I can not return to death and ashes.. I am in the kingdom of GOD and heading deeper into the kingdom of GOD on an upward walk as I watch HIS HEELS by faith until I see HIM face to face .
Yes, in believing that once saved and always saved I am saved FROM SIN to go and sin no more to turn to HIM and having HIS life being born, lived, and raised in this vessel.
The Christian life is NOT an easy life but I would not trade it for the life that I once lived. That life is gone far from me and with each step after HIM,is getting farther and farther away from the reality that I have IN CHRIST.. Thank you Skip for this message..
Carol,
Above did you mean closer and closer to the reality…………….?
I agree. My thought: I think being born into a family can”t be changed, but my behavior as part of God’s family often needs to be transformed or corrected from ideas and actions from my past self-centered family. This is where we can help and encourage one another. I really think the above idea of ‘being aware of conditions that led you to sin’ is very wise. I think God forgives, but the consequences of sin can be harsh and eternal and the more clearly I see the love of God and His desires for my good, the more I want to obey and be led by His Spirit.
A fun saying about persevering in change: Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over it became a butterfly.
~ But these things are also written that you may believe that Yeshua is The Messiah, the Son of God, and when you believe, you shall have eternal life in His Name ~
In a word, “no.” Once saved, IS always saved. ← (sometimes, I like to point out the period!)
Brothers, sisters, I’m happy to report this very day, I am (very) saved. Completely all together saved. I am a saint and a son and a soldier and a steward. What is a saint? Nothing but a saved sinner. Born again, washed in the blood, delivered and happy to say so. I am, right here, right now, this very moment – and forever, a child of the King.. and delighted to know so. Delighted to say so, know so, show so. ~ Let the redeemed of the LORD, say so ~ Have you been redeemed? Is (the) Christ, your Redeemer? Is He your Savior? Who did He come to “seek and to save?” Sinners only, need apply.
I do not have a “hope so” salvation, (I hope I get a puppy for Christmas), I have a “know-so” salvation, -the only way to fly.
One what grounds, on what basis, how do I know this blessed truth? I would be beyond thrilled to share this with one and all and welcome also any comments or criticisms concerning this “state of being.” I am saved. Delivered. Rescued. Twice born. Regenerated. – Shall we?
I have had three children born into my family. I am a father and a dad three times over, and love each of my children more than life itself. I would die for my kids, and willingly, lovingly, daily sacrifice for them and for my darling wife. What a wonderful family I have.. but suppose today one of my kids decides to “err.” (A politically correct term for sin!)- One decides to disobey dad, and I “find out” about it. My response? I immediately disavow any kinship, throw the kid out on his ear, put him out on the street and let him or her know, -you are no longer my daughter or no longer my son, you must repent, change your evil ways, learn to live according to “house rules” and then I will make a decision based upon your behavior, whether or not to let you back into my family. This house is ruled by rules- thousands of them and any one of these that are broken result in loss of relationship- I disavow my own children and make them go sleep under a bridge somewhere- I am one ruff and tuff daddy. I punish my children (notice the word “chastise” is missing!) by throwing them out of the family and cut them off from any future inheritance if they sin or err at all. In my house, nothing but perfect behavior -all the time, is accepted. And every day the little tykes live here, they must wonder, does daddy love me? Have I offended him in any way or broken any house rules?” If so, I am no longer worthy to be called his son or daughter and must earn my way back into his favor. How true, only perfect kids are allowed in my house, for I cannot and will not tolerate my children, if they wish to live in my perfect house- any room for error. One infraction and out the door they go, and somehow must be (it’s on them how to do it) find their way back into my favor. I am so subject to my own moods- junior spilled his milk on the table and he is no longer “worthy” to be called my son. Oh well.. lost another kid.
(Meanwhile, back at the ranch..) Fellowship is not relationship. If my son (or daughter) were to sin and “cross” dad, he (or she) would still be in the family, but our relationship and ability to communicate freely and openly would be affected. A rebellious child is still my child, even though we may not be “rightly-related,” until one of us repents. Friends, -will it be the Father or the child who repents?
~ I AM the LORD- I change not ~ (Malachi 3.6) If there is any “repenting” to be done, it will be the child’s doings. The Father, (our Father) is the thrice holy God. The Creator and Sustainer of the universes, the heavens and the earth and all that it in the earth. All that is in the earth, under the earth, above the earth and around the earth. LORD of the macro and LORD of the micro. LORD of the living and LORD of the dead. When our Father says, “let there be..” it comes into being or comes to fruition or comes to pass- “it is so,”- When God says “amen.”
I believe, (personal opinion), please forgive me or indulge me as I share mine- (too many opinions these days already..)- mere conjecture on my part, but I believe God said “amen” during the Genesis of the creation. “Let there be” (amen) light..- and there was light. First chaos, then order- the story of my life! lol! God seems to specialize in making a message and a miracle, (a man) out of a mess!
What do the scriptures say? Don’t we always return to this “starting point” every time! lol! Bottom, bottom line.. ~ What do the scriptures say? ~ Word of God speak, “amen!”
~ If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness ~ (1 John 1.9) Who is (the) Faithful (One)? He is. Who is (the) Just (one) ? He is. He, Who is Faithful and Just (holy) will forgive us our sins and will purify us from all unrighteousness?
~ What is His Name and what is His Son’s Name? ~ Where is the only “picture” in our Bible of God the Father (our Father) ever being “in a hurry?” A picture of God “running!” lol! When the son repented, the Father ran! (Luke 15.20).
So how does the Father (our Father) feel about repentance? -~ what do the scriptures say?~
Friend, – do you know, – the rest of the story? The Father, (our Father) favors His family. God loves His kids! (us).
Again, (and again)- ~what do the scriptures say? ~ (continually, consciously) Draw near to God and He will draw near to you!~ for repentance is not a one-time event, but a daily, moment by moment, blessed gift. For even our “repentance” and the ability to repent is a grace-gift from Above.
~ In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents ~
Today, I’m going to make heaven happy.
I fully, freely, finally repent of my sin, my error, my transgression, my wrong thinking, and turn toward You and towards the God who is so holy, I must bow down, fall down, upon my knees, upon my face- and with tears of joy I cry out to You, my Savior and my compassionate Father, “forgive me.” You have promised in Your own true words, “He that comes unto Me, I will in no wise cast out.” Here Am I, behold me, cleanse me, purify me, then fill me Father with the Breath of Life, and allow me this very day to work in your fields, for they are white unto harvest.
Cause me to remember this day, who I am and whose I am. May my walk, my work, my words and my witness be pleasing unto You, my Savior, my God, my Redeemer, my Righteousness. This I ask, this I pray, because of Your invitation, “Come unto Me,” and because Calvary made this prayer possible. Amen.