The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum Confession and Repentance

Brad,

I believe that your friend is disregarding certain fundamental and important elements in regard to sanctification in general from which his question results. The biblical teaching and that which has been traditionally held by Calvinists, is that regeneration, although it does not contribute to one's justification nor is it to be construed as being part of any alleged infused righteousness, but rather provides the ability to believe unto justification, is nonetheless an actual and radical transformation of the very nature/soul. As I'm sure you are full aware, regeneration creates a godly disposition/inclination toward God and all that is good. However, this inclination is in principle and only partial for there yet remains part of the "old man" which wars against the spirit. The point is, that theoretically, a regenerated person who has come to Christ is capable of avoiding all sin. (1Cor 10:13) Thus one cannot say truthfully that a sin repented of will be committed again.

Secondly, one who has been regenerated, come to Christ in repentance and faith and received remission of sins has also been given the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit. It is this very Spirit Who works in, around and through the child of God to sanctify him/her. It isn't the case that after a person comes to Christ that God leaves that person to fend for themselves and strive after holiness but rather, He assures one's sanctification by His own power, guidance and preservation. (Phil 2:12, 13) It is part of the immutable decree of God that all who have been predestined are assuredly called, justified and glorified. Sanctification is thus immovably wedged between justification and glorification and that which will infallibly occur. Thus one cannot say truthfully that they will assuredly sin, particularly in the same manner.

Thirdly, and lastly, That all children of God will sin is a truism for there are times when God allows them to give in to temptation for the purpose of discipline but more so to the end that they may cling all the more to Christ and depend upon the Spirit of God to fight against the world, the flesh and the devil. (1Jh 2:15, 16; 5:4) Further, when one is convicted of their sin and they repent of it, resolving to new obedience, they see the immeasurable mercy and forgiveness of God toward them because of Christ's redemption accomplished in their behalf. Their hearts grow in gratitude and they increase in their being conformed to the image of Christ; being partakers of His divine nature. (2Pet 1:4) It would be a strange thing indeed for one who has been given a new nature to not hate sin and resolve to live righteously before the Lord. (Rom 6; Rom 7:18ff) And, when a transgression occurs, it is only naturally for one to turn away from that act if sin, confess to the One Who loves them most their sin and seek His forgiveness, blessing and assurance that they belong to Him. (1Jh 1:9, 10)

Hebrews 12:4-13 (ASV) "Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin: and ye have forgotten the exhortation which reasoneth with you as with sons, My son, regard not lightly the chastening of the Lord, Nor faint when thou art reproved of him; For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, And scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. It is for chastening that ye endure; God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is there whom [his] father chasteneth not? But if ye are without chastening, whereof all have been made partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore, we had the fathers of our flesh to chasten us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened [us] as seemed good to them; but he for [our] profit, that [we] may be partakers of his holiness. All chastening seemeth for the present to be not joyous but grievous; yet afterward it yieldeth peaceable fruit unto them that have been exercised thereby, [even the fruit] of righteousness. Wherefore lift up the hands that hang down, and the palsied knees; and make straight paths for your feet, that that which is lame be not turned out of the way, but rather be healed."

In His grace,