Session #009 is devoted to the reading and discussion of Chapter 5 on the true Christian’s faith and experience of true repentance.
The true Christian believes he must obey and live according to the teachings of Christ and his apostles. The first and foremost teaching is repentance which is not a simple regret for sin, but rather a complete transformation of one’s mindset with a focus on the power of God, and away from dead actions. This is the first step towards true Christianity, this turning from the power of sin to the power of God and righteousness (what is right in God’s eyes). This is the nature and effect of a true transformative repentance.
The call of God to repent is a more inward call, an unmediated call, rather than an outward call through some outward means. The true Christian’s mind and heart is turned from being captivated with worldly desires and cravings. He now begins to feel their sinfulness. He recognizes that his turning away from sinning is effected by God and His grace, i.e. the divine assistance of God in his every step. He is now a witness of the living voice of God within him. He obeys this inward voice of the Son of God.
Having heard, obeyed and turned away from his previous ways, he becomes a cause for wonder to his former companions, as he now aligns all his actions in line with righteousness. Now great trials begin. Evil spirits are more actively at work. But he is able to resist them, as he presses forward to the high calling of God in Christ Jesus where His wisdom, knowledge and glory are hidden.
The titular Christian, the Christian in name only, says he believes in the same teachings on repentance. But his mind is not turned from the power of evil spirits. He has not been made alive by the hearing of the voice of the Son of God. His mind is not turned to the appearance of Christ within him to make an end to sinning, replacing sin with everlasting righteousness. He is not enabled to travel on in the way of holiness to the heavenly Jerusalem.
This nominal Christian deceives himself with daily sinning and an imaginary repentance. He moves from one form of egotistical self-sinning and self-righteousness to another, and from one form of invented worship to another. The nature of and ground of sin remain unshaken by the inward voice and power of the Son of God which would lead to true repentance, if obeyed. Without hearing and obeying this voice, the strength of sin remains unabated and repentance is talked about in vain.
References
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