BobVigneault
Bawberator
Dear friends,
In my continuing personal reformation of thought and theology I find myself wrestling with the definition of repentance. I have read much and I am having trouble synthesizing the various ideas I have run across.
I guess the first question I'm looking for the answer to is this: Is 'metanoia' the turning from the practice of sin and the worlds sinful pattern to obedience, or is it a turning from self to God?
Secondly, is repentence (if it's the 1st definition) a visible evidence of regeneration.
My reason for asking is practical and personal. I have two daughters who grew up surrounded by 'sound' (not complete and not reformed) teaching but both have rebelled against the Lord. I have confronted them regarding the truth of Scripture and they even see that their lifestyles are inconsistent with the Word but they seem unable to change.
My conclusion has been - if they are truly regenerate then the presence of the Holy Spirit would cause great struggle in their lives - enough to make them change.
Yet, I'm told the basis of forgiveness is not in them but in the cross, in the Gospel, in the electing pupose of God. I pray daily that the Lord will bring them back to himself but I am also quite muddled as to their present relationship to God.
Any input would be greatly appreciated to help me find my way through this labyrinth in my otherwise "sytematic" theology.
God bless you all richly!
In my continuing personal reformation of thought and theology I find myself wrestling with the definition of repentance. I have read much and I am having trouble synthesizing the various ideas I have run across.
I guess the first question I'm looking for the answer to is this: Is 'metanoia' the turning from the practice of sin and the worlds sinful pattern to obedience, or is it a turning from self to God?
Secondly, is repentence (if it's the 1st definition) a visible evidence of regeneration.
My reason for asking is practical and personal. I have two daughters who grew up surrounded by 'sound' (not complete and not reformed) teaching but both have rebelled against the Lord. I have confronted them regarding the truth of Scripture and they even see that their lifestyles are inconsistent with the Word but they seem unable to change.
My conclusion has been - if they are truly regenerate then the presence of the Holy Spirit would cause great struggle in their lives - enough to make them change.
Yet, I'm told the basis of forgiveness is not in them but in the cross, in the Gospel, in the electing pupose of God. I pray daily that the Lord will bring them back to himself but I am also quite muddled as to their present relationship to God.
Any input would be greatly appreciated to help me find my way through this labyrinth in my otherwise "sytematic" theology.
God bless you all richly!