Acts 20:21
“Repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Salvation Is by Grace Through Faith
Repentance and faith do not earn salvation.
Salvation remains entirely a work of God’s grace.
Ephesians 2:8-9
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
This means:
- Faith does not earn salvation.
- Repentance does not earn salvation.
- Good works do not earn salvation.
Salvation is God’s gift.
Faith is the means by which we receive that gift.
Confessing Christ
The Bible teaches that genuine faith openly identifies with Christ.
Romans 10:9-10
“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
This confession is not merely repeating words.
It is the outward expression of genuine faith in the risen Christ.
Saving faith believes from the heart and openly acknowledges Jesus as Lord.
What Repentance Is Not
Repentance is not:
- Self-punishment
- Earning forgiveness
- Becoming perfect before coming to Christ
- Cleaning yourself up before salvation
Many people think they must fix their lives before coming to Jesus.
The gospel teaches the opposite.
We come to Christ as sinners, and He transforms us by His grace.