Why Should Christians Repent if They’re Already Saved?

by Dale Partridge

If Jesus’ work on the cross is sufficient for all the saints for all time, why are Christians, who have already been forgiven of past, present, and future sin, required to participate in ongoing repentance? Aren’t Christians only required to repent once?

The answer to this important theological question comes through recognizing the difference between what Dale Partridge calls “Big-R” repentance and “Little-r” repentance.

In this episode of Real Christianity, listen as he offers a biblical breakdown of these two critical types of repentance and how they find their place in the life of a Christian.

Additional Resources

Book: Return To Me’: A Biblical Theology of Repentance
Audio: Do I Need to Repent If Christ Died for All My Sins?

Scripture References

Hebrews 10:11-14

“And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, 13 waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. 14 For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.”
Leviticus 17:11

“For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life.”
2 Corinthians 5:21

“For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
John 10:27-29

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.”
1 John 1:8-10

“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”
Romans 14:23

“For whatever is not from faith is sin.” Even serving the poor as an unbeliever is sinful because you’re serving in self-righteousness.
Isaiah 64:6

“all our righteous acts are like filthy rags;”

After watching or listening to this episode, what is your opinion? Do you have any questions or comments? Maybe you have something to add to the discussion? If so, let us know in the comments below.

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