Choice of the Lawless

Next up we have a common Christian phrase, "repent of sin". It hit me square in the head as I was wasting time taking one of those "are you going to heaven or hell" quizzes online. Most of those are directed at informing non-believers or new Christians of their need for salvation through Jesus, but I have seen others that mock the faith. Anyway, I didn't actually finish it...I just wanted to see the questions it posed. One of these questions was "Do you repent of your sins?" I thought to myself, how would a non-Christian even understand that question? They wouldn't I'm willing to say, at least not to a meaningful level. I know plenty of active Christians who are unable to define what sin and repentance really is. If they can't, how can we slide a question like that in front of someone we hope to help find salvation and find (meaningful) success?

I have this opinion (you're surprised I'm sure, haha) that without reason and understanding a faith is fragile and in many cases prone to failure. In fact, I believe that much of our 80% backslider rate is because people try to believe on "faith alone". (Please don't think I am saying faith is not the only means to salvation, but that their is more to our belief and life as Christians than a simple faith.) It's just that people are never given reasons. They don't know how the world is a plain example of Gods existence. They don't know what good the Bible is in this modern day or why it can be trusted. They don't understand why the world is infected with corruption, pain, and death. They don't understand why their prayers don't get answered. They can't stay strong forever like that and, quite honestly, most don't. So, what does all this ranting have to do with the question?

Simply that when asking a question or approaching someone we aught to be instructive before posing such questions. Before asking a question about repentance they need to understand sin as without sin their is no need for repentance. So first we define sin for them quickly but clearly as lawbreaking (1 John 3:4) against God's laws and consequently God Himself. Sinning is breaking that law and being a sinner is just being guilty of breaking those laws, effectively making us criminals. Once sin is defined they can see the connection better when asked questions about stealing, anger, and swearing. At this point, understanding sin, they can hear the definition of repentance which is usually defined as deep sorrow and regret for past wrongdoing or sin, but I would note that this implies change which is a very important implication.

Then, having all the information necessary, they can put it all in context. "Do you repent of your Sins?" means "Do you acknowledge that you have broken the law and are you willing to change your lawbreaking ways?" What seems like an obvious question to a Christian can be one very large stumbling block to someone who does not have the definitions. I don't want to think about all those who never found salvation or who fell away because they were never told these simple things. It's a truly sad thought.

This is all part of a 'very' old evangelism and apologetic method where the speaker explains creation and the fall before attempting to press a hearer for salvation and acceptance of Christ. It gives the hearer a basis for understanding which usually allows for a deeper connection from the start. It is not fool-proof of course and without the Holy Spirit it is all useless, but for our roll in these things it is important to keep in mind.