Do we choose to repent?

[tonychanyt]

I am talking about the initial repentance when you first become a Christian.

Jesus commanded everyone to repent, Mark 1:

15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

Acts 17:

30b [God] commands all people everywhere to repent.

God wants everyone to repent, 2 Peter 3:

9b he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

1 Timothy 2:

4 [God] desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

However, people choose not to repent, Revelation 2:

21 Even though I have given her time to repent of her immorality, she is unwilling.

Do we choose to repent?

Yes, we choose to repent and not to repent. If we can only choose not to repent, then it is not a choice.

Now, there is a spiritual warfare going on, 2 Timothy 2:

25b God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

There is a bit of controversy about this, but I see the original Greek as a potential subjunctive: God may or may not grant them repentance.

Acts 11:

18 When they heard this, they quieted down and glorified God, saying, “Well then, God has also granted to the Gentiles the repentance that leads to life.”

Does God choose to grant repentance?

Yes, God grants repentance to some and not to others.

Yes, people choose to repent or not to repent.

Yes, when people choose not to repent, God can choose not to grant them repentance.

All are true. This is the concept of Co-Reality.

See also

• Do we choose to be born again?
• Do we have freewill?
• Did Esau repent?

 

[Laodicean60]

If you mean to change one's mind, then I chose it. It took me until I needed help from addiction and was tired of that lifestyle that I turned to God because I could/t do it on my own. I was more hardheaded about God compared to other who accepted him without the need. Renewing one's mind happens all the time. Like the proverb of a good man leaves an inheritance to his grandchildren, sadly I'm a little late in this revelation.

 

[Laodicean60]

If someone is driving, and stops at a stop sign, or a red light,
did they "choose" to do so ?

Of course they did because I've run a lot of stops signs in my day especially when no cops were around.

 

[Laodicean60]

So then, is it wise toe "REPENT" of lawlessness ??

of course (added): by choice

 

[DialecticSkeptic]

It's less about choosing to repent and more about being moved to repent. To God alone be the glory.