Role of repentance?

[By Grace]

I admit up front I've only been studying Calvinism for, oh, one day. But one topic I came across in reading some of the sites mentioned in another thread was that man can't repent. Did I understand that right? Can some of you explain what you think the role of repentance is in a saved person's life?

I'm not at all here to debate. I understand the rules. I'm just asking an honest question out of curiosity and a desire to understand your POV.

TIA,

 

[JM]

I'll speak for myself, man can't repent without grace first.

 

[St. Worm2]

I'll speak for myself, man can't repent without grace first.

Hi Jill, I agree with Street Preacher, what the thread you were reading was probably attempting to point out is that man, before God has changed his heart, is unable to truly respond to God. We are "DEAD in our trespasses and sins, and are by nature, children of wrath" (see Ephesians 2:1-5).

The subject of Calvinism is a fairly complex one and, if you are truly interested in learning about it, you might want to consider reading a small book called, Chosen By God, by R C Sproul. He is a theologian and pastor ... and teacher (in one way or another) of many of us here (I wish he had been my teacher for ALL my subjects throughout my life ... can you tell I think a lot of him .. ), and that little book of his, though hardly exhaustive on the subject of the Reformed faith, has been the beginning point for many of us who have become Calvinists.

In the meantime though, ask away, and we'll be happy to answer the questions you have to the best of our ability ..

Yours and His,
David
p.s. - if you'd like, you can get "Chosen By God" directly from Dr. Sproul's ministry (Renewing Your Mind and Ligonier) at either: www.ligonier.org or at 1-800-435-4343. Renewing Your Mind is his daily radio broadcast (and WebCast).

 

[JM]

Quote:

When Paul was preaching there were some bystanders and…

“…Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul.” (NKJV)

If the Lord opened Lydia's heart "to take heed to Paul’s message" where is there room for the desire for resistance. When the Scripture speaks of opening of softening of the heart in reference to God, it always speaks of God accomplishing his redemptive purpose. When our hearts are opened "to take heed" there is no question that such a one infallibly comes to faith in Christ. Even when Paul says, “O Corinthians, our heart is opened wide” it means that he is already completely theirs. There is no evidence whatsoever that Luke intends us to understand this incident as one where Lydia would be able to even have the desire for, let alone, the full power of rejection. God opens hearts TO UNDERSTAND, TO HEED. The action goes all the way, not part of the way as some believe.

peace