The sure test of the quality of any supposed change of heart will be found in its permanent effects. Whatever, therefore, may have been our inward experience, whatever joy or sorrow we may have felt, unless we bring forth fruits meet for repentance, our experience will profit us nothing. Repentance is incomplete unless it leads to confession and restitution in cases of injury; unless it causes us to forsake not merely outward sins, which others notice, but those which lie concealed in the heart; unless it makes us choose the service of God and live not for ourselves but for Him. There is no duty, which is either more obvious in itself, or more frequently asserted in the Word of God, than that of repentance.
— Charles Hodge (1797–1878), Theologe
Topics: Guilt & Forgiveness, Growth & Character, Discipleship
Occasions: For Reflection
Charles Hodge
Charles Hodge (1797–1878) war ein US-amerikanischer presbyterianischer Theologe, der fast sechs Jahrzehnte am Princeton Theological Seminary lehrte und die konservative Princeton-Theologie maßgeblich prägte. Er wurde durch sein Hauptwerk „Systematic Theology“ und die Verteidigung der biblischen Irrtumslosigkeit bekannt, geriet jedoch wegen seiner vermittelnden Haltung zur Sklaverei und seiner Ablehnung des radikalen Abolitionismus in anhaltende Kritik. Für heutige Bibelleser dient sein Werk als klassisches Nachschlagewerk einer streng bekenntnisgebundenen, reformierten Dogmatik.
All quotes by Charles Hodge (16)
I am the prodigal son every time I search for unconditional love where it cannot be found.
Henri Nouwen
There are two ways to do good: to give and to forgive.
Augustine of Hippo
God counts on your failure far more than you do yourself.
Hans Peter Royer
The church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints.
Tim Keller
Forgiveness means allowing the other person not to have to be God.
Henri Nouwen
Love keeps no record of wrongs, but bitterness keeps detailed accounts.
Craig Groeschel
John Newton
Tim Keller