Remorse precedes true repentance. Changed behavior follows true repentance. But this necessary prelude and postlude of true repentance are not themselves the essence of repentance. True repentance is a denial that anything in us ever would or ever could satisfy God’s holiness or compel His pardon. We humbly concede that we can offer nothing for what He alone can give. Then we rest in His promise to forgive those who humbly seek Him… Repentance, therefore, is fundamentally a humble expression of a desire for a renewed relationship with God – a relationship that we confess can be secured only by His grace.

Bryan Chapell (b. 1954), Theologe, Pastor und Autor

Topics: Guilt & Forgiveness, Grace & Redemption, Faith & Trust

Occasions: For Reflection

Bryan Chapell

Bryan Chapell (* 1954) ist ein US-amerikanischer presbyterianischer Pastor, Theologe und ehemaliger Präsident des Covenant Theological Seminary. Bekannt wurde er durch sein Konzept der christuszentrierten Auslegungspredigt, das biblische Texte ausgehend von menschlicher Gebrochenheit konsequent auf die Gnade Gottes in Christus bezieht. Für Bibelleser bieten seine Schriften methodische Zugänge, um Bibeltexte jenseits von reinem Moralismus im heilsgeschichtlichen Zusammenhang zu verstehen.

All quotes by Bryan Chapell (42)

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Augustine of Hippo

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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

My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: that I am a great sinner and that Christ is a great Savior!

John Newton

The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.

Tim Keller

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