“Jesus began to preach, and to say, ‘Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.'”
Matt 4:17
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out…”
Acts 3:19
“Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.”
Acts 5:31
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Subsections
Relation of Repentance to Faith & Justification
Reformed vs. Aquinas
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Order of Contents
Articles 20+
Books 4
Quotes 5+
Latin & French 40+
Definition 1
Mere External Repentance: Not Repentance 1
Difference between Repentance & Faith 1
New Obedience 3
Beginning of Sanctification 1
Recovery from Sins
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Articles
1500’s
Zwingli, Ulrich – ‘Repentance’ in Commentary on True & False Religion eds. Jackson & Heller (1525; Labyrinth Press, 1981), pp. 131-37
Calvin, John
18. ‘Repentance & Regeneration’ in Instruction in Faith (1537) tr. Paul T. Fuhrman (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1949), pp. 42-44
5. ‘Of Penitence’ in Institutes of the Christian Religion: 1541 French Edition tr. Elsie A. McKee (1541; Eerdmans, 2009), pp. 271-318
3. ‘Regeneration by Faith. Of Repentance’ in Institutes of the Christian Religion tr. Henry Beveridge (1559; Edinburgh: Calvin Translation Society, 1845), vol. 2, bk. 3, pp. 149-82
Bullinger, Henry
2nd Sermon, ‘Of Repentance & the Causes thereof; of Confession & Remission of Sins; of Satisfaction & Indulgences; of the Old & New Man; of the Power or strength of men, and the other things pertaining repentance’ in The Decades ed. Thomas Harding (Cambridge: Parker Society, 1850), vol. 3, 4th Decade, pp. 55-114
13. ‘Of Repentance & Confession’ in Questions of Religion Cast Abroad in Helvetia [Switzerland] by the Adversaries of the Same, & Answered… tr. John Coxe (1560; London, 1572), pp. 108-16
Vermigli, Peter Martyr – The Common Places… (d. 1562; London: Henrie Denham et al., 1583), pt. 3
ch. 8. ‘Of Repentance, of Contrition, Confession & Satisfaction’, pp. 203-27
‘Of Tears’ in ch. 10, ‘Of Teares, Fasting & Watchings, being the Outward Exercises of Repentance…’, pp. 245-47
Musculus, Wolfgang – Common Places of the Christian Religion (1560; London, 1563)
‘Repentance’ 214.b
What repentance is 214.b
Of whence new repentance does come 215.a
What be the parts of repentance 215.b
Of confession of sins out of holy Scriptures 216.a
Of the Popish confession, which men call ‘auricular’ 216.b
The beginning of auricular confession 218.b
What is the efficacy of true repentance 219.b
What the necessity of repentance is 220.b
Becon, Thomas – 4. ‘Of Repentance’ in Prayers & Other Pieces by Thomas Becon (d. 1567; Cambridge: Parker Society, 1844), The Principles of Christian Religion, pp. 506-7
Becon (c. 1511-1567) was an Anglican reformer, clergyman and a chaplain to Thomas Cranmer. He was initially significantly influenced by Luther, and then Zwingli.
Viret, Pierre – A Christian Instruction… (d. 1571; London: Veale, 1573)
The Sum of the Principal Points of the Christian Faith
A Familiar Exposition of the Principal Points of the Catechism
14th Dialogue
Of Repentance by the which the preaching of the Gospel must be begun
How that True Repentance cannot be without faith
Of the True & False faith and repentance
19th Dialogue, What Difference there is between true & perfect repentance, faith and charity
Zanchi, Girolamo – ch. 18. ’Of Repentance’ in Confession of the Christian Religion… (1586; Cambridge, 1599), pp. 142-46
Hyperius, Andreas – ch. 5, ‘Of Repentance, & also of Contrition, or Mortification’ in The True Trial & Examination of a Man’s own self… (London: John Windet, 1587), pp. 169-77
Ursinus, Zachary – 2. In what the conversion of the godly differs from the repentance of the wicked in The Sum of Christian Religion: Delivered… in his Lectures upon the Catechism… tr. Henrie Parrie (Oxford, 1587), Of Conversion
Beza, Theodore, Anthony Faius & Students – 40. ‘Concerning Repentance’ in Propositions & Principles of Divinity Propounded & Disputed in the University of Geneva by Certain Students of Divinity there, under Mr. Theodore Beza & Mr. Anthony Faius… (Edinburgh: Waldegrave, 1591), pp. 100-104
Perkins, William
21. Of Repentance inA Reformed Catholic… ([Cambridge] 1598)
A Golden Chain (Cambridge: Legat, 1600)
39. Of Repentance & the Fruits Thereof
Appendices
Consolations for the Troubled Consciences of Repentant Sinners
A Song gathered out of the Psalms, containing the Sobs & Sighs of All Repentant Sinners
Of the Nature & Practice of Repentance
To the Reader
1. What repentance is 738
2. Of the causes of repentance
3. How repentance is wrought
4. Of the parts of repentance
5. Of the degrees of repentance
6. Of the persons which must repent
7. Of the practice of repentance
A Direction for Examination of the Conscience
Sins directly against the Gospel
8. Of legal motives to repentance
9. Of motives evangelical
10. Of the time of repentance
11. Of Certain Cases in Repentance
1. Of a revolt
2. Of falling into the same grievous sin
3. Of restitution
4. Of tears
5. Of death
12. Of the contraries to repentance
13. Of corruptions in the doctrine of repentance 761-62
sect. 4, Repentance in The Whole Treatise of the Cases of Conscience… (Cambridge: Legat, 1606), bk. 1, ch. 5, What must a man do, that he may come into God’s favor and be saved?
Rollock, Robert – A Treatise of Effectual Calling (1603) in Select Works of Robert Rollock… (d. 1599; Edinburgh, 1849), vol. 1
34. ‘Repentance’ 238-46
35. ‘The Repentance of the Reprobate’ 246-48
36. ‘Popish Doctrine of Repentance’ 248-52
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1600’s
Trelcatius, Sr., Lucas – ‘On Sanctification, wherein also of Repentance’ in Opuscula Theologica Omnia trans. AI at Confessionally Reformed Theology
Bucanus, William – 30. ‘Of Repentance’ in Institutions of Christian Religion... (London: Snowdon, 1606), pp. 309
From whence is repentance derived?
How many ways is the term ‘repentance’ used?
What is repentance taken synecdochically?
What signifies this word ‘repentance’ secondarily?
How many are the parts of this general repentance?
What think you of this division?
Whether of these goes before, faith or repentance?
Which is the third signification of repentance?
What manner of thing is it?
What call you conversion or turning to God?
What is the efficient cause of repentance?
Is repentance the effect of the preaching of the Law or of the Gospel?
But which is the antecedent, inward, immediate, and nearest cause of repentance?
Which are the principal causes of repentance, i.e. what things ought to provoke us to the hastening of our repentance?
How many parts are there of repentance, or regeneration?
Is it finished in any short space?
Which is the subject, to whom repentance belongs, or, whose is repentance?
Does repentance befall God Himself?
What is the subject of repentance, wherein it is?
What is the object whereabout repentance is conversant?
Which is the fourth signification of repentance?
Of how many sorts is this repentance?
Which is that which is ordinary?
Are we to reckon up all our sins?
Which is special or extraordinary repentance?
Of how many sorts is it?
What is meant by common extraordinary repentance?
What is private extraordinary repentance?
What were the parts of this repentance?
What was contrition?
What was confession?
What was satisfaction?
Is not Nebuchadnezzar in Dan. 4:24 commanded to redeem his sins by righteousness and by mercy toward the poor?
Are not the sufferings of the godly satisfactions and recompences for sin?
What is the end of repentance?
What are the fruits or effects of repentance?
What is the use of repentance?
What things are contrary to repentance?
Alsted, Johann H. – 15. ‘Repentance’ in Polemical Theology, exhibiting the Principal Eternal Things of Religion in Navigating Controversies, pt. 2, 4-6 (Partial) tr. by AI by Onku (Hanau, 1620; 1627), pt. 2, 2. A Major catholic Symphony: Theological Common Places, pp. 50-53 Latin
Welch, John – ‘On Repentance’ Sermons 3-10 on Rev. 2 in 48 Select Sermons (†1622)
Walaeus, Anthony – 32. ‘On Repentance’ in Synopsis of a Purer Theology: Latin Text & English Translation Buy (1625; Brill, 2016), vol. 2, pp. 276-304
Ward, Samuel – ‘Good Works Mortified by Sin are Revived by Penitence’ in Theological Determinations in Works of Samuel Ward… ed. Seth Ward (d. 1643; Gallibrand, 1658), pp. 189-94
The question of whether the merit and reward of good works is returned to Christians after repentance (or penance) for a mortal sin was often discussed in the Middle Ages. Ward here discusses this common place question in a Protestant framework, with much insight.
“However, such [good] works, through a new supervening sin, are said to be mortified, when they are impeded from their own proper effect and operation. For as a living thing through death loses the operation of life, so things are said by analogy to be mortified, when they are impeded from their own proper effect or operation. But the effect of good works which emanate from faith and grace, by divine ordinance and pact, is to lead to eternal life. This effect, however, is cut off when a grave sin intervenes, by which, as I might say, the said good works are mortified; and they are deprived of their own proper effect and operation of leading to life, so much so that the force of these, while the guilt of that sin lasts, is suspended. We say, however, that these very works, mortified by grave sin, are revived by penitence and recover their former vigor and virtue of leading to life.” – p. 192
Burgess, Anthony – Lecture 27 in Vindiciae legis, or a Vindication of the Moral Law & the Covenants… (London: Young, 1647), pp. 260-63
“I proceed to the handling of this question, Whether the Gospel preach repentance or no: seeing this made the great commotion at first between the Orthodox and Antinomians.” – p. 260
“If therefore you ask, Whether faith and repentance be by the Law, or by the Gospel, I answer: It is by both and that these must not be seperated one from the other in the command of these duties.” – p. 262
Case, Thomas – [Untitled Sermon] in Farewell Sermons of Some of the Most Eminent of the Nonconformist Ministers… (London: 1816), pp. 43-60 Of special sins in need of repentance and on doing the ‘first works’.
Durham, James – ch. 3, Lecture 3, ‘Concerning Repentance’ in A Commentary upon the Book of the Revelation (Edinburgh, 1658), pp. 248-60
Clarkson, David – ‘Of Repentance’ on Lk. 13:3 in The Practical Works (Edinburgh: James Nichol, 1864), vol. 1, pp. 16-62
Goodwin, Thomas – On Repentance: 2 Sermons in Works (d. 1680; Edinburgh, 1861), vol. 7, pp. 543-76
Bridge, William – ‘Evangelical Repentance in Two Sermons’ (1645-1646) in Works (London: Tegg, 1845), vol. 4, pp. 425-65
Witsius, Herman – ch. 11, ‘Whether repentance precedes the remission of sins? [Yes]’ in Conciliatory or Irenical Animadversions on the Controversies Agitated in Britain: under the Unhappy Names of Antinomians & Neonomians (1696; Glasgow, 1807), pp. 119-22
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1700’s
Boston, Thomas
Works ed. M’Millan (Aberdeen: King, 1848), vol. 6
Question 3, ‘Whether or Not Repentance be Necessary in order to the Obtaining of the Pardon of Sin?’ 76-99
‘The Necessity of Repentance’ 377-449
”The Danger of Delaying Repentance’ 449-68
‘The Extraordinary Case of the Thief on the Cross No Argument for Delaying Repentance’ in Miscellaneous Questions 468-81
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1800’s
Colquhoun, John – A View of Evangelical Repentance from the Sacred Records Buy (1825)
‘The Difference Between True & Counterfeit Repentance’ 8 points in 37 paragraphs
‘A Word to the Impenitent’ 7 points in 10 paragraphs
‘The Fruits & Evidences of True Repentance’ 10 points in 14 paragraphs
Buchanan, James – New Birth Repentance & Faith in The Office & Work of the Holy Spirit (1847) 10 paragraphs
Hodge, Charles – ‘Faith & Repentance’ in Way of Life, chs. 6 & 7
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1900’s
Berkhof, Louis – Conversion in Systematic Theology (1950), 31 paragraphs
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2000’s
Beeke, Joel – ‘Escape for Your Life’ condensed from a sermon preached on Sept. 16th (2011) 16 paragraphs
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Books
1500’s
Perkins, William – A Faithful & Plain Exposition upon the 2nd Chapter of Zephaniah… containing a powerful exhortation to repentance: as also the manner how men in repentance are to search themselves (d. 1602; London: T.C., 1609) 143 pp. ToC
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1600’s
Dyke, Daniel – A Treatise of Repentance in Two Treatises, the one of Repentance, the other of Christ’s Temptations (London, 1616), pp. 1-198 ToC
Watson, Thomas – The Doctrine of Repentance (London: 1668) 175 pp. ToC
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1800’s
Colquhoun, John – A View of Evangelical Repentance from the Sacred Records (Edinburgh: Thomsons, 1825) 210 pp. ToC
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Quotes
Order of
Symson
Placeus
Watson
Brooks
Baxter
Duncan
Feser
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1600’s
Archibald Symson
Heptameron, The Seven Days: That is, Meditations & Prayers upon thw work of the Lord’s Creation, together with other Certain Prayers & Meditations... (St. Andrews, 1621), p. 3
“I will condemn myself, that You may absolve me. I will have my sins before my eyes, that You may cast them behind your back. I will remember them, that You may forget them. I will repent of them and You will forgive them… I am content that I am shamed, if thereby honor comes to you that You may be just when you speak and pure when You judge.”
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Joshua Placeus
‘Theological Theses on the Justification of Man before God’ (1634), p. 5
“XXII. Nor does the law contain any implicit condition of repentance, as if the meaning of its penalties were this: “Whoever breaks the law shall die—unless he repents.” For if that were the case, then by repenting, the sinner would have satisfied the law and could demand acquittal not as grace, but as right, and the judge would be bound by law to justify him.”
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Thomas Watson
The Doctrine of Repentance, Useful for These Times (London: Printed by R.W. for Thomas Parkhurst, 1668), pp. 77-78
“There are two sorts of persons who will find it harder to repent than others:
1. Such as have sat a great while under the droppings of God’s ordinances, but grow no better. The earth which drinketh in the rain, yet beareth thorns and briars, is nigh unto cursing (Heb. 6.8). The metal which hath lain long in the fire, but is not melted and refined, there is little hope of it. When God hath sent his ministers one after another, exhorting and persuading men to leave their sins, but they settle upon the lees of formality, and can sit and sleep under a sermon; it will be hard for these ever to be brought to repentance; they may fear lest Christ should say to them as once to the fig-tree, Never fruit grow on thee more.
2. They will find it harder to repent, who have sinned frequently against the convictions of the Word, the checks of conscience, and the motions of the Spirit. Conscience has stood as the angel, with a flaming sword in its hand; it has said, ‘Do not this great evil;’ but sinners regard not the voice of conscience, but march on resolvedly under the Devil’s colors: these will not find it easy to repent (Job 24.13). They are of those that rebel against the light. It is one thing to sin for want of light, and another thing to sin against light. Here the unpardonable sin takes its rise; first men sin against the light of conscience, and so proceed gradually to the despighting the Spirit of grace.”
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Thomas Brooks
“Repentance is the vomit of the soul.”
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Richard Baxter
Richard Baxter on Worship & Catholicity against Separatism & John Owen (1684; RBO, 2024), pp. 74-75
“The truth is, repentance is so hard a work that I see both extremes fly from it on a proud pretense of constancy and that they may not confess that they have erred. It was the grand argument that bore down me and others when we pleaded with some bishops to have prevented our divisions by some alterations, “Oh then it will be thought that we erred and gave cause for old complaints.”…
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1800’s
John ‘Rabbi’ Duncan
“We… have cause to fear, not that the kingdom of God should become extinct, but lest it should be taken from us, and given to a nation that would bring forth the fruits of it.”
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2000’s
Edward Feser
Immortal Souls: a Treatise on Human Nature Ref (Editiones Scholastica, 2024), pt. 4, ch. 10, p. 481
“For Aquinas, a necessary condition for repentance is the recognition of a higher good the realization of which is frustrated by the action of which one repents (Of Evil, quest. 3, art. 13).
He compares this to correcting an intellectual error by reasoning back to first principles (an example of which would be the law of non-contradiction). If one is correct about which principles are truly first, then rectifying the error is possible. But if one is incorrect about that, rectifying an error is far more difficult, because one will not have anything more fundamental to appeal to in order to correct one’s mistake about which principles are truly first. Similarly, if one correctly understands which ultimate end will conduce to human happiness, repentance of sin will be much easier than if one is wrong about the ultimate end.”
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Latin
As repentance was often treated under the common place of penance, in contrast to it, while going by the same term poenitentia, see the Latin works on the Penance page.
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1500’s
Bucer, Martin – On Mt. 4:17 in Continual Expositions of the Four Holy Evangelists, in which are Interspersed Pure Theological Common Places (Herwagen, 1527; 1553), fol. 33.b
Bullinger, Henry
A Compendium of Christian Religion (1556; Zurich, 1598), bk. 6, ‘Of Faith, the Gospel & Repentance’, pp. 68.b-94
ch. 19, ‘Of the preaching of repentance, and in what way a sinner converts himself to God?’ 91.b-93
ch. 20, ‘What then is the Christian life, but even repenting?’ 93
14. ‘Of Repentance & the Conversion of Man’ in A Simple Confession & Exposition of the Orthodox Faith & Catholic Doctrines of the Sincere Christian Religion (1566; Bern, 1676), pp. 37-42
Ramus, Petrus – 8. ‘Of the Remission of Sins, Against the Allowing of Part of the Prerogatives of the Law, Where is Treated of Repentance’ in Commentary on the Christian Religion (1572; Frankfurt, 1576; 1594), bk. 3, ‘Of Prayer’, pp. 236-44
Szegedin Pannonius, Stephan – ‘Of Repentance [Poenitentia]’ in Common Places of Pure Theology, of God & Man, Explained in Continuous Tables & the Dogma of the Schools Illustrated (Basil, 1585/93), II. Of Man, Things of Piety which are Required from Men, pp. 277-80
Aretius, Benedict – Locus 37, ‘On Repentance [Poenitentia]’ in Sacred Problems of Theology: Common Places of the Christian Religion Methodically Explicated (Geneva, 1589; Bern, 1604), pp. 112-14
Polanus, Amandus
An Enchiridion of Theological Common Places, Things, Examples, & Sacred Phrases Collected out of the Thesaurus of Augustine Marlorat, the Storehouse of Christoph Obenheim & Isaac L. Feguernikino Ungaro 5th ed. (Basil, no date; 1589; 1596)
‘Poenitentiam’ & ‘Poenitentiae’ 498-99
‘Resipiscentia’ 514
39. ‘Of the Gift of Repentance [Resipiscentiae]’ in The Divisions of Theology Framed according to a Natural Orderly Method (Basil, 1590; Geneva, 1623), bk. 1, pp. 139-44
cols. 3017-29 in ch. 37, ‘Of Regeneration’ in A System of Theology (Hanau, 1609; 1615), vol. 2, bk. 6
Piscator, Johannes
Locus 12, ‘Of Repentance [Poenitentia]: wherein is the Christian Life & the Bearing of the Cross’ in Theological Common Places, Exposited in Brief Thoughts, or Aphorisms of Christian Doctrine, the Greater Part of which are Excerpts from the Institutes of Calvin (Herborne, 1589; 1605), pp. 77-85
Locus 14, ‘Of Repentance [Poenitentia]’ in Theological Theses (Herborn, 1606-1607), vol. 1, pp. 246-54
Locus 12, ‘Of Repentance [Poenitentia]’ in A Forest of Sayings & Examples out of Sacred Scripture by which Christian Doctrine in Common Places are Distributed & Confirmed (Herborn, 1621), pp. 48-49
Zanchi, Girolamo – Locus 9. ‘Of Repentance [Poenitentia]’ in A Compendium of Principal Heads of Christian Doctrine in Works, vol. 8 (Geneva, 1649), col. 760-65
Pelargus, Christoph – Disputation 3 out of the 12th Article of the Augsburg Confession, ‘On Repentance [Poenitentia]’ in Theological Disputations, which are in 8 Decades of Holy Disputations not contained in the First Edition, held in the Academy of Frankfurt (Hartmann, 1596/1603), vol. 2, 4th Decade, pp. 110-17
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1600’s
Pareus, David – Theological Collections of Universal Orthodox Theology, where also All of the Present Theological Controversies are Clearly & Variously Explained (1611/1620), vol. 1
Collection 2, Disputation 28, ‘Appendix on Regeneration & Repentance [Poenitentia], containing the False Dogmas of the Council of Trent, the Roman Catechism and the same of Bellarmine’ (1601) 260-64 The whole disputation is quotes documenting the false assertions of Romanists on the subject.
Collection 7, Disputation 12, ‘On Repentance [Resipiscentia]’ (1607) 679-81
Collection 8, Disputation 13, ‘On Penance [Poenitentia] or Repentance [Resipiscentia]’ (1608) 726-29
Junius, Francis – 34. ‘On Repentance [Resipiscentia]’ in Select Smaller Theological Works ed. Abraham Kuyper (Amsterdam, 1882), pp. 209-13
Bachoff, Reinhard – ‘Of Repentance [Poenitentia]’ in Question 89, ‘What is the Mortification of the Old Man’ in Catechism of the Christian Religion, which is Taught in the Churches & Schools of the Palitinate (Hanau, 1603), pp. 371-38
Alsted, Johann H.
9.‘On Repentance [Poenitentia]’ in A Lexicon of Theology, in which the Terms of Holy Theology are Clearly Explained in a Series of Common Places (Prostat, 1612), pp. 242-49
Polemical Theology, Exhibiting the Principal Eternal Things of Religion in Navigating Controversies (Hanau, 1620; 1627)
Part 2, A catholic Symphony, 2. A Major catholic Symphony: Theological Common Places
Locus 15, ‘Of Repentance [Poenitentia]’ 206-8
Part 4, Controversies with the Romanists
Section 4, ‘Of Repentance [Poenitentia] & Indulgences’ 502-13
23.‘On Repentance [Poenitentia]’ in Logical Theology (1625), pp. 84-85
ch. 21, ‘Repentance’ in Distinctions through Universal Theology, taken out of the Canon of the Sacred Letters & Classical Theologians (Frankfurt: 1626), pp. 94-97
29.‘Of Repentance [Poenitentia]’ in Theological Questions Briefly Set Forth & Exposited (Frankfurt, 1627), pp. 216-220
ch. 12, ‘On Repentance’ in Theological Common Places Illustrated by Perpetual Similitudes (Frankfurt, 1630), pp. 65-70
Gomarus, Arminius, Trelcatius, Jr. – 25. ‘Of Repentance [Resipiscentia]’ in A System of Theological Disputations, in the Academy at Lugduni-Batava (Rotterdam, 1615), pp. 255-63
Mylius, Conrad – Lord’s Day 35, out of Q. 88 ff., ‘Saving Repentance [Poenitentia], true medicine of the soul’ in Catechetical Essays, or Homilies in the Heidelberg Catechism (Hanau, 1618), pp. 776-805
Scharp, John – 23. ‘Of Repentance [Poenitentia]’ in A Course of Theology, in which all the Dogmas & Controversies of Faith Agitated in this Generation between us and Papists are handled one by one & the Arguments of Bellarmine are Responded to (Geneva, 1620), vol. 1, cols. 1152-1230
Walaeus, Antonius – All the Works 2 vols. combined (d. 1639; Leiden: Hackius, 1643)
vol. 1
A Manual of the Reformed Religion
35. ‘Of Repentance [Poenitentia]’ 76-78
Common Places
18. ‘Of Repentance [Resipiscentia]’ 431-32
vol. 2, Miscellanea, Disputations, 7. ‘Of Repentance [Resipiscentia]’ 341-45
Voet, Gisbert
5. Of Repentance, Penance, etc. in Syllabus of Theological Problems (Utrecht, 1643), pt. 1, section 2, tract 3 Abbr.
7. ‘Of Repentance [Poenitentia] & the Restoration of the Excommunicated’ in Ecclesiastical Politics (Amsterdam, 1663-1676), vol 4, bk. 4, Tract 3, Of Excommunication, pp. 930-36
ch. 5, ‘Of the Practice of Repentance [Resipiscentia] and its actions, or three parts: 1. Humiliation, 2. Reconciliation, 3. Renovation, that is new obedience and the promise, exciting and presenting of gratitude’ in Two Tracts: One… of the Exercise of Piety... (Gorinchem: Paul Vink, 1679), pp. 157-222
pp. 157-59 contain a bibliography on repentance and penance.
Forbes, John – 12. ‘Repentance, & some Connected Questions contra the Errors of the Gnostics, the Most Blessed, the Libertines, Novatians, the Papists, etc.’ in Historical & Theological Instructions on Christian Doctrine, the Varied State of Things, on the Errors & Controversies that have Arisen… (Amsterdam, 1645), pp. 625-70
Alting, J. Henricus
Article 12, ‘On Repentance’ in A Logical & Theological Exegesis of the Augsburg Confession with an Appendix of the Problems Involved (Amsterdam, 1647), pp. 78-83
Locus 16, ‘The Gift of Repentance [Resipiscentiae] & Faith by Effectual Calling’ in A Method of Didactic Theology (Amsterdam, 1656; 1662), pp. 98-106
16. ‘Of Internal Calling, & that which depends on it: Repentance & Faith’ in A New Problematic Theology, or a System of Theological Problems (Amsterdam, 1662), pp. 698-715
Maresius, Samuel
sections 1-38 in Locus 13, ‘Of Repentance & Christian Liberty’ in A Theological Collection, or, a Brief System of Universal Theology, Comprehending Eighteen Disputations Held in Gronigen 2nd ed. (Groningen, 1649), pp. 185-94
Controversy 23, ‘Of Repentance [Poenitentia]’ in A New Synopsis of Elenctic Theology (1646-1647), pp. 769-818
ch. 4. ‘Of Repentance [Poenitentia]’ in The Hydra of Socinianism Expunged (Groningen, 1651), vol. 2, bk. 4, pp. 479-89
Chamier, Daniel – A Body of Theology, or Theological Common Places (Geneva, 1653), bk. 5, pp. 243-46
bk. 5, ch. 21, ‘Of Repentance [Poenitentia]’ 243-46
bk. 7, ‘Of Repentance [Poentitentia]’ in ch. 9, ‘Of the Number of Sacraments’ 389-92
Hottinger, Johann H. – Locus 16, ‘Of the Gift of Repentance & Faith by Effectual Calling’ in Theological Courses in the Method of Alting, not only by his definitions being propounded and the ordinary places of Scripture confirmed, but by the continuous canons being illustrated… (Heidelberg, 1660), pp. 408-39
Du Moulin, Pierre – 63. Pt. 3, ‘Of the Differences of Law & Gospel, & is Faith & Repentance Imposed by the Moral Law?’ in A Collection of the Theological Disputations held at Various Times in the Academy of Sedan (Geneva, 1661), vol. 1, pp. 551-58
Hoornbeek, Johannes – Practical Theology (Utrecht, 1663; 1689), vol. 1, bk. 6
5. ‘Of Repentance [Poentitentia]’ 623-38
11. ‘Of Repentance [Resipiscentia]’ 677-85
Cocceius, Johannes – 45. ‘Of Repentance [Resipiscentia]’ in A Sum of Theology Rehearsed out of the Scriptures (Geneva, 1665), pp. 452-56
Burman, Francis – ch. 9, ‘Of Repentance [Resipiscentia]’ in A Synopsis of Theology, and especially of the Economy of the Covenant of God… (Utrecht, 1671), vol. 2, bk. 6, locus 39, pp. 246-66
Braun, Johannes – The Doctrine of the Covenants, or A System of Didactic & Elenctic Theology (Amsterdam, 1691), pt. 3, loci 12 & 14
12. ‘Of Repentance [Resipiscentia]’ 337-41
16. ‘Of the Necessary Powers unto the Repentance of the Covenant of Grace, & of the Freedom of Choice’ 369-86
à Marck, Johannes – ch. 22, ‘The Duties of the Covenant of Grace: Faith & Repentance’ in A Compendium of Christian Theology, Didactic & Elenctic (Amsterdam, 1696; 1722), pp. 446-68
Heidegger, Johann H. – Marrow of Christian Theology: an Introductory Epitome of the Body of Theology (d. 1698; Zurich, 1713)
Locus 11, ‘Of the Covenant of Grace’, sections 16-17, ‘Of the Commandment of Faith & Repentance’, p. 240
Locus 20, ‘Of the Economy of the Covenant of Grace Under the Gospel’, sections 11-16, ‘Of the Law of the Gospel: Faith & Repentance’, pp. 103-6
Locus 23, ‘Of the Grace of Sanctification’, sections 11-22, ‘Of Repentance’, pp. 204-8
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1700’s
Spanheim, Sr., Frederic – Doubts 1-17 ToC in Gospel Doubts… (1639; Geneva, 1700), vol. 3, pp. 1-36
Rodolph, Johann R. – 9. ‘Of Repentance [Resipiscentia], Fasting, Prayer & Alms-deeds’ in Christian Theology… (Bern, 1714), Christian Theology, bk. 2, ‘Of the Execution of the Special Divine Counsel in the Government of Men by the Covenant of Grace’, pp. 202-13
Vitringa, Sr., Campegius – The Doctrine of the Christian Religion, Summarily Described through Aphorisms (d. 1722), vol. 3, ch. 14, ‘Of Faith & Repentance’
Of Repentance 99-104
Of the Names of Repentance 105-106
Of the Aching of Sin 107-114
Of the Parts of Repentance 115-121
De Moor, Bernard – sections 27-32, ‘Repentance [Resipiscentia]’ ToC in A Continuous Commentary on John Marck’s Compendium of Didactic & Elenctic Christian Theology (Leiden, 1761-71), vol. 4, ch. 22, ‘Of the Offices of the Covenant of Grace, even Faith & Repentance’, pp. 405-39
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French
Book
1600’s
Rivet, Andrew – Exhortations to Repentance & Recognition… Also, unto Perseverance in the Profession of the Truth of Christ (Leiden: Elzevirs, 1632) 288 pp. no ToC
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Definition of Repentance unto Life
Westminster Confession 15.2
“By it [repentance unto life] a sinner, out of the sight and sense, not only of the danger, but also of the filthiness and odiousness of his sins, as contrary to the holy nature and righteous law of God, and upon the apprehension of his mercy in Christ to such as are penitent, so grieves for and hates his sins, as to turn from them all unto God,[c] purposing and endeavouring to walk with him in all the ways of his commandments.[d]
[c] Ezek. 18:30,31. Ezek. 36:31. Isa. 30:22. Ps. 51:4. Jer. 31:18,19. Joel 2:12,13. Amos 5:15. Ps. 119:128. 2 Cor. 7:11
[d] Ps. 119:6,59,106. Luke 1:6. 2 Kings 23:25″
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Mere External Repentance is No Repentance
Samuel Rutherford
A Free Disputation Against Pretended Liberty of Conscience… (1649), ch. 27, ‘Whether our Darkness & Incapacity to Believe…’, p. 323 (356)
“([Margin Note:] The Magistrate commands the outward man, and yet commands not sin and carnal repentance)
The sword produces no repentance at all, for external repentance is no repentance either in name or thing. The Lord commands indeed external repentance, but precepts are not given to the outward man, as to the adequate and proper object of the commandment of God.”
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On the Difference between Repentance & Faith
Samuel Rutherford
Christ Dying & Drawing Sinners to Himself (London: 1647), p. 272
“Position 3. To repent, to mortify sin, is not to condemn all our works (as Mr. Town says) righteousness and judgment, and our best things in us, and then by faith to fly to grace; nor is it to distrust our own righteousness and embrace Christ’s in the promise:
1. Because this is faith; and the Scripture says we are justified by faith.
2. We receive Christ by faith, Jn. 1:12.
3. We receive and embrace the promise by faith, Heb. 11:11, and were persuaded of them.
4. We are to believe without staggering, Rom. 4.19.
5. We have peace of conscience through faith, Rom. 5:1.
6. By faith we have access into this grace wherein we stand, Rom. 5:2. And boldness to enter into the holy of holiest, and draw near to our High Priest, with full assurance of faith, Heb. 10:19-22.
Now we are not justified by repentance and mortification; we neither receive Christ, nor embrace the promises by repentance. The apostle requires in repentance, sorrow, carefulness to eschew sin, clearing, indignation, fear, zeal, desire, revenge, 2 Cor. 7:10-11, but nowhere does the Scripture require this as an ingredient of repentance, that we have boldness and access, and full assurance: nor do Antinomians admit that by repentance we have peace or pardon, but this they ascribe to faith.”
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On Penance & Human Satisfactions for Sin
Whether the Latin Vulgate says “Do Penance”? No
Charles Johnson
“Why the Roman Church is being dishonest when it says the Vulgate supports their sacrament of penitence when it says “poenitentiam agite” (Mt. 3:2):
1. The term that the reformers preferred for repentance, resipiscentia, is nowhere used in the Vulgate. In fact it’s not common at all in ancient Latin texts. So either the early Church had no concept of repentance, or they referred to it with the term poenitentia.
2. The Vulgate uses the term poenitentia throughout the Old Testament, before the sacrament of penance was instituted according to the Roman view. So something else is clearly in view.
3. The Vulgate uses poenitentia to refer to repentance at the time of conversion, whereas in the Roman view the sacrament of penance is for restoration for sins committed after baptism. For example Acts 19:4, “Joannes baptizavit baptismo poenitentiae populum“, “John baptized with a baptism of repentance”.
4. The term poenitentia is sometimes used to express how God does not turn from his plans, which is more fitting to the idea of repentance than penance. For example Rom. 11:29, “Sine poenitentia enim sunt dona et vocatio Dei.”, “The gifts and calling of God are without repentance”. See also 1 Sam. 15:29, “Porro triumphator in Israel non parcet, et poenitudine non flectetur: neque enim homo est ut agat poenitentiam.” It is even used positively in reference to God, such as Jer. 18:10, “Si fecerit malum in oculis meis, ut non audiat vocem meam, poenitentiam agam super bono quod locutus sum ut facerem ei.”
5. Poenitentia is often parsed in the Vulgate as a turning aside from sin. 1 Sam. 15:29, “Porro triumphator in Israel non parcet, et poenitudine non flectetur: neque enim homo est ut agat poenitentiam.”
6. 1 Kings 8:47 says that poenitentia may be done in one’s heart, which does not fit the nature of the sacrament of penance. “et egerint poenitentiam in corde suo in loco captivitatis“.”
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Romanist Material
Pope John XXIII – ‘Paenitentiam Agere: Encyclical of Pope John XXIII
on the Need for the Practice of Interior & Exterior Penance’ (July 1, 1962) 44 paragraphs
Note that there appears to be some inconsistency in this encyclical’s claim that “Doing penance for one’s sins is a first step towards obtaining forgiveness and winning eternal salvation”, as Romanists Catechisms tend to put the sacrament of baptism before penance.
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On New Obedience
Westminster
Confession 15.2
“By it [repentance unto life] a sinner, out of the sight and sense, not only of the danger, but also of the filthiness and odiousness of his sins, as contrary to the holy nature and righteous law of God, and upon the apprehension of his mercy in Christ to such as are penitent, so grieves for and hates his sins, as to turn from them all unto God,[c] purposing and endeavouring to walk with him in all the ways of his commandments.[d]
[c] Ezek. 18:30,31. Ezek. 36:31. Isa. 30:22. Ps. 51:4. Jer. 31:18,19. Joel 2:12,13. Amos 5:15. Ps. 119:128. 2 Cor. 7:11.
[d] Ps. 119:6,59,106. Luke 1:6. 2 Kings 23:25.”
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Shorter Catechism
“Q. 87. What is repentance unto life?
A. Repentance unto life is a saving grace,[g] whereby a sinner, out of a true sense of his sin,[h] and apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ,[i] doth, with grief and hatred of his sin, turn from it unto God,[k] with full purpose of, and endeavour after, new obedience.[l]
[g] Acts 11:18.
[h] Acts 2:37,38.
[i] Joel 2:12. Jer. 3:22.
[k] Jer. 31:18,19. Ezek. 36:31.
[l] 2 Cor. 7:11. Isa. 1:16,17.”
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Larger Catechism
“A. Repentance unto life is a saving grace,[h] wrought in the heart of a sinner by the Spirit[i] and word of God,[k] whereby, out of the sight and sense, not only of the danger,[l] but also of the filthiness and odiousness of his sins,[m] and upon the apprehension of God’s mercy in Christ to such as are penitent,[n] he so grieves for[o] and hates his sins,[p] as that he turns from them all to God,[q] purposing and endeavouring constantly to walk with him in all the ways of new obedience.[r]
[h] 2 Tim. 2:25.
[i] Zech. 12:10.
[k] Acts 11:18,20,21.
[l] Ezek. 18:28,30,32. Luke 15:17,18. Hos. 2:6,7.
[m] Ezek. 36:31. Isa. 30:22.
[n] Joel 2:12,13.
[o] Jer. 31:18,19.
[p] 2 Cor. 7:11.
[q] Acts 26:18. Ezek. 14:6. 1 Kings 8:47,48.
[r] Ps. 119:6,59,128. Luke 1:6. 2 Kings 23:25.”
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Article
1600’s
Perkins, William – sect. 5, New Obedience unto God in our Life & Conversation in The Whole Treatise of the Cases of Conscience… (Cambridge: Legat, 1606), bk. 1, ch. 5, What must a man do, that he may come into Gods favor, and be saved?
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Latin Article
1600’s
pp. 114 of ch. 5, ‘Of the Practice of Repentance [Resipiscentia] and its actions, or three parts: 1. Humiliation, 2. Reconciliation, 3. Renovation, that is new obedience and the promise, exciting and presenting of gratitude’ in Two Tracts: One… of the Exercise of Piety... (Gorinchem: Paul Vink, 1679), pp. 157-222
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Repentance is the Beginning of Sanctification
Quote
1600’s
Marcus Wendelin
Christian Theology 3rd ed. (1634). ‘Gospel-Offer & Covenant of Grace’ Wendelin (1584-1652)
“Repentance is a detestation of wicked life, and a turn to the better. Whence the parts of repentance are two: withdrawal from evil, and approach to the good, Psalm 34:14, depart from evil, and do good. It is evident that this repentance, insofar as it is saving conversion to God, that is, Sanctification begun or continued, pertains to the Gospel:
(1.) Because it is an effect of evangelical doctrine.
(2.) Because the baptism of repentance, which John preached, Mk. 1:4, is not a sacrament of the Law, but of the Gospel.
(3.) Because the Gospel alone works that sorrow that is according to God, 2 Cor. 7:10. But the Law works wrath, Rom. 4:15.
(4.) Because it immediately flows from the remission of sins, insofar as the Gospel is the preaching of the remission of sins and of repentance, Mk. 6:12.”
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On Spiritual Recovery from Sins a Believer has Fallen into
Order of
Article 1
Quote 1
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Article
1600’s
Ward, Samuel – ‘Good Works Mortified by Sin are Revived by Penitence’ in Theological Determinations in Works of Samuel Ward… ed. Seth Ward (d. 1643; Gallibrand, 1658), pp. 189-94
The question of whether the merit and reward of good works is returned to Christians after repentance (or penance) for a mortal sin was often discussed in the Middle Ages. Ward here discusses this common place question in a Protestant framework, with much insight.
“However, such [good] works, through a new supervening sin, are said to be mortified, when they are impeded from their own proper effect and operation. For as a living thing through death loses the operation of life, so things are said by analogy to be mortified, when they are impeded from their own proper effect or operation. But the effect of good works which emanate from faith and grace, by divine ordinance and pact, is to lead to
eternal life. This effect, however, is cut off when a grave sin intervenes, by which, as I might say, the said good works are mortified; and they are deprived of their own proper effect and operation of leading to life, so much so that the force of these, while the guilt of that sin lasts, is suspended. We say, however, that these very works, mortified by grave sin, are revived by penitence and recover their former vigor and virtue of leading to life.
Two things, therefore, are to be briefly demonstrated here.
I. That good works are mortified by a new grave sin; in what way the good works of David, perpetrated before he committed homicide and adultery, were rightly said to be mortified while the guilt of these things lasted. This is proved from Rom. 8:13, where the apostle addresses the regenerate: “if you live according to the flesh, you will die,”…
II. The second point that remains to be demonstrated; that these same mortified good works of the regenerate are revived by penitence… the vital force of these works no longer exists in the nature of things, but is preserved in the repository of divine acceptance; and with the impediment of the interposed new sin removed, God again accepts those works unto eternal life.” – pp. 189-90
“Therefore, good works do not entirely lose their salutary force by any grave sin. Let it be that they are mortified for a time. Let it be that their force and efficacy of leading to life is blunted, let it be that it is intercepted, let it be that it is suspended; yet it is not taken away, not extinguished, not abolished, not to die; but with the arrival of a new act of penitence and of trust in Christ our propitiator, they are finally revived, because the interposition of the grave sin is removed, they recover their former vigor and do not cease to exercise their force of leading to life, until all who are truly penitent are crowned, redeemed with a diadem of unfading glory.” – p. 192
.
Quote
1600’s
Gisbert Voet
Disputation 30, ‘On Regeneration’, pt. 2 (1639) tr. AI by Roman Prestarri in Select Theological Disputations (1655), vol. 2, pp. 447ff. Latin at Confessionally Reformed Theology
“V. Restoration or restitution, in the case of a lapse, or of prolonged custom in some sin, or of spiritual relapse—which can be called a kind of second regeneration and specifically a renovation (Galatians 4:19; 2 Corinthians 2:7–8).
Problem I. Whether in such a case the habits were diminished, or rather only the acts impeded? Eighteen years ago we inclined to the affirmative of the latter, and we wiped away the cavils of the Remonstrant darkener against this our assertion in the Thersites Heautontimorumenos [Thersites the Self-Tormentor]. Nor did any of the most distinguished theologians who attested in letters sent to me that they had read that writing see anything heterodox in it.
Problem II. Whether the habit is restored through infusion or apposition of a degree or augmentation, which happens at once and simultaneously through the practice of renewed faith and repentance; or rather gradually and successively through frequent and repeated actions? [No answer is given in the English]”
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“Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.”
Acts 8:22
“When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.”
Acts 11:18
“…that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.”
Acts 26:20
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Related Pages
On Confession of Sins, Penance & Human Satisfactions for Sin