The Westminster Confession of Faith
Chapter 15 - Of Repentance unto Life
1. Repentance unto life is an evangelical grace, the doctrine whereof is to be preached by every minister of the
Gospel, as well as that of faith in Christ.
2. By it, 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, purposing and endeavouring
to walk with Him in all the ways of His commandments.
3. Although repentance be not to be rested in, as any satisfaction for sin, or any cause of the pardon thereof,
which is the act of God's free grace in Christ; yet is it of such necessity to all sinners, that none may expect
pardon without it.
4. As there is no sin so small, but it deserves damnation, so there is no sin so great, that it can bring damnation
upon those who truly repent.
5. Men ought not to content themselves with a general repentance, but it is every man's duty to endeavour to repent
of his particular sins, particularly.
6. As every man is bound to make private confession of his sins to God, praying for the pardon thereof; upon which,
and the forsaking of them, he shall find mercy: so, he that scandalizeth his brother, or the Church of Christ, ought
to be willing, by a private or public confession, and sorrow for his sin, to declare his repentance to those that
are offended, who are thereupon to be reconciled to him, and in love receive him.
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