Journal: Journal of Dispensational Theology
Volume: JODT 25:71 (Autumn 2021)
Article: Repentance: A Victim Of Mistranslation, Part I
Author: G. Allen Gunn

JODT 25:71 (Autumn 2021) p. 133

Repentance: A Victim Of Mistranslation, Part I

G. Allen Gunn

* G. Allen Gunn, Ph.D., D.Min., Bible & theology chair, vice president of student services, Shasta Bible College and Graduate School, Redding, California

A much-debated question is whether repentance is required for salvation. Some say it is required; others insist that salvation is by faith alone, and that nothing – including repentance – should be added to faith. For example, Lewis Sperry Chafer wrote,

A great disaster has been wrought by the careless and misguided preaching to unregenerate people of repentance as a divine requirement separate from believing, confession of sin as an essential to salvation, and reformation of the daily life as the ground upon which a right relation to God may be secured.1

A key factor involved in this debate is the definition of the word “repentance.” The firm belief of this author is that any discussion of a biblical doctrine must be based on the language used in the original biblical languages (i.e. Hebrew and Greek), not on the English translation; and so, in this article, primary attention will be given to the issue of definitions of key biblical terms and how they relate to the argument about what is required for salvation.

The argument against repentance as a requirement often follows this line of reasoning:

• Major Premise Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
• Minor Premise Repentance is something other than faith.
• Conclusion Therefore, repentance cannot be added to faith as a requirement for salvation.

The logic seems simple enough. The major premise appears to be a legitimate summation of the teaching of such passages as Ephesians 2:8–9,

JODT 25:71 (Autumn 2021) p. 134

Romans 3:19–4:25, and Galatians 3–4, and has been hailed by most conservative Christians since the Reformation. However, there are two problems with this syllogism.

1. Certain New Testament verses appear to contradict the conclusion.

• Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
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