Journal: Journal of the Grace Evangelical Society
Volume: JOTGES 04:1 (Spring 1991)
Article: Repentance And Salvation Part 6: How to Communicate the Doctrine of Repentance Clearly
Author: Robert N. Wilkin

JOTGES 4:1 (Spring 91) p. 13

Repentance And Salvation
Part 6: How to Communicate the Doctrine
of Repentance Clearly

Robert N. Wilkin

Executive Director
Grace Evangelical Society
Roanoke, Texas

I. Introduction

This is the final installment in a series on repentance and salvation. It has been a great challenge for me to write these six articles.1

The doctrine of repentance is a difficult subject.

It is not that it is so hard to show what repentance is not; that is fairly easy. What is more difficult to show is what it is—particularly in a few problem texts.

How does one go about teaching the doctrine of repentance clearly ?

II. Be Humble

One wag suggested that preachers must be taught in school that when they get on thin ice and aren’t quite sure what they are saying, that is the time to raise their voice, pound the pulpit, and at least act as if they know what they are talking about. The rule seems to be: when in doubt, shout!

We must take great care to avoid this. If we are not persuaded of the correct interpretation of a given text, we should say so. While it is desirable to be confident of the correct interpretation of the passages which we are teaching or preaching, practically speaking it may not always be possible especially when we are presenting a topical message.

I would encourage all who preach or teach on repentance to begin with a confession. Confess that you find this to be a difficult subject and that, while you have some vital information to share, you don’t know everything there is to know about the subject.

JOTGES 4:1 (Spring 91) p. 14

This will help relax your audience. They won’t be as much on their guard.

III. Be Well Prepared

Anyone can confess to limitations. However, if what follows in your presentation is not well thought out, compelling, and persuasive, the confession will have served only to “turn off” the audience.

If after confessing your limitations you bring forth well reasoned and well delivered arguments in favor of your thesis about repentance, people will most likely be favorably influenced.

This is not a message (or series) which you should prepare the night before! (Are there any?) This topic especially demands serious preparation. I would suggest that a person spend at least three to four weeks in preparation. Even if one can only spend a limited amount of time each day, the cumulative effect of such study over a period of time will prove powerful.

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