The Difference between Repentance and Faith

“Not with our fathers did the LORD make this covenant, but with us, who are all of us here alive today.” Deuteronomy 5:3

As a new generation stood on the verge of crossing the river Jordan, which way would they go? Would they follow what was in them by nature, or would they receive what was theirs by grace?

You need to know that your life is being shaped by two great events that happened before you were even born. What’s in you by nature goes all the way back to the garden of Eden. What can be in you by grace goes all the way back to the cross of Christ.

Owning what is ours by nature is what the Bible calls repentance. We need to own what is in us by nature. We need to be clear about what we are up against in living the Christian life. “Lord, by nature I am a rebel who treats your kindness with contempt, blames others, resists your Word, refuses to believe, and deserves Your righteous judgment.” Owning what is in you by nature is where repentance begins, and that is how it continues.

Owning what is ours by grace is what the Bible calls faith. You need to own what is yours by grace. You need to know who you are in Christ. You need to be clear about what this Savior has done for you. By grace, God has made a covenant for you. He has sent His Son to redeem you. He gives His Spirit to empower you. Faith says, “This is mine.”

Repentance begins when you own what is yours by nature. Faith begins when you own what is yours by grace.

Are you following what is in you by nature? Or are you receiving what is yours by grace? Which way will you go?