Chapter 15. Of Repentance unto Life

Chapter 15. Of Repentance unto Life

I. Repentance unto life is an evangelical grace,³⁰¹ the doctrine whereof is to be preached by every minister of the gospel, as well as that of faith in Christ.³⁰²

II. 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,³⁰³ purposing and endeavoring

to walk with him in all the ways of his commandments.³⁰⁴

III. Although repentance be not to be rested in as any satisfaction for sin, or any cause of the pardon thereof,³⁰⁵ which is the act of God's free grace in Christ;³⁰⁶ yet is it of such necessity to all sinners that none may expect pardon without it.³⁰⁷

IV. As there is no sin so small but it deserves damnation,³⁰⁸ so there is no sin so great that it can bring damnation upon those who truly repent.³⁰⁹

V. Men ought not to content themselves with a general repentance, but it is every man's duty to endeavor to repent of his particular sins particularly.³¹⁰

VI. As every man is bound to make private confession of his sins to God, praying for the pardon thereof,³¹¹ upon which, and the forsaking of them, he shall find mercy;³¹² 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,³¹³ who are thereupon to be reconciled to him, and in love to receive him.³¹⁴