There is absolutely no question that Paul did repent (i.e., had a change of direction in his heart), as is clearly attested to in scripture. Therefore, the question being raised isn’t really an issue of exactly where (or when) this change within him may have occurred, other then how it relates to having occurred before or after his salvation. If his salvation preceded his repentance, then surely it must be attributed completely and entirely to God’s grace (and foreknowledge), given that Saul/Paul was a “chosen vessel.” (see Exodus 33:19;Acts 9:15.)
Peter spoke (to the whole house of Israel) on the day of Pentecost and instructed them to “repent and be saved.” However, Paul preaches a slightly different message that makes little to no mention of repentance being required as a condition of salvation, referring to his message of salvation by a new name, “the gospel of the grace of God.” (Acts 20:24.) In fact, Paul states that it is the goodness of God that leads one to repentance in Romans 2:4.
Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and
longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to
repentance?
Repentance, at some point, is what God commands of all men (Acts 17:30)… but why is there so little mention of it in all of Paul’s epistles if it is thought to be a prerequisite to salvation?
Is it because the Gentile nations were not under the law (as Israel was) and would simply not relate to repentance in the same way that Israel did?
Romans 4
[15] Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no
transgression. [16] Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by
grace…
This question has evolved from another question (that was downvoted twice, for reasons I do not understand) that is posted here:
When did Paul’s repentance (i.e., change of heart) and salvation occur? On the road to Damascus, or only after being baptized in Damascus?
Joshua Scott
That we are sinners in need of Jesus
Christian Errice Mallari Baltazar
The one on the top is probably a jew.
Louise Cummings
Follow what the Bible says.
Scotty Searan
If you trust Jesus, do not you love Jesus? What do you do if you love Jesus?
Ken Massie
Rico Hero
If Christians cant follow all of Gods rules that he gave so trust in Jesus to give them a pass on sin, than you are preaching immunity . Jesus preached repentance.
Filippe D. de Souza
To all of those who believe you have to follow all the commandments in order to be saved, be my guest:
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Matthew 5:48 KJV
A.J. Bible
I don’t like little religious sayings like that it creates a defeatist mentality oh I’m just a poor sinner that can’t follow any of God’s rules so just have mercy on me Lord. But the reality is I’m saved and filled with the Holy Ghost therefore I’ve been empowered to fulfill the commands of God in the New Testament which by the way there’s over a thousand of those.
Louise Cummings
When you love Jesus. You want to live as close to Him as possible. The Man on the Cross was a Jew. Trace His Mothers linage to His mother parents were. She was a Jew. He didn’t have an earthly father. That was HHis earthly father. I mean by that he wasn’t conceived by Joseph. God was His Father. His Mothers blood line was a Jew. The reason she was born of Mary His Mother. Is that He became flesh. Where He could feel what we feel. So He would know how to help us when we were in need. He was the Man Jesus Christ that hung on the Cross. The reason had Him carrying the Cross was because the Jews didn’t believe that He was Who He said He Was. But He proved He was Who He said He was. He knew when He came to earth that He would die on the Cross. He knew He would rise the third Day. And addendum back to Heaven. And will come back after the Christians. He said we wouldn’t know the Day or the Hour He was Coming. But to be watching and praying. For in such an hour as we think not. He will come. That’s why we have to believe in Him. And Trust in Him. To be able to go with Him. When He Comes. If we don’t believe he’s who He said He was. Then it’s impossible for us to be ready when He comes. If we miss the Catching away for His Church , not a building. But a Christian living clean and Holy. They will be watching for Him. It’s a serious thing not to believe in Jesus. Because unbelief will keep you out of Heaven. If you don’t go to Heaven then you automatically go to the other place that was prepared for the devil and his angels. There’s never be an end to that torment pain always. But Heaven Jesus prepared for us will be wonderful. But Jesus said Choose you this day whom he will serve. The Bible will not led you wrong.
Louise Cummings
We couldn’t live the Law perfectly. That’s why Jesus came and lived every one perfectly. God is the one who gave the Law. The Pharisee, and Sadducees had some made up on their own. The Pharisees thought He was breaking some of the Laws. But He didn’t. He didn’t have to keep the ones the Pharisees made up. That they made up. Wasn’t Gods Law. But the ones God gave Jesus kept every one perfectly. And His Blood He Shed on the Cross made a way for us. If we believe in Him. By Grace through faith we believe in Him. And He gave us Power to live for Him. Through The Shed Blood on The Cross. He became Our Perfect Sacrifice that if we believe in Him and be born again. We can be saved. Read John 3:16.
Varnel Watson
mercy
Varnel Watson
mercy Scotty Searan
Louise Cummings
I can barely see the writing. But it tells the truth.