Is Repentance Works?

(Psa 38:18 KJV)  For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.

(Proverbs 19 also read)

Many people lump the Old Testament into the age of law as opposed to the age of grace.  That is a mistake in my opinion.  What troubles me even more is a friend who says that even the idea of repentance is part of the law.  Everything is grace and faith and to him repentance is an act of the law.  I can just shake my head.  Even David, a man after God’s own heart, felt it necessary to “confess” (5046) his “sin” (5771).  I have a hard time setting aside this part of life.

God wants to forgive.  The question we must answer is what are His conditions.  It is totally grace.  That is not an issue.  We cannot save ourselves any more than your car can change its own flat tire.  Faith is required but the question becomes what does that faith mean.  Remember the words of James,

(Jas 2:19 KJV)  Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

If repentance is a matter of Old Testament works to you then I suggest you spend a bit more time reading the entire Bible and see what it says.

So?  God is waiting.  God is patient.  God knows our hearts.