The Book Of James Pt. 17 Repentance, Godly Sorrow & Salvation!

In our last post, James began teaching us about practical Christianity, by addressing potential sins we must guard against. 

James 1:19-20  Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 20)  For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. 

He reminds us to "put off" anything that pollutes our soul, or that distracts the affection of our heart away from the things of God.

James' exhortation is similar to Paul reminding us to set our affection on things above, where Christ is enthroned. 

If we fail to diligently seek the kingdom of God first, then we may be enamored with the things of this world (Colossians 3:1-3). 

A believer in Christ should be swift, ready and excited to hear from God, but slow to become angry and slow to blurt out our thoughts. 

Receive and believe the Word which can save your soul!

James 1:21  Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. 

Whenever God issues an imperative to put off certain negative behaviors, He always follows it with something positive to "put on." In this case, God tells us to receive the scriptures with meek hearts.

The act of receiving the truth of God's Word involves taking it from God and owning it for ourselves. Receive it and believe it, so that the Word can take root in our heart and produce fruit in us. 

The word "save" is a powerful word with broad theological implications. This word means to rescue someone from imminent danger or certain destruction. 

God saves all who express faith in Christ Jesus. The word "save" means God promises to keep us safe and make us whole. Salvation brings regeneration and makes us acceptable to the Father (2 Corinthians 5:17). 

This is an example where it is beneficial for us, to learn how believers in the early church understood the Greek word translated "save."

The Greek word translated "save" is "sozo" or the closely related word  "soteria." This word was well known in the early church because it was frequently used in the Greek translation of the Masoretic Old Testament scriptures (The Septuagint).

The glorious salvation (soteria) of God.

Psalm 18:46  The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted. 

Here is one from many Old Testament scriptures where the Hebrew word is translated by the Greek word "soteria." 

The Psalmist is rejoicing in the God of his salvation because he knows he is safe, secure and assured of God's tender mercies. 

Salvation is most often used to show that when the power of man cannot do anything to save, God steps in with His salvation (soteria). 

The New Testament writers understood "soteria" as the saving, preserving providential power of God in the crises of history, and in the crisis of individual's lives. 

Salvation (soteria) is the aim of God and the purpose of Jesus Christ. Our Greek word (soteria) is translated "salvation" or "saved" in the following texts.

God has not appointed us to wrath but to obtain salvation from sin (1 Thessalonians 5:9.

From the beginning with infinite foreknowledge,  God has chosen men to obtain salvation (2 Thessalonians 2:13). 

God's will is for all men to be saved ( 1 Timothy 2:4). 

It is the longsuffering and patience of God that makes salvation possible (2 Peter 3:15).

Salvation is the sole initiative and prerogative of God (Revelation 7:10; 19:1).

It is God Himself who saves us (1 Timothy 1:9) and Jesus Christ who came into the world to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). 

God sent His Son Jesus Christ into the world to save the world from sin, not to condemn the world (John 3:17).

Jesus Christ is both central and essential to salvation. No other name in heaven or earth can bring salvation (acts 4:12).

Jesus Christ is the Captain of our salvation who was victorious over sin, death, hell, the grave and the devil (Hebrews 2:10).

Jesus Christ is the Author of salvation, the Son of God who lived a sinless life, and bore our sins in His own body on the cross (Hebrews 5:9). 

Jesus Christ is God manifest in the flesh (1 Timothy 3:16) and the blood He shed on the cross, was nothing less than the blood of God (Acts 20:28).

The Word of salvation.

Acts 13:26  Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent. 

Pastors, parents and Christians please pay attention. Preaching of the gospel is the primary mission of the church of Jesus Christ (See Matthew 28:20).

Preaching of the cross is the power of God to all who are saved. We must never stop preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. We must never stop teaching it's glorious truth to our children and grandchildren. We must seek to live by this eternal truth as long as God gives us breath.  

The way of salvation.

Act 16:17  The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. 

There is no other name given whereby men can be saved, except the name of Jesus Christ. He alone is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). 

His name is far above any other, and all people will bow to Him, confessing that Jesus is Lord and King (Philippians 2:9-11).

Most cultures are pluralistic and accept that there are many ways to heaven, and that they are all equally valid. This is false. The gospel of Christ is exclusive. 

There is only one way to be saved, only one gate to enter, only one narrow way to walk on that leads to eternal life (Matthew 7:12-14). There is only one mediator between man and God: Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 2:5-6).

Any way of salvation that omits the need for repentant faith in the cross of Christ, or that omits the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, is a false religion. 

Any way of salvation that does not accept the the ascension of Christ or faith in the atoning blood of Christ, is a false way of salvation

The power of salvation.

Romans 1:16  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

The gospel of Jesus Christ has the full power of God to save sinners who repent of their sins and turn to Jesus to be saved. It is the power of God that lifts us out of the Devil's domain and sets us safely, securely in the kingdom of God's Son. 

Gospel preaching and teaching is essential for us as believers. Those who are born again must learn this gospel and readily share it with others who have not heard. 

The repentance of salvation.

2 Corinthians 7:10  For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. 

The gospel of Jesus Christ involves repentance. I have mentioned this many times, but it is worth noting again. 

John the Baptist began preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sin. 

Jesus preached the need for repentance. All His apostles also preached the need to repent and turn to Christ by faith. 

Repentance is sorrow or deep contrition for sin, as an offense that dishonors God. It is sorrow for violating His holy law, and having ingratitude towards the God who loves us. 

Repentance is a change of mind, or a conversion from sin to God. 

Repentance is when we hear the gospel, and are convicted by our sins, and we turn away from a life of sin, and embrace Jesus Christ for salvation. 

Paul tells us that true repentance creates godly sorrow in our heart. This godly sorrow leads us to our Savior, Jesus Christ, and when we put our faith in His work on the cross for us, He will save us. 

The faith of salvation.

Eph 2:8-9  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9)  Not of works, lest any man should boast. 

2 Timothy 3:15  And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 

Faith must follow repentance for repenting of our sins means turning from it, like a "put off" from the apostles. The "put on" is turning to Jesus Christ and believing the gospel record.

We take God at His Word, and cast ourselves upon the mercy that He has graciously offered to those who repent and call upon His name. 

Salvation involves the continued work of Jesus Christ for us.

Hebrews 4:14-16  Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15)  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16)  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. 

Jesus is our great high priest after the order of Melchisedek. He lives in heaven and is seated at the Father's right hand. 

Jesus is a compassionate high priest, because He is Son of Man as well as Son of God. He felt the  pains, sufferings, anguish, sorrows and griefs common to all mankind. He endured temptation successfully. 

Thus, when we come to Jesus our great high priest, to cast our cares on Him, He knows all about the hurts and burdens we carry. 

Jesus' continuing work includes opening the way for all believers to come to the throne of God's grace for help and mercy in our times of need. 

Hebrews 7:24-25  But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. 25)  Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. 

Jesus Christ our great high priest, is the Eternal Son of God. He lives forever, and because He lives forever, He saves us for all of eternity. 

When we sin, and confess our sins, while forsaking them, He covers our sins and cleanses us with His own blood (1 John 1:7-2:2).

He has an everlasting priesthood, and can save us to the uttermost. 

Thoughts to Ponder...

James tells us to receive and believe the Word of God, so that it can take root in our soul and bear fruit in our lives.

James tells us the primary aim of God is the salvation of our soul. 

Let us rejoice in the grace of God that brings salvation to mankind.

Let us rejoice in the way of salvation, through repentant faith in Christ. 

Let us rejoice in the preaching of the gospel of Christ, and trust God to call sinners to repentant faith. 

Let us vigorously teach the gospel to our children and grandchildren, showing them how to live for the glory of God.

May all who are children of God be filled with the greatest joy of the mighty salvation of God, and the glory of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Bob