Question 87

What Repentance is here described?

Repentance unto life.

Why is it so called?

Because it brings the person in whom it is to Eternal Life.^a

Why is it called a saving grace?

For the same reason, viz. because where Repentance is truly wrought, it brings the person in whom it is unto Salvation.^b

What is that which is wrought in sinners as a preparation to Repentance?

A true sense of sin.^c

What mean you by that?

Such a sight of sin, as deeply affects our hearts with godly sorrow for it.

What is the main motive to Repentance?

The apprehension of Gods mercy in Christ.^d

Can there be no true Repentance without conviction, a true sight and discovery of sin?

No.^e

Will it be Despair and not Repentance, except together with the sight of sin, there be an apprehension (at least of a possibility) of mercy?

Yes. 2 Cor. 7. 10. Mat. 27. 4. 5.

In and through whom doth the penitent sinner apprehend Gods mercy?

In and through Christ only.

Doth true Repentance chiefly consist in turning from sin to God?

Yes.^f

How doth the repenting sinner turn from sin?

With an holy indignation against it, and with that grief and hatred of it, so as never more to return^g to it.

And how doth he turn to God?

With full purpose of, and endeavour after new obedience. Acts 11. 23. 1 Kings 8. 47, 48. 2 Kings 23. 3. Rom. 6. 4. 2 Cor. 5. 17. Ephes. 4. 23, 24. Psa. 119. 6, 20.

What do you mean by new obedience?

The penitent sinners denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, and his living soberly, righteously and godly in this present world.

Is not the confessing sins to God alone, and the forsaking them sufficient without auricular confession?

Yes. Prov. 28. 13.

When is the confessing our faults one to another necessary?

1. When our offences are such as are not only against God, but also against our Neighbours; then we must confess our faults to them, desire peace, and make them satisfaction before we can reasonably expect Gods acceptance of our persons and services.^h 2. When we are not well able to judge of our selves, to discern our own guilts, and to take the dimensions of our faults aright, labouring under the horrour, agony and disquiet of Conscience; then it is necessary to go to some discreet and learned Minister, to confess our faults, and to open our griefs to him, that we may receive such spiritual counsel, advice, and comfort, as our Consciences may be relieved; and that by the Ministry of Gods Word we may receive comfort, and the benefit of Absolution, to the quieting of our Consciences, and avoiding of all scruple of doubtfulness.

But what do you think of the Auricular Confession of sin according to the Doctrine of the Papists; who say, that it is necessary for every Christian to search and examine with greatest diligence what his sins have been, and that he is bound upon pain of Damnation to confess all his mortal sins unto a Priest, even his most secret sins in heart and thought, with all the considerable circumstances of them: Is not this a cursed adding to the Word of God, and that in matters necessary to Salvation?

Yes.

And is not this the lading the people with ourdens grievous to be born, which the Priests themselves touch not with one of their fingers?

Yes.

May not an Hypocrite and a graceless 〈◊〉 thus confess his sins to the Priest?

Yes.

And can this confession then be so necessary a part of true Repentance, which a man may do that never unfeignedly repented?

No.