Chapter X: CERTAIN CASES OF REPENTANCE
Chapter X:
CERTAIN CASES OF REPENTANCE
I. Case of Apostasy Whether a person who has professed Christ and the Christian faith, but later denies Christ and renounces the religion under persecution, can repent and be saved. Answer: It is a grave situation, but a person can still come to repentance afterward.
Manasseh turned to idolatry and witchcraft, yet he received mercy.
The wise Solomon also strayed, but undoubtedly repented and obtained eternal life. My reason is that God allowed him to be a writer of certain parts of holy scripture. The scriptures were written not only by men of God but also by holy men of God. Peter denied
Christ knowingly against his own conscience, even with cursing and swearing, yet he later repented, as evidenced by Christ's testimony:
"I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers."
Objection I: Matthew 10:33 states, "But whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven." Answer:
This passage refers to a final denial of Christ.
Objection II: Hebrews 6:4 states, "For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit..." And Hebrews 10:26 states,
"For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins." Answer: These passages must be understood in the context of the sin unto death, in which individuals, out of desperate malice against Christ, completely and universally turn away from the faith. The Holy Spirit does not say "if they fall," but rather "if they fall away." It is further described
that they crucify the Son of God, mock Him, trample underfoot the Son of God, regard the blood of the new covenant as unholy, and despise the Spirit of God. The word translated as "deliberately" implies something more, namely, sinning because a person wills it, that is, willfully.
II. Case of Relapse Whether a child of God, after repenting of a grievous sin, falls into the same sin again and comes to repentance a second time. Answer:
The case is dangerous, as we can see through a comparison with the body. If someone relapses into a recurring fever or any other serious illness, it may cost them their life, and recovery will be very difficult.
Jesus said to the man who had been sick for 38 years, after healing him, "See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you." And when an unclean spirit returns, it brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself. While we do not find specific examples of recovery after a relapse in the Scriptures, there is no doubt that it is possible. The reasons are as follows:
I. The promise of forgiveness of sins in Christ is made without any time limit, without any restriction to a specific number or type of sin, except for blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Therefore, repentance and salvation can occur after a relapse.
II. Jesus tells Peter that forgiveness should not be limited to seven times only (which Peter may have thought was generous), but to seventy-seven times, even in one day, if someone repeatedly returns and says, "I repent." If we, who have far less mercy compared to God, are expected to do this, then He will undoubtedly forgive, even for one sin, if people repent and say, "I am sorry." This is because abundant redemption is found in Him, and He is rich in mercy.
III. Case of Restitution Whether a person who repents is required to make restitution if they have wrongfully taken something from their neighbour. Answer: Yes,
indeed. When Zacchaeus repented and received Christ, he gave half of his goods to the poor, and if he had taken anything through fraudulent means, he restored it fourfold. It is a poor practice when a person on their deathbed devoutly bequeaths their soul to God, but leaves their ill-gotten wealth (as their conscience often whispers in their ear) to their children and friends without making restitution or amends.
Question: But what if a person is unable to restore? Answer: Let them acknowledge the fault, and God will accept the intention even if they lack the ability. As Paul said in a similar case, "For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not."
Question: When making restitution may harm a person's reputation, how can they both restore and maintain their credibility? Answer: If the item to be restored is of little value, they can choose a trustworthy and honest friend to deliver it on their behalf, keeping their identity concealed.
IV. Case of Tears Does repentance always involve tears or not? Answer: No, not necessarily. For pride and hypocrisy can bring forth tears, as some are capable of weeping for their sins in the presence of others, but when alone, they neither will nor can. Some individuals have a bodily disposition that allows them to shed tears at will. A godly person can mourn to God for their sins and plead for forgiveness even with dry cheeks. However, in cases of deep grief for sin, tears often follow, unless a person has a hardened and unfeeling heart. Yet, even the softest heart may not shed tears immediately when faced with the greatest cause of sorrow. Tears may come later after some reflection and contemplation, just as a deep wound initially shows only a white mark on the skin without any blood. With time, blood begins to flow abundantly from the wound. Similarly, in the beginning, the mind