Jesus said that repentance is only the first part of the two part solution to man’s sinful condition.
Mr 1:15 and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe in the gospel. This verse has two parts.
1 Jo 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, (ASV) again this is a two part solution.
Ro 10:10 for with the heart man believeth (the Gospel) unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Faith/belief and repentance/confession are seen in Rm 10:10.
This verse had the same two part solution, and in addition it shows the condition that each part of the instruction works towards. Believing leads towards righteousness (right standing). Confession leads towards salvation (being saved from God’s wrath).
When God wanted Adam to confess in Genesis 3:9 He was seeking a confession so that Adam could be saved, He still seeks a confession from us in 1 Jn 1:9. He has not changed. This is step 1 of Jesus instruction in Mark 1:15.
Step #2 involves making progress towards being made right or righteous, and this involves receiving God’s grace which teaches us to believe through the Holy Spirit. Titus 2:11-12.
The New Testament teaches that Jesus made it possible for us to partake of God’s grace, Jn 1:17. Therefore the instruction of Grace and how to deny ungodliness was not available to all believers during the Old Covenant.
Joh 1:17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
Ge 3:9 And Jehovah God called unto the man, and said unto him, Where art thou?
The above mentioned instances of confession, when genuine, served as a repentant act according to Rm 10:10. Old Covenant believers were saved from God’s wrath through Repentance/Confession which led them into salvation.
The reason confession serves as a repentant act is because apart from God’s help (referred to as Grace) it is all mankind is capable of.
We cannot transform ourselves (teach ourselves to deny ungodliness), that is the function of God’s grace, Titus 2:11-12. This is the answer to the Grace verses works controversy.
After a sinner repents through confession He still remains a sinner. He is simply a sinner who admitted He was wrong. So then we have to believe (so God can teach us the right way) unto righteousness. Faith or believing is the conduit so to speak through which we receive grace.
Even after we repent, man’s right behavior is only periodic, Isa 64:6.
Isa 64:6 ¶ But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. (KJV)
When Jesus was called good He mentioned that only God is good, Mt 10:10. He did not continue with the thought and tell us at that time that He was One with the Father, but we have His comments in other parts of the Scripture.
Mr 10:18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.
1Co 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
So the Key is to be “in Christ”. Thus we partake of His right standing before God through faith. In addition to being accepted when we abide in Jesus doctrine, we are taught how to conduct ourselves in a right way before God through Grace. We grow in grace (learn to be like Jesus) and put on Christ. This is more than simply saying words. We have to abide in His doctrine, 2 John 1:9.
2 Jo 1:9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
If and when we sin we can be forgiven, however the means of forgiveness can take differing processes.
The form of confession is for sins committed in ignorance and the form of experiencing God’s judgment upon the sinful behavior which teaches the person not to sin in the case of willful sin. In other words was the person mature enough in Christ to understand and then willfully disobey or rebel, 2 Cor 10:6.
2Co 10:6 being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete. (RSV)
Thankfully God is the judge also as to when we are considered mature and our obedience is complete. We cannot judge others in this regard. When person is being led by the Spirit of God and not bondage to the elementary things of the world (Gal 4:3) appears to indicate the point at which spiritual childhood is exchanged for maturity. This is possibly what Paul refers to in 1 Cor 4:4.
1Co 4:4 I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me.
In His mercy God allows a way back even from willful sin. It is not easy however, because willful sin is unforgivable and will be judged, Heb 10:26. It is a fearful thing to fall into Gods hands in this way and it entails being broken. That is however better than being ground to powder, Mt 21:44.
Mt 21:44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
If Jesus had to die and we are to walk as He did is it not reasonable that His followers will also have to die while on earth before they ascend to Heaven, Rm 6:4.
#2. Believing is mentioned in Rm 10:10. Believing is “unto” or motion towards the right way or righteousness.
Ro 10:10 For with the heart man #2. Believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth #1. Confession is made unto salvation. So confessing/repenting saves us from wrath, as if God is saying to us “admit what you did”. Believing results in being made “right” by God’s grace.
#1. Salvation can be defined as being saved from God’s wrath as John the Baptist said – who warned you to flee from the wrath of God, Matt 3:7. This is what is brought about by confession.
Being saved from God’s judgment against sin is again, only half of the plan for man’s redemption. The other part entails their being taught not to sin, or being made right or righteous. Which means God’s grace must be obtained to teach the person to deny ungodliness. This involves humility (James 4:6) and it can be received in vain or to not effect if its instruction is ignored, 2 Cor 6:1.
Php 3:9 ¶ And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: (KJV)