Repentance is a word that has strangely evaporated from many evangelical churches. The word all but disappeared from mainline churches decades ago. But the notion of repentance is biblical and needs to be revived. The Way of Repentance: Embracing God’s Gift for a Transformed Life by Chris Brauns argues that people need to read about repentance for joy. He simply says, “We repent for joy.” That’s quite a way to begin a book. After diving deeply into this book for several hours, I can testify that the author keeps his word — for this is truly a book designed to spark joy in the hearts of people.
Part 1: Repentance Unto Life
Part one establishes the ground rules and biblical parameters for repentance. A definition is provided at the outset, namely – “Repentance means turning from unbelief to belief in Jesus.” This 180-degree turn moves from rebellion to submission as sinners cast all their hope in Christ, which results in spiritual fruit. Dr. Brauns clarifies the definition of repentance by answering some fundamental questions that probe deeply into the human soul and the biblical text. These questions and answers alone are worth the price of the book.
Part 2: The Life of Repentance
Part two moves from the explanation of repentance to life application. Brauns demonstrates how repentance appears in the Christian life and cites numerous examples. Critical to this discussion is the idea that repentance must be an ongoing feature of the Christian life. The author adds:
All of us battle certain sinful tendencies throughout our lives. And the way we fight sin is through an ongoing pattern of considering Jesus in his word, being convicted by the Holy Spirit of the ugliness of our sin, and, in response, repenting and returning in faith to the beauty of Christ.
Brauns repeatedly notes how repentance is integrally tied to the Word of God and subjection to the means of grace. In the end, Christians are called to be a gospel people; to preach the gospel to themselves as they commit to a lifestyle of ongoing repentance.
Biblical models of repentance are included, which prove helpful, especially for new believers. And guidelines are offered, which enable readers to check their progress as they walk down the path of repentance.
Summary
The Way of Repentance is a much-needed work that will drive Christians to their knees. The author makes his case that “we repent for joy.” He does it in a winsome way. But more importantly, he does it biblically. I heartily commend this book and trust that it will receive a wide readership.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.
Veritas et Lux 