Yesterday, I was thinking a bit more about the type of theology that puts repentance in the forefront. And I believe that this type of religion (as opposed to faith) can only breed fear. If I turn from my sin so I don’t go to hell, two things have happened. First, I’ve just done something to earn my salvation. And second, my motive is not Jesus Christ, my motive is escaping eternal damnation. I’ve repented out of fear.
But the apostle John tells us, “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love” (I John 4.18 ESV).
Now I realize that the Bible speaks about fearing God. But it is not the fear of a child who is afraid of an abusive stepfather. It is a reverential awe and respect that is birthed out of the mercy and grace and goodness of God. His perfect love casts out fear.
So now when I see my sin and desire to turn from it, it is not to escape punishment. It is because my God has literally poured out upon me such mercy and love that I cannot comprehend its depth or width or height or its fourth and fifth dimensions. It is in and over and through me. I am saturated in His mercy and love. So sin is distasteful because I know firsthand what it does to my relationship with my God. And because of His goodness and kindness, by His grace, I turn from my sin to Him.