What does "God has granted repentance" teach about salvation's divine origin? Context: Peter’s Report to Jerusalem Acts 11 recounts how Peter explained the conversion of Cornelius’s household. Verse 18 records the response of the Jerusalem believers: “ ‘So then, even to the Gentiles God has granted repentance unto life.’ ” (Acts 11:18) Key Phrase: “God Has Granted Repentance” • Subject: God—He initiates the action. • Verb: “has granted”—dídōmi, “to give, bestow, supply.” • Object: “repentance”—a change of mind and heart that turns from sin to God. • Result: “unto life”—spiritual life now and eternal life to come. Taken at face value, the text teaches that repentance originates with God, not with us. Repentance as a Divine Gift in the Wider Canon • Acts 5:31—“to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.” • 2 Timothy 2:25—“God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.” • Ephesians 2:8-9—faith itself is “the gift of God.” • John 6:44—no one comes unless the Father “draws” him. • Jonah 2:9—“Salvation is of the LORD.” These passages echo Acts 11:18: God alone supplies the change of heart that leads to life. What This Teaches about Salvation’s Divine Origin • Divine initiative—God moves first; human response follows. • Grace, not merit—repentance is bestowed, so boasting is excluded (cf. Romans 3:27). • Universal reach—God grants repentance “even to the Gentiles,” showing salvation’s wideness. • Life-giving result—true repentance always issues in “life,” evidencing its heavenly source. • Assured completion—what God starts, He finishes (Philippians 1:6). Practical Implications • Humility—recognize that every step toward God is owed to His grace. • Gratitude—thank Him for granting a repentant heart. • Evangelism—share the gospel boldly, yet depend on God to open hearts (Acts 16:14). • Prayerfulness—ask the Lord to “grant repentance” to those still wandering (2 Timothy 2:25). • Assurance—rest in the God who both begins and perfects our salvation (Hebrews 12:2). |
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