The Way of Repentance

Repentance is hardly a welcome topic. It feels negative and uncomfortable, and it requires us to be a little too honest about who we really are.

But Chris Brauns has an agenda: he wants us to repent for our joy. "We should meditate on and work out our repentance to know and experience the joy of those who have turned from crushing burdens to find rest in Christ, who deserves all glory."

Brauns has written a helpful book called The Way of Repentance: Embracing God's Gift for a Transformed Life. Using the Bible, the Westminster Standards, and his strong experience as a pastor, he argues that repentance is not a heavy task but a gift from the gospel that brings true and lasting joy.

The book is organized in two parts.

In part 1, Brauns establishes the theological foundation. He defines repentance as "a saving grace, whereby a sinner, out of a true sense of his sin, and apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ, does, with grief and hatred of his sin, turn from it unto God, with full purpose of, and endeavor after, new obedience." He argues that repentance is not a human work but a gift God grants, inseparably linked to faith as two sides of the same coin. He also addresses the dual motivations for repentance: joy and holy fear.

In part 2, Brauns turns to the practical. He argues that repentance is not only the way into the Christian life but the ongoing way of the Christian life. Progressive sanctification requires daily, specific repentance, not merely general confession. He introduces the ordinary means of grace as the God-ordained channels through which repentance is worked out. He teaches us how to evaluate repentance, to express repentance, and also how to receive the repentant, even when it’s not easy.

I appreciate a few things about this book. It’s theologically deep. Brauns has thought deeply about this topic, and we benefit from his careful study and thinking. Second, it’s pastorally sensitive. Brauns has decades of pastoral experience, and it shows in how he approaches the topic. Third, it’s deep. Brauns leads us to a deeper understanding of Scripture, and also immerses us in other writings and confessions. I particularly appreciate the prayers of confession at the end of every chapter. The appendices in the book also provide help for those who want to go further in applying the lessons of the book.

A couple of years ago, Samuel James observed, "The ambient culture is practically begging for someone to articulate a theology of repentance." Brauns seems to have heard this appeal and answered.

I frequently recommend and hand out copies of his book Unpacking Forgiveness because it’s such a good book on a needed topic. Now I’ll be recommending and handing out copies of this book, because it’s also such a good book on a needed topic.

Brauns rescues repentance from its bad reputation and restores it to its rightful place among the Christian's greatest joys. This is a gift to be unwrapped daily, not a burden to be endured. It is the way home, and we'd be wise, and glad, to take it.