Is repentance a pre-requisite for salvation, or are you already saved and therefore repentance is a fruit of salvation?
Christian Universalists believe we are already saved because of what Jesus did on the cross, and all we need to do is realise that we are already saved (see https://word.spiritbodysoul.com/three-views-of-salvation/). Then, believing that all are already saved, they therefore also believe that repentance is a fruit not a pre-requisite of salvation. But according to the Bible, we are saved and justified when we believe (Mark 16:16, Acts 16:31, Rom 10:9-13, Heb 10:39, 1 Cor 15:2, Gal 2:16). With this belief straightened out, we can now see that repentance precedes salvation. We can see this from Scripture as follows:
- According to Acts 2:38, Peter told people to repent and be baptised before receiving the Holy Spirit. In Acts 3:19, 8:22 and 1 John 1:9 it is stated that confession of sins and repentance is required for sins to be forgiven:
- Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.
- Acts 8:22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
- 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
These scriptures make no sense with a Universalist belief that all are saved. It is obvious from Scripture that we are saved and justified when we believe, and repentance is therefore a pre-requisite for salvation. Believers also sometimes need to repent, see https://word.spiritbodysoul.com/repentance-process/.