European Evangelical Claims Repentance Not Needed

A prominent LGBT activist in the UK, Jayne Ozanne, is claiming that repentance is not central to the Gospel.

Ozanne describes herself as a “gay evangelical” Christian (whatever that means) who recently argued that “if repentance is not a salvation matter” then the church doesn’t need to uphold biblical sexual ethics.

In an effort to contradict an article written by John Stevens in Premier Christianity entitled “Why sex outside marriage is a salvation issue”, Ozanne stated that “repentance is important, but it is not the condition on which our salvation hinges”, this is a complete departure from the good news of the Gospel.

Let’s Cut the Fat

The fact of the matter is that Jesus came and gave his life to bring us back into the right standing (a personal relationship with) God. This can only be obtained by doing as God’s Word instructs us in 2 Peter 3:9 which says, “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” If one verse is not enough to see that repentance is indeed key to salvation, we can also look at: Acts 11:18, Luke 13:3, 2 Timothy 2:25 and Acts 20:21.

2 Chronicles 7:14 perfectly cuts through Ozanne’s proposition and it reads, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

A prime example of a humble heart is seen through the remission of sin which comes when we are in full submission to Christ through the act of repentance (2 Chronicles 7:14).

What About Sex Outside of Marriage?

The author of the article Ozanne sought to dismantle explains that: “It is important to be clear that it is not sexual sin that disqualifies people from the kingdom of God, but the failure to repent and to receive the forgiveness Christ offers… To continue to live in sin, proudly refusing to repent, is a sure sign that a person is not in the kingdom. This is true not just for sexual sin, but other sins which are equally contrary to the clearly revealed will of God.”

He also added, “To allow people to think that they can enjoy forgiveness and the gift of eternal life while continuing in sexual sin is not loving. As Ozanne makes clear, this is not simply about homosexuality but all sex outside marriage.”

Perspective

We can be guaranteed that as the clock keeps ticking towards the return of our Lord, we will see many turn away from the absolute truth of the Gospel on a plethora of issues clearly outlined for us in scripture (Matthew 24:10) such as the Christian sexual ethic or that of repentance and salvation. But we also know that “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people,” Acts 2:17, so this is no time to shrink back and watch in shock as the altars of churches are covered in pride flags and the pulpits are filled with “trans preachers” uttering warped doctrines. This is the church age! This is our time to shine brightly, boldly proclaiming the truth of the Gospel on every issue!

Matthew 24:15 says, “The day is coming when you will see what Daniel the prophet spoke about—the sacrilegious object that causes desecration standing in the Holy Place.” (Reader, pay attention!)” Indeed, let us “pay attention” so that we may be found active in the field doing the work of the Lord and until his return, may we be well “prepared to answer everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (1 Peter 3:15)

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