RUSSELL SANDERS
3-21-2025
REPENTANCE VERSUS PENANCE.

We have all sinned. True repentance results in a change of behavior; turning away from the sin. It is a “circumcision of the heart.”

On the other hand, penance is a self-inflicted punishment or action that acknowledges the wrongdoing. It is a “fix-it” action that may or may not necessarily involve true sorrow or repentance for the sin. In some religious orders, a person might pay money or perform a designated action in order to pay for absolution [forgiveness] for a sin.

Such practice is wrong. Jesus already paid for the sin. Repentance, not penance, is required.

True repentance does indeed involve doing something, namely, to turn away from sin. Penance is an action taken to remove the sin by works or doing something. Ephesians 2:8-9 says we are saved [forgiven] by grace through faith, “Not of works…” There is nothing we can do apart from faith on Jesus that will bring forgiveness of our sins, including our unrighteous and self-serving thoughts unless we repent.

I have personally witnessed at Easter the “flagellants” re-enacting Jesus’ journey to the cross, in seeking Jesus’ favor and forgiveness. They walk along the street flogging themselves with whips. They arrive at a site where crosses are placed. They then “hang” themselves tied on to a cross for about three hours. This is an approved manner of penance by their respective church denomination. It is a sad thing to watch. I witnessed such an event during the Easter season in the Philippines in 1970. It is sad how their denomination has deceived them, causing such a horrible act of penance.

Always remember that Jesus bore all the affliction for our sin on our behalf, so we do not have to.