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The Way of Repentance

In William Perkins’s classic exposition—modernly published under the title The Way of Repentance (derived from his foundational treatises, primarily The Nature and Practice of Repentance and The Combat of the Flesh and the Spirit)—repentance is defined as:
“A work of grace, arising of a godly sorrow, whereby a man turns from all his sins unto God, and brings forth fruits worthy amendment of life.”
For Perkins, the “way” of repentance is not merely an outward reform or a momentary emotional pang. It is an ongoing, lifelong evangelical pathway rooted in saving faith, consisting of distinct elements, inward spiritual combat, and practical duties.

Core Definition and Distinctives

  1. A Work of Divine Grace
    Perkins stresses that true repentance is not produced by natural human willpower or legal fear alone. It is a sovereign gift of the Holy Spirit flowing from union with Christ and justifying faith. A person must first be turned by God before they can turn to God.
  2. Arising from Godly Sorrow (Not Legal Terror)
    Perkins sharply distinguishes between:
    • Counterfeit/Legal sorrow: Mourning merely out of dread of punishment, wrath, or hell (as seen in Judas or Cain).
    • Godly/Evangelical sorrow: Mourning over sin because it is sin, because it grieves and offends a loving, gracious Father.
  3. An Entire Turning (Mortification and Vivification)
    Repentance involves an inward and outward revolution of the whole person:
    • Turning from all sin (Mortification): Dying to sin, actively subduing and forsaking not just outward gross sins, but inward lusts, affections, and the corruption of original sin.
    • Turning unto God (Vivification): Being quickened to new obedience, dedicating the heart, will, and affections toward loving and serving God.
  4. Fruits Worthy of Amendment of Life
    Sincere repentance inevitably manifests in visible conduct, practical righteousness, restitution where possible, and persistent pursuit of holiness.

The Practical Walk in the “Way of Repentance”

Perkins delineates how a believer actually travels this path through four primary practices and two regular degrees:
  • Four Special Duties:
    1. Examination of the Conscience: Scrutinizing one’s heart and life against the standard of God’s law.
    2. Humble Confession: Acknowledging guilt openly before God without making excuses or minimizing fault. (Mathew
    3. Seeking Forgiveness: Praying earnestly for pardon, laying hold of the free promises of mercy in Christ. (Luke 15:7; Acts 2:38)
    4. Purpose of New Obedience: Entering into a sincere, deliberate vow and effort to walk according to God’s commandments. Jesus made the case for repentance, calling on belief in Him as the Way to enter the kingdom of the family of God. (Matthew 4:17, John 14.6)
  • Ordinary vs. Extraordinary Repentance:
    • Ordinary Repentance: The daily duty of every Christian to examine themselves and renew their repentance, recognizing that believers stumble daily.
    • Extraordinary Repentance: A deeper, more intense season of self-humiliation, prayer, and fasting required when falling into grievous, capital sins or in times of acute crisis.
  • The Combat Between Flesh and Spirit: Perkins emphasizes that this way of life is not a tranquil plateau of effortless piety, but a continuous internal conflict. In the mind and will, the renewed nature (the Spirit) wages holy warfare against the remnants of indwelling corruption (the flesh) until glory.