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Orthodox Doctrine (Summary of Christian Divinity)

Metropolitan Platon of Moscow, tr. Pinkerton, 1814

35. Part 2, Section 35: Of Repentance

Repentance is a mystery in which the believer, on the sincere confession of his sins, and in a firm reliance on the merits of Christ, receiveth the remission of his sins from God, through the servant of Christ.

It is necessary to confess, with the holy divine, that “if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us,” 1 John i. 8. Therefore, after being washed from our sins in baptism, and having entered thereby into the covenant of grace with God, the Christian, when he sins, has no other means of being restored to the grace and mercy of God but by repentance.

Repentance is a real and effective medicine, by which the wounds of the soul are healed. Real repentance requires, 1st, A confession of our sins. 2d, A condemning of ourselves before God. 3d, A representing to ourselves the mercy of God, which a repenting sinner does not reject, but desires to return to it, and to be feelingly alive to it. This is clearly pointed out to us in the gospel, by the parables of the prodigal son and the strayed sheep, 4th, Firmly to rest assured that Christ Jesus our Saviour died for us; and, by his death, procured the mercy of our heavenly Father, for all those who rest the whole hope of their salvation on him alone. 5th, A firm resolution, in future, to conduct ourselves in a more orderly and careful manner.

In these particulars true repentance consists, and this repentance should be professed before the servant of Christ; First, that from him we may receive instruction and spiritual advice, to the more hopeful amendment of ourselves in future. Secondly, that he, in the name of Christ, may make known to the penitent the remission of his sins, and may give him assurance out of the gospel, concerning the mercy of God, that he may have the hope of salvation.

The acknowledgment and confession of sins ought not to be general; but we should mention particularly, and by name, what sort of sins we have committed; for it is impossible that hidden wounds can be cured; and it is the more necessary we be particular, when it is considered that this confession is not made unto man but unto God, the searcher of our hearts, and the trier of our reins. Moreover, why should we blush to make known before man that which we are not ashamed to transact before the most holy eyes of God?

Confession should be made whenever our consciences torment us, by reproaching us with some sin or other; and at least when we are preparing to receive the communion. If, as above stated, there can be no remission of sins in repentance, except to him who believes in Jesus Christ, who died for our sins, consequently that repentance which has no faith in the Saviour can never be effectual.¹

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