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The saved sinner is prostrate in adoration, lost in wonder and praise. He knows repentance is not what we do in order to earn forgiveness; it is what we do because we have been forgiven. It serves as an expression of gratitude rather than an effort to earn forgiveness. Thus the sequence of forgiveness and then repentance, rather than repentance and then forgiveness, is crucial for understanding the gospel of grace.
Brennan Manning
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Repentance stems from forgiveness, not as a means to earn it, and reflects gratitude towards grace.

This quote by Brennan Manning emphasizes that true repentance follows the experience of forgiveness, portraying it as a response of gratitude rather than a prerequisite to receiving grace. It underscores the idea that understanding the relationship between forgiveness and repentance is fundamental to grasping the essence of the gospel of grace.

Themes

ForgivenessRepentanceGraceGratitudeGospel

In practice

Example use cases

In a sermon about grace, one might quote this to illustrate the importance of recognizing the order of forgiveness and repentance.

More from Brennan Manning

Trust is that rare and priceless treasure that wins us the affection of our heavenly Father.
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The sinners to whom Jesus directed His messianic ministry were not those who skipped morning devotions or Sunday church. His ministry was to those whom society considered real sinners. They had done nothing to merit salvation. Yet they opened themselves to the gift that was offered them. On the other hand, the self-righteous placed their trust in the works of the Law and closed their hearts to the message of grace.
Brennan ManningRead
There is the "you" that people see and then there is the "rest of you". Take some time and craft a picture of the "rest of you." This could be a drawing, in words, even a song. Just remember that the chances are good it will be full of paradox and contradictions.
Brennan ManningRead
Do you honestly believe God likes you, not just loves you because theologically God has to love you?
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Suffering, failure, loneliness, sorrow, discouragement, and death will be part of your journey, but the Kingdom of God will conquer all these horrors. No evil can resist grace forever.
Brennan ManningRead
For Ragamuffins, God's name is Mercy. We see our darkness as a prized possession because it drives us into the heart of God. Without mercy our darkness would plunge us into despair - for some, self-destruction. Time alone with God reveals the unfathomable depths of the poverty of the spirit. We are so poor that even our poverty is not our own: It belongs to the mysterium tremendum of a loving God.
Brennan ManningRead

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