vabutsy

Couldn't we apply logic to our thinking about repenting: Repentance is a process, not a point in time; repent means change of heart. The process of changing our hearts can surely begin in many ways, one of which could be the acceptance of the gospel message, or maybe even agreeing to attend church with a friend. I know I have known people (including myself) who meant to go only so far, but who were then led further by the grace and power of God. Perhaps repentance begins with a simple changing of your heart to allow the possibility of the gospel. Just because it begins there, doesn't mean it ends there. Sometimes, "when people adopt the Christian faith without repenting of their known sins" they get more than they bargained for and by God's grace and power, through the Spirit, are led to a more complete change of heart that then allows them to repent of their known sins. As to the percentage of Christians today who are unrepentant, unprepared in heart -- I think the only answer is 100% of us (but we are not 100% unrepentent) -- it's part of our living in an already/not yet world; we are saved but not yet sanctified. As Luther said we are "always sinners, always saved." The always sinners part is the part that has not yet changed.

I'm Butsy and I live in Charlottesville, Virginia (hence, vabutsy). I've been part of a Bible Study at my house for 20 years but several people have now moved away. We are going to try to use Dr. Wilson's study to keep on studying together, with some knowledgeable guidance.