In Repentance from Dead Works, Michael E.B. Maher presents the first of the six foundational doctrines of Christ. He defines repentance not as feeling sorry for sin, but as a decisive turning away from dead works (sin) toward God. Salvation itself is an act of repentance, as confessing Jesus as Lord automatically turns a person from darkness to light.

Maher explains that at the new birth, the old spirit dies and the believer receives a new, incorruptible spirit that cannot sin. However, the flesh (body and carnal mind) remains prone to sin. Walking free from sin requires choosing to walk in the spirit, exercising self-control, living by faith, and being baptized in water to render the body of sin powerless. Believers are under grace, not law, so sin does not kill their spirit, but persistent unrepentant sin leads to divine chastening (sickness, adversity, or even physical death) and breaks fellowship with God. Confession restores fellowship and cleanses unknown sins through Christ’s blood.

Maher emphasizes that holiness is required, and God’s grace enables believers to overcome sin, not continue in it. The book concludes with a warning against wilful, unrepentant sin and an invitation to salvation.

 

Book 1 of 6: Foundation Doctrines of Christ