The Doctrine of Christ: Repentance from Dead Works

Repentance from Dead Works: The First Step to True Faith

Hebrews 6:1 (NKJV) – “Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God.”

Repentance from dead works is the first principle in the doctrine of Christ. It is the starting point of the believer’s journey toward spiritual maturity. But what exactly are dead works, and why must we repent from them?

What Are Dead Works?

Dead works refer to any actions, behaviors, or religious practices that are devoid of true faith in God. These may include:

• Legalistic Righteousness – Attempting to earn salvation through religious rituals and good deeds apart from faith in Christ (Isaiah 64:6, Galatians 2:16).

• Sinful Actions – Works of the flesh that lead to spiritual death (Romans 6:23, Galatians 5:19-21).

• Faithless Religion – Practicing Christianity out of obligation rather than genuine love for God (Matthew 15:8-9, Revelation 3:1).

Anything done outside of faith in Christ is considered a dead work because it does not produce true spiritual life. Even acts of kindness and religious devotion, if not rooted in faith, are empty before God.

The Call to Repentance

Repentance is not merely feeling sorry for sin; it is a complete turning away from dead works and turning toward God. True repentance requires:

1. Recognition of Sin – Understanding that without Christ, even our best works are insufficient for salvation (Romans 3:23).

2. Godly Sorrow – A deep conviction that leads to genuine change (2 Corinthians 7:10).

3. Turning to Faith in Christ – Trusting in Jesus alone for salvation and righteousness (Acts 3:19, Ephesians 2:8-9).

Why Is Repentance from Dead Works Important?

Without repentance, a person remains trapped in self-righteousness or sinful rebellion, unable to experience true transformation. Jesus emphasized the necessity of repentance in His ministry:

• Luke 13:3 (NKJV) – “I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.”

• Acts 17:30 (NKJV) – “Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent.”

Repentance from dead works is foundational because it prepares the heart for faith in Christ. Without turning away from self-effort and sin, one cannot fully embrace the grace of God.

The Outcome’s Mission: Leading Believers to True Repentance

At ‘The Outcome,’ our mission is to guide believers toward true spiritual maturity by teaching the doctrine of Christ. Repentance from dead works is the first step toward growing in faith and living in the fullness of God’s promises.

Through this series, we will explore each foundational doctrine in Hebrews 6:1-2, equipping believers with biblical truths that lead to genuine transformation. Our prayer is that all who seek God will come to repentance, leave behind dead works, and walk in newness of life through Christ.

A Call to Action: Examine Your Faith

Are you relying on religious works, traditions, or self-righteousness rather than faith in Christ? Have you truly repented from dead works and surrendered fully to God?

Let today be the day of true repentance. Turn away from empty works and embrace the grace of Jesus Christ. As we journey through this teaching series, may we grow together in faith, moving beyond the elementary principles and pressing on to maturity.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

Let us leave behind the dead works of the past and step into the life Christ has prepared for us.