The Dangerous Lie That You Don’t Need to Repent

[David]

There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And he answered them, Jesus said: “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” ~ Luke 13:1-5

Notice what Jesus said twice above. There’s a false gospel being spread today that says you can be saved without repentance. That is a lie. It directly contradicts the words of Jesus Christ Himself. In Luke 13:3 and Luke 13:5, Jesus gives a crystal-clear warning: “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” He repeats it twice, not by accident, but for emphasis. These are not metaphorical or symbolic words. They are a direct call to every person who hears the truth. Jesus wasn’t talking to notorious criminals. He was correcting people who assumed others were worse sinners. He makes it clear that all are in danger of perishing unless they repent.

The Greek word used for “repent” is metanoēsēte, from metanoeō, which means more than just changing your mind. It refers to a turning of the heart, a complete reversal from sin toward God. Repentance is not about self-improvement, it’s about surrender. You don’t clean yourself up to be saved, but you don’t hold onto your sin either. Repentance is the response of a heart that believes what God says about sin, judgment, and the need for mercy.

This is not a side issue. Jesus didn’t say, “Unless you believe, you will perish,” in this passage. He said, “Unless you repent.” That doesn’t contradict faith. True saving faith always includes repentance. The gospel is not just an offer of blessing, it is a call to turn from sin and trust in the Savior. Paul preached the same message in Acts 20:21, declaring “repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” These are two sides of the same coin.

Do not be deceived by those who preach a repentance-free gospel. They are leading people to destruction with soft words and empty promises. Jesus didn’t come to bless you in your rebellion, He came to save you from it. If your gospel has no repentance, it has no salvation.