I think repentence is very important. The transition from selfishness to love involves repentence on an ongoing basis as we grow, as the sanctification of the Spirit goes deeper and deeper. But the result of brokeness, in the biblical sense of a broken and a contrite heart, is humility, gentleness, kindness- all those fruits of the Spirit which are all elements and aspects of love. It is through the Lordship of Jesus that love is revealed in its purest form through those who are “new creatures in Christ”. If one is not walking in love, Jesus is not their Lord.
“Lord, Lord, Didnt we do a lot of great stuff in your name?”
Jesus makes it plain that the only works that please Him spring from love.
In 1 Cor 3:15-17 paul talks about woood, hay, stubble vs gold silver precious stone. he says those who build with junk will see their works burned up, bu their spirit will be saved in the Day, but so as through fire.
For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. 14 If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. 15** If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.**
In 1 Corinthians 5:5 Paul says he intends…“To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh,** that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.”**
Daniel 7:10 I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.
A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.
His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;
Rev 1:15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
The fire will test each mans work, the fire in His eyes, the light strreaming from His face will penetrate every dark place, because the light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot over come it.
In these verses we see the principle of being saved through disciplin/correction, purging, even judgment. Just as Paul spoke concerning Israel…
Rom 11:27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the father’s sakes. For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. For as in times past you have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:** Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. For God has bound all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all…**
In Romans 8 Paul says the creation was subjected to futility- not of its own volition but by the will of the One who subjected it in hope that the creation will be set free into the glorious liberty of the sons of God(which is agape love)…yet much of this comes through breaking and corrections of various intensities depending on the individual(God is not mocked, what man sows so shall he also reap)- and I think, in this world and the world to come as well.
In fact starting in Romans 1, where Paul speaks of the creation and the law that is written on every heart… all the way thru to Romans 16, Paul unfolds this principle over and over as being the awesome unfolding mystery of the salvation of all.
Rom 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and** the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery,** which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.
This is the same “revelation of the mystery” he wrote about in Ephesians 1:9-11
In all wisdom and insight** He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention** which He purposed in Him with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up(gathering together into one- kjv) of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth.
So how can God who is PURE LOVE do something we mere humand would never do??