BIBLE MESSAGES

REPENTANCE

    The definition of REPENT is:  "To fee self-reproach, compunction, or contrition for past conduct; change one's mind with regard to past action in consequence of dissatisfaction with it or its results." "To feel such sorrow for sin or fault as to be disposed to change one's life for the better; be penitent: (The Random House American Dictionary, p. 1028). "To amend or resolve to amend one's life as a result of contrition for one's sins." (Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 5th Edition p. 844).

    There are two Geek Words which place before us the idea of repentance. (1) 'METANOEO' (verb) - to perceive afterwards. 'META', after, implying change; 'NOEO', to perceive. Thus we have the meaning of changing one's mind or purpose. In the New Testament it conveys the message of change for the better and always (with the exception of Luke 17:3,4) that of repentance from sins. (2) 'METANOIA' (noun) - after thought, change of mind, repentance, and corresponds with Metanoeo. This word is used with respect to repentance from sin and evil.

    Repentance from sin involves at least two things. (1) The requirement by God for action on Man's part. "Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance and begin not to say within yourselves, we have Abraham to our father:  for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham" [Luke 3:8]. "Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ" [Acts 20:21]. "But showed first unto them of Damascus, and a Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance" [Acts 16:20]. (2) The mercy of God in giving repentance or leading men to it. "Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins" [Acts 5:31]. "When they heard these things, they held their peace and glorified God, saying, then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life" [Acts 11:18]. "Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?" [Rom. 2:4]. "In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth" [2 Tim 2:25].

    In considering the New Testament teaching of repentance we find that this change of mind involves both a turning away from sin and a turning to God. (Consider the parable of the Prodigal Son). When Christ began his personal ministry, He sounded forth a call to repentance (not to a nation such as had been extended to Israel in ancient days but rather a call to individuals) and each person was responsible to heed the call.

    It seems to be a common misunderstanding among many that sorrow is repentance. However the scriptures teach that "Godly sorrow worketh repentance." It is not sufficient to be sorry. One must seek to change is or her life by "bringing forth fruits worthy of repentance." Since God does require something of man it is important to find out what the requirement is... We thus learn that we are to BELIEVE [John 8:24]; REPENT [Luke 13:3]; CONFESS [Matt. 10:32,33] [Acts 8:37]; BE BAPTIZED [Mark 16:16] [Acts 2:38] [Acts 22:16] [Romans 6:3-5]. If as a CHILD of God we have sinned against Him then we are to turn from that sin, pray for God's forgiveness through Jesus Christ and then seek to live "soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world" [Titus 2:12].