What Is Repentance?

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christiancanadian

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What Is Repentance?​
Many understand the term repentance to mean “turning from sin.” This is not the biblical definition of repentance. In the Bible, the word repent means “to change one’s mind.” The Bible also tells us that true repentance will result in a change of actions (Luke 3:8-14; Acts 3:19). Acts 26:20 declares, “I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.” The full biblical definition of repentance is a change of mind that results in a change of action.

What, then, is the connection between repentance and salvation? The Book of Acts seems to especially focus on repentance in regards to salvation (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 11:18; 17:30; 20:21; 26:20). To repent, in relation to salvation, is to change your mind in regard to Jesus Christ. In Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost (Acts chapter 2), he concludes with a call for the people to repent (Acts 2:38). Repent from what? Peter is calling the people who rejected Jesus (Acts 2:36) to change their minds about Him, to recognize that He is indeed “Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). Peter is calling the people to change their minds from rejection of Christ as the Messiah to faith in Him as both Messiah and Savior.

Repentance and faith can be understood as “two sides of the same coin.” It is impossible to place your faith in Jesus Christ as the Savior without first changing your mind about who He is and what He has done. Whether it is repentance from willful rejection or repentance from ignorance or disinterest, it is a change of mind. Biblical repentance, in relation to salvation, is changing your mind from rejection of Christ to faith in Christ.

It is crucially important that we understand repentance is not a work we do to earn salvation. No one can repent and come to God unless God pulls that person to Himself (John 6:44). Acts 5:31 and 11:18 indicate that repentance is something God gives—it is only possible because of His grace. No one can repent unless God grants repentance. All of salvation, including repentance and faith, is a result of God drawing us, opening our eyes, and changing our hearts. God's longsuffering leads us to repentance (2 Peter 3:9), as does His kindness (Romans 2:4).

While repentance is not a work that earns salvation, repentance unto salvation does result in works. It is impossible to truly and fully change your mind without that causing a change in action. In the Bible, repentance results in a change in behavior. That is why John the Baptist called people to “produce fruit in keeping with repentance” (Matthew 3:8). A person who has truly repented from rejection of Christ to faith in Christ will give evidence of a changed life (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:19-23; James 2:14-26). Repentance, properly defined, is necessary for salvation. Biblical repentance is changing your mind about Jesus Christ and turning to God in faith for salvation (Acts 3:19). Turning from sin is not the definition of repentance, but it is one of the results of genuine, faith-based repentance towards the Lord Jesus Christ.
reference:gotquestions.org
 
MahogonySnail

MahogonySnail

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Jan 8, 2009
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Yes it does mean change one's mind. But the definition of turning from sin is not incorrect, just not the whole story. When the Pharisees came to be baptised by John ( the baptism of repentance), John said something like, "prove that you have turned from your sins", didn't he?

Turning from sin is a normal thing to do if you've changed your mind about God (that He is holy, and righteous judge), yourself (that you are a sinner), and others (that we are all sinners).
 
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christiancanadian

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#3
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MahogonySnail said:
Yes it does mean change one's mind. But the definition of turning from sin is not incorrect, just not the whole story. When the Pharisees came to be baptised by John ( the baptism of repentance), John said something like, "prove that you have turned from your sins", didn't he?

Turning from sin is a normal thing to do if you've changed your mind about God (that He is holy, and righteous judge), yourself (that you are a sinner), and others (that we are all sinners).
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While repentance is not a work that earns salvation, repentance unto salvation does result in works. It is impossible to truly and fully change your mind without that causing a change in action. In the Bible, repentance results in a change in behavior. That is why John the Baptist called people to “produce fruit in keeping with repentance” (Matthew 3:8). A person who has truly repented from rejection of Christ to faith in Christ will give evidence of a changed life (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:19-23; James 2:14-26). Repentance, properly defined, is necessary for salvation. Biblical repentance is changing your mind about Jesus Christ and turning to God in faith for salvation (Acts 3:19). Turning from sin is not the definition of repentance, but it is one of the results of genuine, faith-based repentance towards the Lord Jesus Christ.
 
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christiancanadian

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#4
#4
MahogonySnail said:
Yes it does mean change one's mind. But the definition of turning from sin is not incorrect, just not the whole story. When the Pharisees came to be baptised by John ( the baptism of repentance), John said something like, "prove that you have turned from your sins", didn't he?

Turning from sin is a normal thing to do if you've changed your mind about God (that He is holy, and righteous judge), yourself (that you are a sinner), and others (that we are all sinners).
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You can put all the faith in Christ you want, it means nothing if you're in denial about your sins... "If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us" (1st John 1:10). The entire matter of salvation deals with OUR SINS. Thus, repentance is when we come to the realization that we have sinned AGAINST GOD. Notice what Joseph said to Potiphar's wicked, adulterous wife who tried to seduce him in Genesis 39:9... "There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin AGAINST GOD?" Joseph realized that if he did commit adultery, he would be sinning AGAINST GOD! In Luke 15:21, the repentant prodigal son said... "Father, I have sinned AGAINST HEAVEN, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son." Notice what king David said in Psalm 41:4... "LORD, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned AGAINST THEE." Notice what the Apostle Paul taught in Acts 20:21... "Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, REPENTANCE TOWARD GOD, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ." You see, lost sinners need to repent TOWARDS GOD. Carefully notice in Mark 1:15 what Jesus said... "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel." Notice that Jesus DIDN'T say "repent ye, and forsake your sins." No, rather, He said, "repent ye, and believe the gospel."
 
T

Thaddaeus

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Jan 31, 2009
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Ge 6:6And it REPENTED the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.
repentence was preached to the jews to change their mind about as i pointed out in another text yes

Mr 1:4John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the REMISSION of sins.
to repent for there is coming another way for remissions of sins. and some jews ask peter what they were to do

Ac 2:36Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.Ac 2:37Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?Ac 2:38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.


change you mind sacrifice is past baptism is now for remission of sin. but when A gentile ask what they must do. they received a different response

Ac 16:29Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,Ac 16:30And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?Ac 16:31And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
nothing about repenting or baptism

Ro 10:13For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
 
MahogonySnail

MahogonySnail

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#6
Jan 8, 2009
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Notice that Jesus DIDN'T say "repent ye, and forsake your sins." No, rather, He said, "repent ye, and believe the gospel."
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You're making a big fuss and to do over nothing here. Forsake your sins is implied in repentence. If you dont forsake your sins you havent really repented, it's that simple. By forsaking sins I mean in your mind, turning from them and turning to God. i.e. stop, doing what you are doing and do the right thing.
 
K

KingdomGeneration

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#7
#7
true repentance is about fully understanding what Christ did on the cross and loving Him more than loving your desires of the flesh. Sure we all struggle, no man is perfect however, it is that burning desire for more of God that God accounts for righteousness. To truly be saved means learning to trust God fully.

There's a huge difference in simply believing in God and actually trusting in God. Many people believe in God yet you rarely see good fruit. The fruit of one who actually trusts in God is living a lifestyle committed to following His word. Salvation is more than a simple belief, it is a way of life.
 
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KingdomGeneration

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#8
#8
KingdomGeneration said:
true repentance is about fully understanding what Christ did on the cross and loving Him more than loving your desires of the flesh. Sure we all struggle, no man is perfect however, it is that burning desire for more of God that God accounts for righteousness. To truly be saved means learning to trust God fully.

There's a huge difference in simply believing in God and actually trusting in God. Many people believe in God yet you rarely see good fruit. The fruit of one who actually trusts in God is living a lifestyle committed to following His word. Salvation is more than a simple belief, it is a way of life.
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When Jesus said "If you love me then obey my commandments.", Jesus was not implying that works will save you. So much is lost in the translation. What Jesus was truly saying is this: "If you love me then put your trust in me, obey me to see if my word is true."

Those who truly love God are obedient not because they have to be in order to be saved but they do so out of trust. They love the Lord enough to know that in order to truly trust God we must walk in obedience. This is what is means to have good works.

If you ever want to be delivered from habitual sin, this point is key.... I would know!

GOD IS GOOD!
 
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