Why and how would an atheist repent?
Jesus called all to repent or perish (Luke 13:3). For some people though, prior to coming to the end result of repentance in receiving salvation (faith in Christ for salvation), they must change their minds about other specific things in order to get there. Repentance, metanoia, focuses on changing one's mind about his previous concept of God (as in Acts 17:30) and disbelief in God or false beliefs (polytheism and idolatry) about God (see 1 Thessalonians 1:9). On the other hand, belief/faith in Christ, focuses on the new direction that change about God must ultimately take, namely, trusting exclusively in Jesus Christ for salvation. Repentance is necessary for salvation, because if we don't change our mind about our sinful position and need for Christ to save us and any form of self-trust in human works, religious tradition, etc. then we won't believe the gospel and be saved (Romans 1:16). Prior to repentance unto life (Acts 11:17,18) there is no saving belief.
Heb 11:5 without faith repentance is nothing, not possible. An unbelieving person would not even know to repent.
An unbelieving person once convinced that God exists and that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) and that the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23) can now repent and believe the gospel. An atheist must first believe in the existence of Christ "mental assent belief" (which in of itself is not enough to save) before they can repent and believe the gospel by trusting exclusively in Christ's finished work of redemption for salvation.
Jesus was speaking to Jews who were not atheist but ALREADY believed in the existence of the God of heaven.
This kind of belief is not enough to save. These Jews must change their minds and trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation.
They needed to repent of their hard heart toward Christ then they could come to believe in Christ realizing then they were lost in sin and repent of that sin.
Again, they needed to repent of their sinful position and need for Christ to save them and and any form of self-trust in human works, religious tradition, etc. followed by trusting exclusively in Christ for salvation.
Mt 26:28 Jesus said remission of sins by his blood
Amen! See Romans 3:24-26.
Acts 2:38 baptisim remts sins. Logically then baptism is the point one accesses Christ's blood that remits sins.
No, actually repentance remits sins, not baptism. In Acts 2:38, "for the remission of sins" does not refer back to both clauses, "you all repent" and "each one of you be baptized," but refers only to the first. Peter is saying "repent unto the remission of your sins," the same as in Acts 3:19. The clause "each one of you be baptized" is parenthetical.
In Acts 2:38, repentance is the means of receiving forgiveness and baptism is (in reference to) true repentance and forgiveness.
Acts 3:19 -
Repent therefore and
be converted, that your
sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord. *What happened to baptism?
Acts 10:43-47 - To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever
believes in Him will receive remission of sins. While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, "Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" *What happened to baptism in verse 43?
Acts 11:17 - If therefore God gave them the
same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?" When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, "Then God has also granted to the Gentiles
repentance unto life. *What happened to baptism?
Acts 15:8,9 - So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by
giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, and made no distinction between us and them,
purifying their hearts by faith. *What happened to baptism?
Faith in Jesus Christ "implied in genuine repentance" (rather than water baptism) brings the remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 10:43-47; 11:17,18; 15:8,9). *Perfect Harmony*