Repentance 101

Plain talk. Keeping it scripture light in OP.

What is repentance? Repentance is changing your mind from thinking outside of the will of God. Whenever we are confronted with the Word of God, and this Word exposes a difference to our current paradigm or way of thinking, a choice is made to believe the Word of God instead of our current paradigm. And where our mind is truly changed, our behaviour follows therefrom.

For example, the world has been pushing the Abortion agenda and women’s right to choose. If we are swept up into this thinking, and then are confronted with scriptures from the Word saying thou shalt not murder, and other references to God knowing us in the womb, we have an affront to our current way of thinking. We are faced with a choice, either continue in our current way in opposition to the Word, or we change our minds and belief to conform with the Word of God. The tension that exists during his period can be weighty, since the current paradigms may seem nice to have, and we may think we have it all figured out – and also the fact that change doesn’t come easily to the human nature.

But if we are to live in harmony with God, we are to yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit. The law is written on our hearts in the new covenant. Any thinking contrary to these laws written on our hearts (conscience) will be evidenced by a check in the Spirit. Learning to discern this is crucial to the Christian walk of faith. CONFORMING to the Word of God in terms of belief is true repentance.

So when John the Baptist and Jesus call the people to repent for the kingdom of God is at hand – they call them to change their minds about their disobedient and contrary ways, and believe in their Messiah. But repentance doesn’t stop at conversion. Nor was it a one time only event. It is continual, because the very process of sanctification entails the renewing of the mind Romans 12v2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Sin is acting outside of God’s will (missing the mark). That is why repentance is the very requirement to deal with this – change your mind to conform to God’s will. Seek out the truth that God has revealed on a matter. Ask the Spirit to guide you into all truth. If you believe God (that means believe His Word) then your behaviour cannot follow your old paradigm – because you no longer think that way.

Right ... good thing you are not a lexicographer

Jesus did not come to call those born of God to repentance but those who abode not in the truth.

Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
1 John 3:7

Since those who abode not in the truth commit sin, whosoever commits sin also transgresses the law of truth. And in such, it is written that whosoever commits sin is of the devil and the lusts of their father will they do, they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies for there is no truth in them.

Yes brother, John the Baptist confronted the hypocrites and told them to bear fruits WORTHY of repentance. No fruit equals no repentance, plain and simple.

Does it work like in the Good Place?

Amen brother

Luke 3 NKJV
7 Then he said to the multitudes that came out to be baptized by him, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. 9 And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”

Luke 3 Amplified
7 So he began saying to the crowds who were coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of [f]vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath [of God that is] to come? 8 Therefore produce fruit that is worthy of [and consistent with your] repentance [that is, live changed lives, turn from sin and seek God and His righteousness]. And do not even begin to say to yourselves [as a defense], ‘We have Abraham for our father [and so our heritage assures us of salvation]’; for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children (descendants) for Abraham [for God can replace the unrepentant, regardless of their heritage, with those who are obedient]. 9 Even now the axe [of God’s judgment] is swinging toward the root of the trees; so every tree that does not produce good fruit is being cut down and thrown into the fire.”

- The True Christian is not one who is Cristian by name, by asociation (we have Abraham as our Father)
- The True Christian is known by their fruit. The Fruit that proceeds from Repentance.

Good fruit only comes from a good tree, a good tree cannot bring forth corrupt fruit nor can an evil tree bring forth good fruit.

He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit. Prov 12:17
A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies. Prov 14:5
A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies. Prov 14:25

So what does corrupt or evil fruit equal?

The Greek word for "repent" is "metanoia" (noun) and "matanoeo" (verb) you see as defined in the Strongs #3340, 3341: to think differently or afterwards, reconsider. After thought, change of mind. Repentance basically means a "change of mind" and the context must determine what is involved in this change of mind.

Where salvation is in view, repentance actually precedes saving faith in Christ and is not a totally separate act from faith. It is actually the same coin with two sides. Repentance is on one side, what you change your mind about and faith in Christ is on the positive side, the new direction of this change of mind. *Repentance and faith are two sides of the same experience of receiving Christ.

In the context of Luke 13:3, Jesus challenged the people's notion that they were morally superior to those who suffered in such catastrophes that He mentioned. He called all to repent or perish. For some people though, prior to coming to the end result of repentance in obtaining salvation (faith in Christ), they must change their minds about other specific things in order to get there. Repentance, may focus on changing one's mind about their previous concept of God (Acts 17:30) and disbelief in God or false beliefs (polytheism and idolatry) about God (1 Thessalonians 1:9). On the other hand, this change of mind, focuses on the new direction that change about God must ultimately take, namely, trusting in Jesus Christ as the ALL-sufficient means of our salvation.

Acts 20:21 - ..repentance towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Now the Bible also tells us that true repentance will result in a change of actions. Acts 26:20 declares, "I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds." This is the fruit of repentance (Matthew 3:8) and not the essence of repentance (change of mind). We need to be careful not to confuse the "fruit of repentance" with the "essence of repentance" (as with faith) and end up teaching salvation by works.

No one is preaching salvation by works. Works is an evidence of faith, not a means to be saved. James said faith without works is DEAD, ie. a false faith.

You would be surprised how many people teach salvation by works (at least in part) and don't even seem to realize it.

Amen!

Fair enough, but I don’t think the OP meant that. I might be wrong.

You are not wrong.

What you have from the detractors is IMPUTATION of WORKS BASED SALVATION as a means of muddying the waters around what we are saying. A tactic to deflect.

Yes which is why I spoke out. Thanks for clarifying.

I was not pointing the finger at anyone in particular in this thread, so no need for anyone to get defensive. I was simply making a general statement in regards to repentance.

So what does corrupt or evil fruit equal?

A. DECEIVED

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)
and find out what pleases the Lord.
Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
Ephesians 5:6‭-‬‬17

To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.
Titus 1:15‭-‬16

Praise God.

Titus 2
14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.