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My Definition of Repentance
By Basil Rehill | October 18, 2011
Repentance
There are 2 Greek words that are used in the new testament that are translated repentance. The first verb metamelomai is used of a change of mind, such as to produce regret or even remorse on account of sin, but not necessarily a change of heart. This word is used with reference to the repentance of Judas in Matthew 27:3. This is a worldly repentance or regret for being caught at something that you know you did wrong. The second is Metanoeo, meaning to change one’s mind and purpose, as the result of after knowledge. This verb is used of true repentance, a change of mind and purpose and life, to which remission of sin is promised. Evangelical repentance consists of (1) a true sense of one’s own guilt and sinfulness; (2) an apprehension of God’s mercy in Christ; (3) an actual hatred of sin and turning from it to God; and (4) a persistent endeavor after a holy life in a walking with God in the way of his commandments. This type of repentance is not simply regret or sorrow that may pass away and lead to other sins but is an inward change in the soul towards God and holiness, which is lasting and effective, and which may be associated with peace and joy in believing. True repentance is Godly sorrow for one’s sin together with the resolution to turn from it.
It is very important to remember that repentance is a prerequisite for salvation. There are many verses that make it clear that repentance is necessary. We can look at Luke 24:46-47 for an example, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.” Acts 17:30 also helps to drive this idea home, “The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.” There can be no doubt that repentance is a requirement for salvation , it is integral to the message of the Gospel and that all people are called to repent.
True repentance is the soul’s understanding of the terribly heinous nature of sin and the determination to forsake it. Repentance is inconsistent with the continuance in sin because of grace abounding. There is an intellectual, emotional and volitional element to repentance. Repentance is that change of a sinner’s mind which leads him to turn from his evil ways and live. An emotional element is necessarily involved in repentance. While feeling is not the equivalent of repentance, it nevertheless may be a powerful impulse to a genuine turning from sin. Then we must make a change in our will. We must do something with that changed heart. Repentance begins inside and flows outside in our actions and reactions to temptations.
Practically speaking repentance is the beginning of change in our lives. Without repentance we would not be able to enter into a right relationship with Jesus Christ and would not be able to avail ourselves of His saving grace. What this means in my life is that as the Holy Spirit convicts me of my sin I must see it as God sees it and turn from my ways of living and live the way that God has commanded me. This is an ongoing and continual process in my life. This process is also vital to those I am blessed to be allowed to help. I need to be able to describe what this is and how to work with the Holy Spirit each and every day to truly repent. This is what allows us to change. It is what we need and what God commands of us. It is a wonderful gift that God has given us to be able to repent. He knows exactly what we need and provides it in the most amazing ways.
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