Definition and Biblical Understanding of Repentance
Repentance, in its fullest biblical sense, signifies a profound change of mind, purpose, and life, often accompanied by regret or remorse for sin [1]. The New Testament uses three Greek words to convey this concept. Metamelomai refers to a change of mind that produces regret or remorse, but not necessarily a change of heart, as seen in Judas's repentance (Matthew 27:3) [1]. In contrast, metanoeo and its cognate noun metanoia describe a genuine change of mind and purpose resulting from new understanding, leading to a transformed life and the promise of sin remission [1].
This evangelical understanding of repentance is not merely sorrow for sin but a turning towards God [6]. It is a command given to all by God (Ezekiel 18:30-32; Acts 17:30) and by Christ himself (Revelation 2:5, 16; 3:3) [2]. John the Baptist began his ministry with the call to "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!" (Matthew 3:2) [3]. Jesus also came to call sinners to repentance (Matthew 9:13) [2].
Repentance is considered a gift from God, given through the operation of the Holy Spirit (Acts 11:18; 2 Timothy 2:25; Zechariah 12:10) [2]. It is often described as "repentance toward God" because it acknowledges God as the one dishonored by sin, directing all acknowledgments and compunctions to Him [6]. This turning to God is often preceded by God's turning to the individual, as seen in Jeremiah 31:19, where repentance follows being turned to God by God [4]. The "tear that flows from the eye of faith turned to Jesus" is how repentance has been described, emphasizing its divine origin [4].
The goodness and long-suffering of God are meant to lead individuals to repentance (Romans 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9) [2]. The doctrine of repentance is a central theme of the Gospel ministry, preached alongside the remission of sins (Acts 20:21) [5, 6]. It is a blessing of the covenant and a gift of God's grace, which Christ bestows [5].
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Repentance — There are three Greek words used in the New Testament to denote repentance. (1.) The 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 (Matt. 27:3). (2.) Metanoeo, meaning to change one's mind and purpose, as the result of after knowledge. This verb, with (3) the cognate noun metanoia, is used of true repentance, a change of mind and purpose and life, to which remission of sin is promised. Evangelical”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Repentance — What it is -- Isa 45:22; Mt 6:19-21; Ac 14:15; 2Co 5:17; Col 3:2; 1Th 1:9; Heb 12:1,2. Commanded to all by God -- Eze 18:30-32; Ac 17:30. Commanded by Christ -- Re 2:5,16; 3:3. Given by God -- Ac 11:18; 2Ti 2:25. Christ came to call sinners to -- Mt 9:13. Christ exalted to give -- Ac 5:31. By the operation of the Holy Spirit -- Zec 12:10. Called repentance to life -- Ac 11:18. Called repentance to salvation -- 2Co 7:10. We should be led to, by The long-suffering of God. -- Ge 6:3; 1Pe 3:20; 2Pe 3:9. The goodness of God. -- Ro 2:4. The chastisements of Go”
- Matthew ““Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!” -- Matthew 3:2”
- Jeremiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Jeremiah 31:19: after that I was turned, I repented--Repentance in the full sense follows, not precedes, our being turned to God by God (Zac 12:10). The Jews' "looking to Him whom they pierced" shall result in their "mourning for Him." Repentance is the tear that flows from the eye of faith turned to Jesus. He Himself gives it: we give it not of ourselves, but must come to Him for it (Act 5:31). instructed--made to learn by chastisement. God's Spirit often works through the corrections of His providence. smote upon . . . thigh-- (Eze 21:12). A token of indignan”
- Luke (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Luke 24:44: And that repentance and remission of sins,.... Which are the sum of the Gospel ministry; see Act 20:21 the doctrine of "repentance" is not of the law, which neither requires, nor admits of it, but of the Gospel. The Persic version calls it, "the Gospel of repentance"; a doctrine preached by John the Baptist, Christ, and his apostles; and the thing itself is a blessing of the covenant, a gift of God's grace, and in the hands of Christ to bestow; and therefore the doctrine of it is published in his name, as well as remission of sins; which, though it springs from the fre”
- Acts (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Acts 20:21: Testifying both to Jews and . . . Greeks--laboring under a common malady, and recoverable only by a common treatment. repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ--(See on Act 5:31). REPENTANCE, as distinguished from faith, is that state of the "honest and good heart" which arises from a discovery of one's contrariety to the righteous demands of the divine law. This is said to be "toward God," because seeing Him to be the party dishonored by sin, it feels all its acknowledgments and compunctions to be properly due to Him, as the great”