Marriage Repentance in Jesus' Name and Forgiveness
Marriage, Repentance, and Forgiveness in Biblical Context
The concept of repentance and forgiveness is deeply intertwined with the biblical understanding of marriage. In the New Testament, repentance is a crucial step towards forgiveness, as seen in Acts 2:38, where Peter calls the crowd to "repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins" [1]. This call to repentance is echoed in Acts 8:22, where Peter instructs Simon the magician to "repent, therefore, of your wickedness, and pray to the Lord" [4].
Repentance, as understood in the biblical context, involves a change of mind and purpose, leading to a transformation in life. The Greek word "metanoeo" is used to describe this true repentance, which is distinct from mere regret or remorse [5]. In the context of marriage, repentance may involve acknowledging and turning away from sinful patterns or behaviors that have damaged the relationship.
Forgiveness is a central aspect of Christian teaching, with Jesus emphasizing the importance of forgiving others as Christ forgave us (Colossians 3:13) [2]. The biblical concept of forgiveness is closely tied to the idea of atonement, which refers to the reconciliation between God and humanity through the death of Christ [3]. In the context of marriage, forgiveness involves releasing the hurt and resentment caused by the other person's actions, and working towards reconciliation.
The biblical understanding of marriage is rooted in the idea of a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman. In Matthew 1:18, the engagement between Mary and Joseph is described as a permanent relationship that could only be broken by legal process [8]. This highlights the seriousness and permanence of the marital commitment.
In the context of marriage, repentance and forgiveness are essential for healing and restoration. When one partner has wronged the other, repentance involves acknowledging the hurt caused and turning away from the sinful behavior. Forgiveness, on the other hand, involves releasing the hurt and resentment, and working towards reconciliation. As seen in Lamentations 2:18-19, repentance and prayer are the proper responses when facing the devastation of God's judgment, and this principle can be applied to the context of marriage as well [9].
The early Christian tradition understood baptism as a symbol of repentance and forgiveness. According to Torrey's Topical Textbook, baptism signifies remission of sins and is an ordinance of the Christian church [6]. John Gill's commentary on Acts 3:19 highlights the connection between repentance, conversion, and the blotting out of sins [7].
Sources
- Acts “Acts 2:38 (BSB) — Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
- Colossians “Colossians 3:13 (KJV) — Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Atonement — This word does not occur in the Authorized Version of the New Testament except in Rom. 5:11, where in the Revised Version the word "reconciliation" is used. In the Old Testament it is of frequent occurrence. The meaning of the word is simply at-one-ment, i.e., the state of being at one or being reconciled, so that atonement is reconciliation. Thus it is used to denote the effect which flows from the death of Christ. But the word is also used to denote that by which this reconciliation is brought about, viz., the death of Christ itself; and when so used it”
- Acts “Acts 8:22 (BSB) — Repent, therefore, of your wickedness, and pray to the Lord. Perhaps He will forgive you for the intent of your heart.”
- 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: Baptism — As administered by John -- Mt 3:5-12; Joh 3:23; Ac 13:24; 19:4. Sanctioned by Christ's submission to it -- Mt 3:13-15; Lu 3:21. Adopted by Christ -- Joh 3:22; 4:1,2. Appointed an ordinance of the Christian church -- Mt 28:19,20; Mr 16:15,16. To be administered in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit -- Mt 28:19. Water, the outward and visible sign in -- Ac 8:36; 10:47. Regeneration, the inward and spiritual grace of -- Joh 3:3,5,6; Ro 6:3,4,11. Remission of sins, signified by -- Ac 2:38; 22:16. Unity of the Church effected by -- 1Co 12:13; Ga 3:27,2”
- Acts (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Acts 3:19: Repent ye therefore,.... The Ethiopic version adds, "and be baptized"; see Gill on Act 2:38, and be converted. The apostle's sense is, repent of the sin of crucifying Christ, which is what he had been charging them with, and turn unto him, and acknowledge him as the Messiah; receive his doctrines, and submit to his ordinances; externally reform in life and conversation, and bring forth fruits meet for repentance, such as will show it to be true and genuine: that your sins may be blotted out; or forgiven, see Psa 51:9. Not that repentance and reformation procure the ”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 1:18: 1:18 Jesus the Messiah (literally Jesus the Christ): Using Messiah in the translation accurately communicates that it is a title rather than a personal name (“Jesus Christ”). • engaged to be married: In Judaism, engagement (or betrothal) meant a permanent relationship (Mal 2:14) that could be broken only by legal process; thus, Mary was considered Joseph’s wife and he her husband (see Matt 1:20; Deut 22:23-24), even though they had not had sexual relations. Mary’s status as a virgin at the time of Jesus’ conception through the power of the Holy Spirit helps authe”
- Lamentations (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Lamentations 2:18: 2:18-19 Repentance and prayer are the proper responses when facing the devastation of God’s judgment.”