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Practical Ways to Practice Self-Examination and Repentance

Self-examination and repentance are integral practices in Christian life, frequently enjoined in scripture and theological tradition [2, 4, 5]. Self-examination involves a diligent and prayerful assessment of one's spiritual state, while repentance signifies a change of mind and purpose leading to a transformation of life [2, 3].

The New Testament uses three Greek words related to repentance. 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) [3]. In contrast, metanoeo and its cognate noun metanoia denote a true change of mind, purpose, and life, to which the remission of sin is promised [3]. This evangelical repentance is a turning from sin and toward God.

Practical Aspects of Self-Examination:

Scripture explicitly enjoins self-examination, particularly before partaking in communion (2 Corinthians 13:5; 1 Corinthians 11:28) [2]. The prophet Jeremiah notes the difficulty of this process, stating, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?" (Jeremiah 17:9) [2]. Despite this challenge, self-examination should be undertaken with specific attitudes and actions:

The advantages of self-examination include avoiding divine judgment (1 Corinthians 11:31), gaining assurance of one's standing before God (1 John 3:20-22), and ensuring one's actions align with God's will (Galatians 6:4) [2]. Paul's commitment to maintaining "a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men" (Acts 24:16 KJV) exemplifies the ongoing nature of this practice [6].

Practical Aspects of Repentance:

Repentance is a necessary response to sin and a prerequisite for spiritual renewal. The book of Revelation repeatedly calls believers to repent, warning of consequences for failing to do so (Revelation 2:5; 3:19) [4, 5]. John Chrysostom emphasized that true repentance involves not repeating the same sin [9]. When facing God's judgment, repentance and prayer are the appropriate responses [11].

Key elements of repentance include:

Repentance often involves denying ungodliness and worldly lusts (Romans 6:12; Titus 2:12), controlling appetites (Proverbs 23:2), abstaining from fleshly lusts (1 Peter 2:11), and no longer living according to human desires (1 Peter 4:2) [1]. This self-denial is a test of devotion to Christ and necessary for following him and engaging in spiritual warfare (Matthew 10:37-38; Luke 9:23-24; 2 Timothy 2:4) [1]. Conversely, self-will and stubbornness, which proceed from unbelief, pride, and an evil heart, are forbidden and hinder repentance (2 Chronicles 30:8; Nehemiah 9:16, 29; Jeremiah 7:24) [7].

Matthew Henry, commenting on Psalm 141:5, notes that David welcomed reproof for his faults, even desiring his friends to point out anything amiss, viewing such correction as a kindness [10]. This openness to correction is a vital aspect of a repentant spirit.

Sources

  1. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Denial — Christ set an example of -- Mt 4:8-10; 8:20; Joh 6:38; Ro 15:3; Php 2:6-8. A test of devotedness to Christ -- Mt 10:37,38; Lu 9:23,24. Necessary In following Christ. -- Lu 14:27-33. In the warfare of saints. -- 2Ti 2:4. To the triumph of saints. -- 1Co 9:25-27. Ministers especially called to exercise -- 2Co 6:4,5. Should be exercised in Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. -- Ro 6:12; Tit 2:12. Controlling the appetite. -- Pr 23:2. Abstaining from fleshly lusts. -- 1Pe 2:11. No longer living to lusts of men. -- 1Pe 4:2. Mortifying sinful lusts. -- Mr ”
  2. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Examination — Enjoined -- 2Co 13:5. Necessary before the communion -- 1Co 11:28. Cause of difficulty in -- Jer 17:9. Should be engaged in With holy awe. -- Ps 4:4. With diligent search. -- Ps 77:6; La 3:40. With prayer for divine searching. -- Ps 26:2; 139:23,24. With purpose of amendment. -- Ps 119:59; La 3:40. Advantages of -- 1Co 11:31; Ga 6:4; 1Jo 3:20-22.”
  3. 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”
  4. Revelation “Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent and do the first works; or else I am coming to you swiftly, and will move your lamp stand out of its place, unless you repent. -- Revelation 2:5”
  5. Revelation “As many as I love, I reprove and chasten. Be zealous therefore, and repent. -- Revelation 3:19”
  6. King James Version “[KJV] Acts 24:16 — And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void to offence toward God, and toward men.”
  7. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Will and Stubbornness — Forbidden -- 2Ch 30:8; Ps 75:5; 95:8. Proceed from Unbelief. -- 2Ki 17:14. Pride. -- Ne 9:16,29. An evil heart. -- Jer 7:24. God knows -- Isa 48:4. Exhibited in Refusing to hearken to God. -- Pr 1:24. Refusing to hearken to the messengers of God. -- 1Sa 8:19; Jer 44:16; Zec 7:11. Refusing to walk in the ways of God. -- Ne 9:17; Ps 78:10; Isa 42:24; Jer 6:16. Refusing to hearken to parents. -- De 21:18,19. Refusing to receive correction. -- De 21:18; Jer 5:3; 7:28. Rebelling against God. -- De 31:27; Ps 78:8. Resisting the Holy Spirit. -- ”
  8. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Confession of Sin — God requires -- Le 5:5; Ho 5:15. God regards -- Job 33:27,28; Da 9:20-23. Exhortation to -- Jos 7:19; Jer 3:13; Jas 5:16. Promises to -- Le 26:40-42; Pr 28:13. Should be accompanied with Submission to punishment. -- Le 26:41; Ne 9:33; Ezr 9:13. Prayer for forgiveness. -- 2Sa 24:10; Ps 25:11; 51:1; Jer 14:7-9,20. Self-abasement. -- Isa 64:5,6; Jer 3:25. Godly sorrow. -- Ps 38:18; La 1:20. Forsaking sin. -- Pr 28:13. Restitution. -- Nu 5:6,7. Should be full and unreserved -- Ps 32:5; 51:3; 106:6. Followed by pardon -- Ps 32:5; 1Jo 1:9. Illustrated -”
  9. CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on John & Hebrews: to good men, no protection to the wicked, ib. ; earthly, useless without the spiritual, 89 . Repentance, its efficacy to procure pardon, 50 ; to avert judgment, 121 ; is the not doing the same again, ib. ; great difficulty of, 260 ; a source of hope, 295 . Repetitions, vain, consist in praying for vain things, 157 . Reproach, to be borne patiently, after the example of Christ, 312 ; injures only the author, ib. Reserve, in teaching doctrine, 13 , 93 ; of John Baptist, 105 ; and Paul, ib. Resurrection, the, implied in Christ, "The Life," 22 ; of Chri”
  10. Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 141:5: Here, I. David desires to be told of his faults. His enemies reproached him with that which was false, which he could not but complain of; yet, at the same time, he desired his friends would reprove him for that which was really amiss in him, particularly if there was any thing that gave the least colour to those reproaches (Psa 141:5): let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness. The righteous God (so some); "I will welcome the rebukes of his providence, and be so far from quarrelling with them that I will receive them as tokens of love and improve them a”
  11. 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.”
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