Preaching Repentance to a Hostile World in Modern Times
Repentance, in its truest biblical sense, involves a fundamental change of mind and purpose that leads to a transformed life, often accompanied by the promise of remission of sins [6]. This concept is distinct from mere regret or remorse, which may not result in a change of heart, as seen in the example of Judas [6]. The New Testament uses the Greek words metanoeo and metanoia to describe this genuine, life-altering repentance [6].
The call to repentance is a consistent theme throughout scripture. God commands all people to repent [4], and Christ himself came to call sinners to repentance [4]. The book of Revelation, for instance, records Christ commanding repentance, warning, "Repent therefore, or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of my mouth" [2]. This divine call is not merely a human endeavor but is given by God through the operation of the Holy Spirit [4]. God's long-suffering and goodness are intended to lead people to repentance [4].
Preaching repentance in a world that may be hostile to its message is a challenge that has historical precedent. Jesus himself warned his followers, "In the world you will have tribulation" [1]. The "world" in this context refers to those who are aligned with the "god of this world" and are opposed to the kingdom of Christ [8]. Despite potential hostility, the ministry of preaching remains acceptable to God, even if some perceive its effects as making the world worse or leading to greater obstinacy [7].
The message of repentance is often met with resistance because it confronts the world's evil and the iniquity of the wicked, challenging the haughtiness of the arrogant and the pride of the ruthless [3]. However, the Christian response to hostility is not revenge, which is explicitly forbidden by Christ [5]. Instead, believers are called to trust in God, exhibit love, and overcome evil with kindness [5]. This approach aligns with Christ's own example of forbearing revenge [5].
Sources
- John “John 16:33 (BSB) — I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!””
- Revelation “Repent therefore, or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of my mouth. -- Revelation 2:16”
- Isaiah “Isaiah 13:11 (BSB) — I will punish the world for its evil and the wicked for their iniquity. I will end the haughtiness of the arrogant and lay low the pride of the ruthless.”
- 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”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Revenge — Forbidden by our Lord -- Le 19:18; Pr 24:17,29; Mt 5:39-41; Ro 12:17,19; 1Th 5:15; 1Pe 3:9. Christ an example of forbearing -- Isa 53:7; 1Pe 2:23. Rebuked by Christ -- Lu 9:54,55. Inconsistent with Christian spirit -- Lu 9:55. Proceeds from a spiteful heart -- Eze 25:15. Instead of taking, we should Trust in God. -- Pr 20:22; Ro 12:16. Exhibit love. -- Le 19:18; Lu 6:35. Give place to wrath. -- Ro 12:19. Exercise forbearance. -- Mt 5:38-41. Bless. -- Ro 12:14. Overcome others by kindness. -- Pr 25:21,22; Ro 12:20. Keep others from taking -- 1Sa 24:10; 25:24”
- 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”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Isaiah, Vol. 1, section 12.20: does it give great offense, but Satan powerfully excites his followers to raise a dislike of instruction on the pretense of its being not merely useless, but even injurious; that it renders men more obstinate, and leads to their destruction. At the present day, those who have no other reproach to bring against the doctrine of the gospel maintain that the only effect produced by the preaching of it has been, that the world has become worse. But whatever may be the result, still God assures us that our ministrations are acceptable to him, beca”
- John (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on John 15:18: Here Christ discourses concerning hatred, which is the character and genius of the devil's kingdom, as love is of the kingdom of Christ. Observe here, I. Who they are in whom this hatred is found - the world, the children of this world, as distinguished from the children of God; those who are in the interests of the god of this world, whose image they bear, and whose power they are subject to; all those, whether Jews or Gentiles, who would not come into the church of Christ, which he audibly called, and visibly separates from this evil world. The calling of these t”