Repentance in the Process of Christian Sanctification
Repentance in Christian Sanctification
Repentance is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, closely tied to the process of sanctification. The biblical concept of repentance involves a change of mind and heart, leading to a transformation in one's life. The Greek word "metanoia" is used in the New Testament to describe this change, which encompasses a turning away from sin and towards God [2].
In the context of Christian sanctification, repentance is seen as a crucial step towards spiritual growth and maturity. According to Easton's Bible Dictionary, sanctification is "the work of the Holy Spirit bringing the whole nature more and more under the influences of the new gracious principles implanted in the soul in regeneration" [1]. Repentance is an essential component of this process, as it enables believers to turn away from sin and towards a life of obedience to God.
The biblical basis for the connection between repentance and sanctification can be seen in various passages. In Acts 3:19, believers are exhorted to "repent therefore and be converted, for the blotting out of your sins" [3]. This call to repentance is linked to the forgiveness of sins and the experience of spiritual renewal. Similarly, in Acts 8:22, Simon the magician is told to "repent, therefore, of your wickedness, and pray to the Lord" [5].
The relationship between repentance and sanctification is also highlighted in the writings of early Christian theologians. John Calvin notes that repentance is a key aspect of the Christian life, involving a "turning of our life to God, a turning which arises from a sincere and serious fear of God" [6]. This understanding of repentance is closely tied to the concept of sanctification, which involves the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.
Different Christian traditions have understood the role of repentance in sanctification in various ways. For example, the Presbyterian tradition, as represented by Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, emphasizes the importance of repentance in the context of baptism, seeing it as a necessary step towards the remission of sins [7]. In contrast, the Baptist/Reformed tradition, as represented by John Gill, views repentance as a crucial aspect of conversion, involving a turning away from sin and towards God [8].
The biblical concept of atonement is also relevant to the discussion of repentance and sanctification. In Leviticus 16:33, the high priest is instructed to "make atonement for the Holy Sanctuary; and he shall make atonement for the Tent of Meeting and for the altar; and he shall make atonement for the priests and for all the people of the assembly" [4]. This understanding of atonement highlights the importance of repentance and sacrifice in restoring a right relationship with God.
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Sanctification — Involves more than a mere moral reformation of character, brought about by the power of the truth: it is the work of the Holy Spirit bringing the whole nature more and more under the influences of the new gracious principles implanted in the soul in regeneration. In other words, sanctification is the carrying on to perfection the work begun in regeneration, and it extends to the whole man (Rom. 6:13; 2 Cor. 4:6; Col. 3:10; 1 John 4:7; 1 Cor. 6:19). It is the special office of the Holy Spirit in the plan of redemption to carry on this work (1 Cor. 6:1”
- 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”
- Acts “Acts 3:19 (Darby) — Repent therefore and be converted, for the blotting out of your sins, so that times of refreshing may come from [the] presence of the Lord,”
- Leviticus “Then he shall make atonement for the Holy Sanctuary; and he shall make atonement for the Tent of Meeting and for the altar; and he shall make atonement for the priests and for all the people of the assembly. -- Leviticus 16:33”
- 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.”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Isaiah, Vol. 2, section 53.2: 64:7 66:24 Jeremiah 4:31 5:8 5:28 7:4 7:4 9:1 10:23 10:24 10:24 11:21 17:1 17:5 18:16 19:6 19:8 22:24 22:28 25:9 25:13 25:18 28:10 28:11 30:11 31:15 43:2 48:2 50:11 Lamentations 1:7 2:5 2:8 3:29 Ezekiel 15:3 16:26 20:11 20:24 20:25 26:2 26:14 37:1 43:15 43:15 47:11 Daniel 5:28 5:30 5:31 7:10 7:17 8:20 Hosea 1:7 6:4 8:14 9:6 13:3 Joel 1:13 2:13 2:23 2:28 Amos 1:3 3:6 4:1 4:1 5:10 5:19 8:11 Micah 1:3 1:11 2:11 7:9 7:16 Nahum 3:8 Habakkuk 2:1 2:1 2:1 2:2 3:2 3:2 3:13 Zechariah 9:14 13:4 14:3 Malachi 1:4 1:11 4:2 Matthew 2:14 3:12 3:12 3:12 3:12 ”
- Acts (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Acts 2:38: Repent--The word denotes change of mind, and here includes the reception of the Gospel as the proper issue of that revolution of mind which they were then undergoing. baptized . . . for the remission of sins--as the visible seal of that remission.”
- 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 ”