Repentance in Unconverted Cultures and Lands
Repentance, in its biblical context, signifies a change of mind or purpose, often accompanied by regret for past actions [5, 6]. This concept is not limited to those within a covenant relationship with God but is also presented as a necessary response for individuals and communities in unconverted cultures and lands.
The Old Testament provides instances where repentance is expected even from those who have been carried captive into foreign lands. For example, in 1 Kings 8:47 and 2 Chronicles 6:37, Solomon's prayer anticipates a scenario where the exiled Israelites, in the land of their captivity, might "repent themselves" and "make supplication" to God, acknowledging their sin and wickedness [1, 2, 4]. This demonstrates an expectation of repentance from a people who are geographically and culturally removed from their homeland and temple worship.
In the New Testament, the call to repentance extends universally. John the Baptist preached repentance, as did Jesus, and later the apostles [9]. The book of Revelation, for instance, issues a direct command to "Repent therefore, or else I am coming to you quickly" to the church in Pergamum, indicating that even those within a Christian community can fall into practices requiring repentance [3]. John Gill notes that the "space to repent" given to "Jezebel" in Revelation 2:21, referring to idolatry, can be understood as a period where warnings and testimonies are given against sin, allowing time for a change of heart [7].
The nature of repentance involves not just sorrow for sin but also a turning away from it. Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown explain that "Repentance in the full sense follows, not precedes, our being turned to God by God" [8]. This suggests that true repentance is a gift from God, enabling individuals to turn to Him. John Gill, commenting on Acts 3:19, links repentance with conversion, stating that the apostles called people to "repent of the sin of crucifying Christ... and turn unto him" [9]. This turning involves acknowledging Christ, receiving His doctrines, and reforming one's life to produce "fruits meet for repentance" [9].
Thus, repentance is a fundamental biblical concept applicable to all people, regardless of their cultural or religious background, as it involves a divinely enabled change of heart and direction towards God [8].
Sources
- 1 Kings “yet if they shall repent in the land where they are carried captive, and turn again, and make supplication to you in the land of those who carried them captive, saying, ‘We have sinned, and have done perversely; we have dealt wickedly;’ -- 1 Kings 8:47”
- 2 Chronicles “yet if they shall repent themselves in the land where they are carried captive, and turn again, and make supplication to you in the land of their captivity, saying, ‘We have sinned, we have done perversely, and have dealt wickedly;’ -- 2 Chronicles 6:37”
- 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”
- II Chronicles “II Chronicles 6:37 (LEB) — but ⌞if they repent⌟ in the land where they were taken captive and ⌞repent⌟ and beg you for mercy in the land of their captivity, saying, ‘We have sinned and acted perversely and done wickedly,”
- STEPBible TBESG “[G8299] G8299 = (G8299) — regret; repentance”
- Romans (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Romans 11:29: For the gifts and calling of God, etc. - The gifts which God has bestowed upon them, and the calling - the invitation, with which he has favored them he will never revoke. In reference to this point there is no change of mind in him; and therefore the possibility and certainty of their restoration to their original privileges, of being the people of God, of enjoying every spiritual blessing with the fullness of the Gentiles, may be both reasonably and safely inferred. Repentance, when applied to God, signifies simply change of purpose relative to some declarations ”
- Revelation (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Revelation 2:21: And I gave her space to repent of her fornication,.... Of idolatry. This may have respect to the time of the witnesses, the Waldenses, and others, who bore a testimony against the Romish idolatry, and reproved for it, and denounced the judgment of God in case of impenitence; and as these things were repeated time after time, this may be called a space given to repent in; just as Jezebel had a space given her to repent in, from the time that Elijah declared the word of the Lord, that the dogs should eat her: so the Jews (b) say of the old world, that God gave them ”
- 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”
- 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 ”