Importance of Repentance in Christian Theology and Practice
Repentance is a fundamental concept, signifying a change of mind and purpose that leads to a transformation of life, often accompanied by the promise of remission of sins [2]. The New Testament uses the Greek word metanoeo and its cognate noun metanoia to describe this true repentance, distinguishing it from metamelomai, which denotes regret or remorse without necessarily involving a change of heart, as seen in the case of Judas [2].
The call to repentance is central to the biblical message. John the Baptist began his ministry proclaiming, "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!" [4]. Jesus Christ also commanded repentance [1]. The apostle Peter similarly urged his listeners to "Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out" [5]. This command is universal, extended to all by God [1].
Repentance is not merely a human endeavor but is given by God through the operation of the Holy Spirit [1]. Christ's mission included calling sinners to repentance, and he was exalted to provide it [1]. The goodness and long-suffering of God are intended to lead individuals to repentance [3, 1]. For instance, Romans 2:4 states that God's kindness is meant to lead to repentance [1].
The concept of repentance is closely linked with faith. The apostle Paul testified to both Jews and Greeks about "repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ" [7]. Repentance, in this context, is described as the state of a "good heart" that recognizes its deviation from God's righteous law and directs its acknowledgments and compunctions toward God, who has been dishonored by sin [7]. The Gospel ministry, according to John Gill, includes the doctrine of repentance and the remission of sins, both of which are blessings of God's grace and are bestowed by Christ [6].
Sources
- 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”
- 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: Long-Suffering of God, The — Is part of his character -- Ex 34:6; Nu 14:18; Ps 86:15. Salvation, the object of -- 2Pe 3:15. Through Christ's intercession -- Lu 13:8. Should lead to repentance -- Ro 2:4; 2Pe 3:9. An encouragement to repent -- Joe 2:13. Exhibited in forgiving sins -- Ro 3:25. Exercised toward His people. -- Isa 30:18; Eze 20:17. The wicked. -- Ro 9:22; 1Pe 3:20. Plead in prayer -- Jer 15:15. Limits set to -- Ge 6:3; Jer 44:22. The wicked Abuse. -- Ec 8:11; Mt 24:48,49. Despise. -- Ro 2:4. Punished for despising. -- Ne 9:30; Mt 24:48-51; Ro 2:5. Illustr”
- Matthew ““Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!” -- Matthew 3:2”
- Acts ““Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, so that there may come times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord, -- Acts 3:19”
- Luke (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Luke 24:44: And that repentance and remission of sins,.... Which are the sum of the Gospel ministry; see Act 20:21 the doctrine of "repentance" is not of the law, which neither requires, nor admits of it, but of the Gospel. The Persic version calls it, "the Gospel of repentance"; a doctrine preached by John the Baptist, Christ, and his apostles; and the thing itself is a blessing of the covenant, a gift of God's grace, and in the hands of Christ to bestow; and therefore the doctrine of it is published in his name, as well as remission of sins; which, though it springs from the fre”
- Acts (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Acts 20:21: Testifying both to Jews and . . . Greeks--laboring under a common malady, and recoverable only by a common treatment. repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ--(See on Act 5:31). REPENTANCE, as distinguished from faith, is that state of the "honest and good heart" which arises from a discovery of one's contrariety to the righteous demands of the divine law. This is said to be "toward God," because seeing Him to be the party dishonored by sin, it feels all its acknowledgments and compunctions to be properly due to Him, as the great”