What is REPENTANCE?

The topic is Acts 3:19. Read through verse 21 to better understand the context. It reads this way from the New King James version:

“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that the times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, so that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.”(NKJ)

From the NIV It reads this way:

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that He may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you --- even Jesus . He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as He promised long ago through the holy prophets.” (NIV)

REPENTANCE(Acts 17:30-32) “Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given us assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.” (NKJ)

There was a time when God allowed ignorance of His Word as an excuse, but now He does not. He now commands all men everywhere to repent. The Jews were once the only ones given God’s Word. Now God will allow us no excuse for not obeying His Word!

A few verses that show the necessity of repentance are:

(Matthew 3:2) John the Baptist many times said, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!.”

(Matthew 4:17) “From that time Jesus began to preach and say, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”

Jesus in Mark 1:14-15 said,“... Repent, and believe in the Gospel.’” (NKJ)

In Mark 6:12 Jesus sent the 12 disciples out two by two and the Bible records, “so they went out and preached that people should repent.”

(Luke 16:29-31) The rich man in hell asks for Lazerus to be sent to his father’s house to warn his brothers about hell, “Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’”

These verses show us not only the necessity of repentance, but the consequences of not repenting.

From this we can see that repentance is necessary for salvation, but what exactly is repentance? Is it just feeling sorry for something, or what? Lets look at the definition of the word:

“REPENT”: - Strong’s: (3340) from the original Greek word met-an-o-eh’-o to think differently or afterwards, i.e. reconsider (morally feel compunction): repent. From 3326 (denoting accompaniment, or together) and 3539 (to change, transfigure, or transform).

Thayer’s: (3340) to change one’s mind, i.e. to repent (to feel sorry that one has done this or that; conscious of their sins and with manifest tokens of sorrow, are intent on obtaining God’s pardon; to change one’s mind for the better, heartily to amend with abhorrence of one’s past sins.

Vines: METANOEO - to perceive afterwards, (meta- after, implying change, noeo - the seat of moral reflection

Let’s see if this is verified by the Scriptures:

(Titus 2:11-12) “For the Grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lust, we should live soberly, righteous, and Godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.” (NKJ)

The fruits of repentance are seen in our lives, which reflect God’s teachings: good works, a righteous life, and a zeal for the things of God!


(2 Corinthians 7:9) “Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance... for Godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation ...”

(Acts 26:20) Paul said of both Jews and Gentiles (which includes everyone), “... that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.” (NKJ)

But, what are “works befitting repentance”? The NIV reads, “... prove their repentance by their deeds.” What deeds does it take to prove our repentance?

Let’s look further into God’s Word. In Luke 3:8-14, John the Baptist told the multitudes, “... bear fruits worthy of repentance ...”
and when asked, “What shall we do then?”, he answered, “He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none, and he who has food, let him do likewise.” To the tax collectors, “Collect no more than what is appointed for you.” To the soldiers, “Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages.” (NKJ)

Each person was required to look at himself and see what he had that could benefit others. Each person was to look at their lives and see how they were wrongly treating others, and correct that action, or actions.

When Zacchaeus was converted by Jesus in Luke 19:5-9 he said to Jesus, “Look Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore foretold. ‘ And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house ...’”

Here repentance invoked an immediate reaction: Zacchaeus was wealthy, so he gave half of his wealth to the poor. He was a tax collator who had been used to defrauding people as part of his job; he gave the money back fourfold to show his sincerity. Just saying I’m sorry because someone expects it is not repentance. Repentance is a change of mind that results in a change of actions!

But is there more to this than just repenting?

(Acts 2:37-38) The first Gospel sermon preached by Peter to those who had crucified Christ. “Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (NKJ)

Those that crucified Christ were told to “repent and be baptized” to have their sins forgiven.

(Luke 17:3-4) “Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.”

As baptized believers, we are both to forgive if someone wrongs us, and to repent if we wrong others. We are to continue doing this even if our habits continue to overshadow our resolve. until we leave that sin behind us. We are to forgive our brothers and sisters in Christ as they try to work through and overcome their faults.

(Acts 8:22) Simon, a baptized believer, after he had tried to buy the power the Apostles of giving gifts of the holy spirit by the laying on of their hands, was told to, “Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.” (NKJ)

This shows us that as Christians we are to “repent” and pray for forgiveness when we sin.

A few more verses:

(Revelations 2:4-5) Although the church at Ephesus had many good works they were told, “Nevertheless, I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from it’s place --- unless you repent.” (NKJ)

Those at Ephesus are praised for many “good works”. But are told to “repent and do the first works” or else God’s judgment would come on them. What were their “first works”? They have lost their enthusiasm for the worship and progress of the church. They were not untiring in their devotion to the church and the spread of God’s Word as they were against false teachers. They are to remember their first zeal for God.

As we apply this to our lives, we are doing well if we do not allow our early enthusiasm for worship and the spread of God’s truth to grow dim. If God’s judgment was to come on those at Ephesis if they did not repent, would it not also come on us, if we are in that condition?

(Revelations 3:3-5) To the church at Sardis: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall with Me in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot his name from the book of life”(NKJ)

Most of those at Sardis are Christians in name only. They have “defiled their garments”; they are living lives contaminated by the evil of sin. If they do not repent and change their lives Christ will come upon them “as a thief” to bring judgment upon them. This verse is one that shows a Christian can lose his salvation if they continue in sin. “He who overcomes ... I will not blot his name from the book of life” verifies this. This applies to each and every one of us!

It takes more than just making it to church a few times each week. Repentance is a change of life-style. Our life then conforms with the pattern put forth in the Gospel of Christ. If it doesn’t we’re just wasting our time. God doesn’t want “lukewarm Christians”. He wants total commitment to Him and His Word. Less than that is a waste of our time and eternity, and is an insult to God.

Read more!

Repentance of Sin

“Jesus told this story: A certain man had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood. And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.’ And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ ” Luke 15:11-24
What does "repentance" as put forth in the Bible mean? Let's look at Luke 13:1-5 where Jesus spoke of repentance: "...unless you repent you shall likewise perish” (speaking of sinners who had perished). Jesus was telling them to look at their own sins and not just at the sins of others.

Remember in Romans 3:23 that the Bible says "for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God"; and in Galatians 3:22 "... the scripture has concluded that all are under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe."

CHANGES ARE CAUSED BY REPENTANCE:
1) “Change of heart" - our attitude about that sin has changed to that of God's attitude;
2) The “will” is affected - the ingredient (true repentance) necessary to strengthen our will, so that change takes place, had been added.
3) “Change in conduct” (or life) - the external evidences (fruits) that "show" that our repentance is true.

REPENTANCE HAS SEVEN STEPS, OR PARTS:
1) “CONVICTION OF SIN” (Acts 2:36-8; Psalms 51) - "they were pricked in their heart" translates "to pierce thoroughly" or to “be convicted” --- found themselves “guilty as charged!”.

2) “SORROW or CONTRITION” (2 Corinthians 7:8-10) - 2 types:
a) “Godly sorrow”- "produces repentance leading to salvation" NKJV
b) "Worldly sorrow” - “produces death", or leads to spiritual death (it is just superficial or shallow).

3) “CONFESSION OF FAULT" - to admit one's faults or sins to others and to God. In Luke 15:11-32 Jesus tells the story of the "Prodigal Son" that illustrates how God perceives us, and how we should perceive God.

4) “RENUNCIATION" (Isaiah 55:7; 2 Corinthians 4:1-2) - to renounce, abandon, get rid of it.

5) “RESTITUTION" (Luke 19:8) - undo what we have done wrong, if we can.

6) “REFORMATION" (Matthew 3:7-8; 2 Timothy 2:19; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11) - bring to a right relationship; changes were made.

7) “TRANSFORMATION" or “renewing of our mind” into the "mind of Christ".
(2 Corinthians 4:16; 5:17; Romans 12:1-2, 9-21; 1 Corinthians 2:16; Ephesians 4:22-5:21).

WHAT CAN YOU DO?
You can accept the authority of Christ by doing what He commanded (Matthew 7:21; John 14:15; 15:10-14; Luke 6:46). Notice the pattern for becoming a Christian as revealed in the Scriptures. The Gospel was heard, resulting in faith (Romans 10:17). Repentance of (turning away from) sin (Acts 17:30) and confession of Jesus as the Son of God followed (Romans 10:10). Believers were baptized INTO Christ for the remission (forgiveness) of sins (See Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Mark 16:16; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Peter 3:20-21), and added to His church (Acts 2:47). Christians were taught to be faithful even to the point of death (Revelation 2:10).

WE WELCOME YOU
Following the instructions of the Scriptures, members of Christ’s body assemble as congregations for worship, encouragement, and Bible study. The congregation in your community welcomes you to investigate the Bible with us. With a spirit of brotherly love we would seek to reconcile any differences by following the Bible ONLY. We recognize the Bible as God’s inspired word, the ONLY reliable standard of faith and practice. We desire the unity for which Christ prayed and which the Bible emphasizes in the expression, “one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Together we seek to maintain “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

A friendly welcome awaits you. We do not wish to embarrass you in any way. You will not be asked for contributions. We assemble for Bible study and worship each Sunday morning and we welcome you to meet with us. We would be happy to talk to you about your questions and we want to be of encouragement.

Please e-mail me, Dennis Crawford, at BibleTruths@hotmail.com for comments or further Bible information, or for the location of a congregation belonging to Jesus Christ near you.

Read more!