Repentance

Biblical repentance

by Maarten Vroegindeweij

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What does repentance mean? (μετανοεω, metanoia)

• To come to other thoughts;
• To regret and change;
• To gain better understanding;
• To wholeheartedly improve with abhorrence of previous sins;

The Greek word metanoia literally means a change of mind. It is a turning around in your heart and mind, away from sin and towards God. Repentance is not merely regret, but a profound transformation of your entire life.

Jesus calls people to repentance

The first words of Jesus' public ministry were a call to repentance. It was the core of His message to people.

Matthew 4:17 From that time, Jesus began to preach, and to say, “Repent! For the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”

Jesus began His ministry with this powerful call. The Kingdom of God has drawn near — therefore repentance is necessary!

Mark 1:15 The time is fulfilled, and God's Kingdom is at hand! Repent, and believe in the Good News.

Repentance and faith go together. You cannot truly believe without repenting, and you cannot repent without believing.

Luke 13:3 I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all perish in the same way.

Jesus makes it clear here that repentance is not an option, but a necessity. Without repentance, there is no salvation.

Repentance in the early church

After the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, repentance was the first thing the apostles preached. The people were deeply struck in their hearts by the message.

Acts 2:37-38 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Peter gives the way to salvation here: repentance, baptism and receiving the Holy Spirit. This is the pattern we see throughout the book of Acts.

Acts 3:19 Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out.

Repentance leads to the blotting out of sins. God blots out your sins when you turn to Him in repentance!

Acts 17:30 The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked. But now he commands that all people everywhere should repent.

The call to repentance is universal — all people, everywhere in the world, are called to repent and turn to God.

What does repentance involve?

Repentance is more than just being sorry. It is a change of mind and disposition. It is about willingness to change your life — God then gives the strength to do so.

John the Baptist made it clear that repentance is not only words, but also deeds:

Luke 3:7-8 He said therefore to the multitudes who went out to be baptized by him, “You offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore produce fruits worthy of repentance.”

You must not only say that you will live as God wants, but also do it.

Luke 3:10-11 The multitudes asked him, “What then must we do?” He answered them, “He who has two coats, let him give to him who has none. He who has food, let him do likewise.”

Repentance expresses itself in practical deeds of love and righteousness.

2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, which brings no regret. But the sorrow of the world produces death.

There is a difference between godly sorrow and worldly sorrow. Godly sorrow leads to true repentance and life. Worldly sorrow is mere regret without change — it leads to death.

Fruits of repentance

True repentance brings forth fruit. As a good tree bears good fruit, so a sincerely repentant heart brings forth fruits worthy of repentance.

Acts 26:20 that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance.

Matthew 3:8 Therefore produce fruit worthy of repentance!

The Holy Spirit works in our lives and produces fruit:

Galatians 5:22-23 The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control.

God's patience and grace

God is patient and gracious. He does not want anyone to be lost, but for everyone to come to repentance.

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some count slowness; but he is patient with us, not wishing that anyone should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

What a wonderful promise! God wants all people to come to repentance. His patience is an expression of His love for humanity.

Luke 15:7 I tell you that even so there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance.

Luke 15:10 Even so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner repenting.

Repentance and being born again

Repentance is an essential part of being born again. Being born again involves: faith, repentance, baptism and receiving the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

In this single verse we see the complete pattern of being born again: repentance, baptism and the Holy Spirit. This is the way God has prepared for every person.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new.

Through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ you become a new creation. The old life is gone — everything becomes new! This is the glorious result of sincere repentance: a completely new life in Christ.