What is Biblical Repentance?

What is biblical repentance? Repent in Greek literally means a change of mind. But changing of mind from what exactly? Because well didn't God also repent? Yes, God did change His mind. But in the Greek language, words can have different meanings depending on how they are used in context. Therefore it is imperative we read into context. The word repent, used in context by our Lord Jesus in the gospels of Matthew and Mark, was used to mean a change of mind from unbelief to belief as well as a change of mind from living in darkness (sin) to living in the light (Jesus). My dear friends, have you repented and turned to Christ? Repentance is more than just remorse, it is a godly sorrow that makes someone permanently change and turn to the Lord.

Pastor Johnny

It's unfortunate that people invariably tie the word REPENTANCE to sin.

There are many OT verses where a SINLESS God repents. Gen 6:6-7, Deut 32:36, Jud 2:18, 1 Sam 15:11 & 29 to name a few.

The baptism of repentance preached by John the Baptist. Is 100% to/for the Nation of Israel. ZERO gentiles were in the wilderness being baptized by John.

TWO PROGRAMS: The Nation of Israel is a called out assembly. Program 1. The Body of Christ is a called out assembly. Program 2.

The two called out assembiles are completely separate.

Program 1: Required works via Mosaic Law & repentance (turn back to God) for breaking covenant with God Jer 31:32. They knew God & had strayed from him. They were to repent = change their minds/course & return to their God. The water baptism was a Jewish purification doctrine/ritual. A cleansing to prepare them (Johns purpose) to meet their God. Their promised Messiah, who alone, could remove their sin. All they needed to do was identify that Jesus was the long promised Messiah. And trust in/on him for the rest.

Ex 19:10 God tells Moses to have the people wash/clean themselves in preparation to meet their God on the 3rd day. A common practice throughout the ages. When going before Royalty, was out of respect to clean one's self up.

Being water baptized DOESN'T remove sin, law keeping DOESN'T remove sin, obedience DOESN'T remove sin, repentance DOESN'T remove sin.

NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD OF CHRIST CAN REMOVE SIN!

Program 2: The gentile had no covenant with God. Repentance for the gentile wasn't to return to God. Repentance for the gentile was to acknowledge they are sinners. Every sin they had ever committed was against a sovereign creator. Repent/turn to God & away from self serving works. And place their FAITH in the Son of God's selkless work of redemption. Found in Christ's death (sins required wage paid) burial (proof Christ died) & resurrection (God's receipt, payment received & accepted)

Mixing the two programs invariably leads to doctrinal misinterpretations

Acts 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all them which heard the word.
(NOTE: They Believed (vs43) & as Peter spoke (vs44) The Holy Spirit fell on then. No REPENTANCE, No water baptism, No circumcision, they brought no sin sacrifice to the Temple, No law keeping etc)

Thru Faith & faith alone these gentiles received the baptism of, and were ETERNALLY SEALED by, the Holy Spirit (vs45)

ActS 11:18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life
(NOTE: God GRANTED gentiles repentance)

Rom 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
(NOTE: It's not thru OUR OWN great work of obedience, that we REPENT/change our thinking/course. It's the indwelling Holy Spirit that leads us to REPENT/change our thinking outlook).

Rom 16:26 but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, ""so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience"" ""that comes from faith""
(NOTE: Gentiles are brought to obedience/repentance/godly living thru Faith)

Romans 3:21 (A) now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested (revealed)
(NOTE: Righteousness WITHOUT law keeping)

22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
(NOTE: Faith "OF" Jesus Christ! Righteousness is brought/imputed to ALL that believe in JESUS PAYMENT & RECURRECTION. Other scripture on the Faith ""OF"" Christ. Gal 2:16, 2:20, 3:22)

Habakkuk 2:4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.
(NOTE: The just live by """HIS""" faith!)

Romans 5:9 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
(NOTE: By by the OBEDIENCE of ONE = Jesus Christ! Many = Those that will BELIEVE?TRUST in Christ's FINISH SIN REDEMPTIVE WORK! Will be made righteous)

Works based doctrines are opposite of the facts. It makes salvation about you. While ROBBING Christ of the glory to be found in his selfless, righteous, redemptive, sacrificial sin atoning WORKS/payment.

If a sinless Jesus (he didn't die for his own sins, he didn't have any sin) died for all, of every believers sins. What sin could/can cost a believers salvation?

That's not to say sin doesn't/can't have consequence. Certianly sin can bring consequence. The consequence from sin could manifest itself in many different ways. A health issue, a broken relationship, disease, prison, lost of heavenly rewards earned etc.

Although, a believers sin may result in negative consequence. It """WILL NOT""" result in the loss of salvation (1 Cor 3:11-15).

Finally, this false notion a christian must confess every sin:

1st, Its impossible, Jesus adds unpure thougts to sinning's death sentence (Matt 5:28).

2ndly, Christ paid for all of every believers sins. To ask forgiveness shows a lack of faith in Christ's finished payment.

When the Holy Spirit reveals that to the believer, they've miss the mark/sinned & we all will. We are to thank & praise God for the forgiveness ALREADY PROVIDED via our Great God & Savior, Jesus the Christ.

Although, a believers sin may result in negative consequence. It WILL NOT result in the loss of salvation (1 Cor 3:11-15).

Unbelief toward God & Christ is the only unforgivable sin.

Acts 10:44 NO REPENTANCE MENTIONED

1 Cor 15:1-4 NO REPENTANCE MENTIONED.

Rom 10:8-15 NO REPENTANCE MENTIONED

Ehp 1:13 NO REPENTANCE MENTIONED

Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
(NOTE: Grace = Jesus Christ; is a GIFT Jn 3:16. We access this gift by/thru FAITH Rom 5:2)

When Faith is your root. Repentance/Obedience will be your fruit.

When we trust & rest in Christ, God works. When we trust in our own works, Gods Rests. MOO! My Opinion Only

Hello. Although I disagree with you, thank you for sharing. May peace be with you.

Repentance is a work of God that he works in us turning us toward himself so that we can do his will face to face in the knowledge of God. It causes easement or comfort to us because he does give us ears so we can turn and hear not leaving us as orphans without a comforter..

Hello Garee. Although I disagree in respect to who is actually doing the work, I think we can both agree that repentance is a change of mind to turn from sin. Since we cannot have a relationship with Jesus while living in darkness.

KJV Dictionary Definition: repentance

1) To change the mind in consequence of the inconvenience or injury done by past conduct.

2) To express sorrow for something past.

3. A change of mind, or a conversion from sin to God.

Acts 20:21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
(NOTE: The key to this verse is found in the article "TOWARD". Repentance TOWARD God & faith TOWARD Christ)

Repentance is not a work that earns salvation, repentance is a change of mind """TOWARD God""" that results in a change of actions thru faith.

The Book of Acts & repentance in regards to salvation: (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 11:18; 17:30; 20:21; 26:20). To repent, in relation to salvation, place/turn your faith, from self reliance, ""TOWARD"" Jesus the Christ.

Water baptism DOESN'T remove sin, law keeping DOESN'T remove sin, obedience DOESN'T remove sin, repentance DOESN'T remove sin.

Only faith, placed in the sin redemptive WORK of Christ can remove sin!

KJV Dictionary Definition: remission
Forgiveness; pardon; that is, the giving up of the punishment due to a crime; as the remission of sins. Matt. 26. Heb. 9.

Matt 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
(NOTE: The REMISSION/pardon of sin comes thru/from the shed blood of Christ. Not thru/from water baptism)

Mk 1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
(NOTE: John preached the ""baptism of Repentance"" ""NOT WATER BAPTISM"". For the remission/pardon/forgiveness of sins.)

Lk 1:77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,
(NOTE: To give the understanding of salvation. By the remission/Repentance/forgiveness of sin. NO MENTION OF WATER)

Lk 3:3 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;
(NOTE: The ""baptism of Repentance"" ""NOT WATER BAPTISM"". For the remission/pardon/forgiveness of sins

Acts 10:43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
(NOTE: Whosoever believes in/on Christ will receive remission/pardon/forgiveness of sins. NO MENTION OF WATER)

Rom 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
(NOTE: God sent Christ to be a propitiation/reconciliation, thru faith placed in his Christ's blood. """Declaring Christ's righteousness"" for the remission/pardon/forgiveness of sins. NO MENTION OF WATER)

Heb 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
(NOTE: Without the shedding of Christ's blood. We would have NO remission/pardon/forgiveness of sins. NO MENTION OF WATER)

Other baptisms WITHOUT WATER in scripture:
Mk 10:38 Jesus said can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?
(NOTE: Here Jesus is speaking of His baptism into death. No water is used)

1 Cor 10:2 when the Nation passes through the cloud & red sea and were ""baptised into Moses""
(NOTE: 1st, Through the cloud & red sea. The Nation crossed on DRY land. 2nd Baptised into Moses & No water was used)

Acts 1:5 Jesus said; John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
(NOTE: This baptism comes to pass on the Temple Mt at Pantecost & No water is used)

For, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.
He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it."
1 Peter 3:10-11

"Do not be afraid," Samuel replied. "You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart."
1 Sam 12:20

"Turn from your evil ways. Observe my commands and decrees, in accordance with the entire Law that I commanded your fathers to obey and that I delivered to you through my servants the prophets."
2 Kings 17:13

For I have kept the ways of the LORD; I have not done evil by turning from my God.
All his laws are before me; I have not turned away from his decrees.
I have been blameless before him and have kept myself from sin.
Psalm 18:21-23

"But if a wicked man turns away from all the sins he has committed and keeps all my decrees and does what is just and right, he will surely live; he will not die.
None of the offenses he has committed will be remembered against him. Because of the righteous things he has done, he will live."
Ezekiel 18:21-22

But he will reply, 'I don't know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!'
"There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out."
Luke 13:27-28

For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.
1 Thess 4:7

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.
Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.
You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.
Col 3:5-7

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
James 5:16

The Greek word for "repent" is "metanoia" (noun) and "matanoeo" (verb) you see as defined in the Strongs #3340, 3341: to think differently or afterwards, reconsider. After thought, change of mind. Repentance basically means a "change of mind" and the context must determine what is involved in this change of mind. Where salvation is in view, repentance actually precedes saving faith in Christ and is not a totally separate act from faith. It is actually the same coin with two sides. Repentance is on one side, what you change your mind about and faith in Christ is on the positive side, the new direction of this change of mind. *Repentance and faith are two sides of the same experience of receiving Christ. (Acts 20:21)

In the context of Luke 13:3, Jesus challenged the people's notion that they were morally superior to those who suffered in such catastrophes. He called all to repent or perish. For some people though, prior to coming to the end result of repentance in receiving salvation (faith in Christ), they must change their minds about other specific things in order to get there. Repentance, metanoia, focuses on changing one's mind about his previous concept of God (as in Acts 17:30) and disbelief in God or false beliefs (polytheism and idolatry) about God (see 1 Thessalonians 1:9). On the other hand, this change of mind, focuses on the new direction that change about God must ultimately take, namely, trusting in Jesus Christ as the ALL-sufficient means of our salvation.

Certain people misunderstand the term "repentance" to simply mean "turning from sin" or "completely stop sinning." That is not the Biblical definition of repentance. In the Bible, the word "repent" means to "change your mind." The Bible also tells us that true repentance will result in a change of actions. Acts 26:20 declares, "I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds." This is the fruit of repentance (Matthew 3:8), not the essence of repentance (change of mind). Certain people confuse the "fruit of repentance" with the "essence of repentance" (and also do the same thing with faith) and end up teaching salvation by works.

I have heard certain people say, "If you want to be saved, repent of your sins, turn from your sins." If turning from your sins means to stop sinning, then people can only be saved if they stop sinning. And in that case, it is unlikely that anyone will be saved, since we don't know anyone who has ever "completely stopped sinning."

I would like to suggest that repentance before Christ is trusting in His that He has the power to change
and transform us into His image and His way of walking.

So many appear to live in defeat because they do not see either our goal is to walk like Jesus or that
the cross demonstrates He will bring this about in our lives if we desire to follow Him in repentance
and faith.

I have heard too many believers claim the promises of Christ for eternal life, while not accepting they
will stand as they are before His throne. Are they ashamed washed clean, made Holy in faith yet still
bound by sin and desiring to continue in a sinful life?

They are no better than the sinner in the street hoping God will be kind to them.
The unbelief is often hidden in many excuses, but is always the same. A belief their hearts are ok and
they can get by, rather than Jesus owns us, every thought, every action, every aspiration to the praise of
His name.

Some to even express this aspiration is heresy, a false gospel, upon which them heap condemnation
and abuse, especially on people who just hunger and thirst for righteousness through the power of the
Holy Spirit. What I cannot deny is my heart and how I desire to uplift our Lord and King.

It staggers me to think God would supply the cross, the way to the Holy of Hollies and not provide the
power and ability to walk the path. My heart sings and rejoices I trust and know this King and the
impossible has been made possible, to the Praise of His Name

Biblical repentance is acknowledging to God that your transgressions against His will are evil and that His Will is perfect and good..

So it is a change of mind from rebellion against the will of God to acceptance of the will of God..

The repentance related to Salvation is turning from the dead works of our effort, to the COMPLETED work of Jesus Christ.

AFTER that happens, and we are "born again" the Holy Spirit works in us to turn from sins.
We cannot turn from our sin UNTIL we are born again. Why would we need Jesus if we could turn from our sins BEFORE rebirth?

I think those that preach turning from sin before conversion are just wrong, and in some sense dangerous, especially when that person inevitably fails and doesn't understand why they are still slaves to sin.

I agree, we only have victory over sin through our faith in Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit working in our lives.

I want to encourage people to look at the word perfect and mature in greek.
I say this because the apostles preached we can rise to be perfect.

Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be perfect and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:4

to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up
until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become perfect, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Ephesians 4:12-13

This is both astonishing to me, and also a great encouragement that the apostles who walked with
Christ and saw first hand how Jesus walked can suggest we too are called and can achieve this.

How are we to aspire to such a thing, unless Jesus Himself through the cross promises such a thing.
But it takes faith and perseverance to achieve, to seriously run the race and desire that for which
God has called us in Christ Jesus, Amen

God looks for the fruit of repentance that is produced by the Holy Spirit when our Faith is placed and maintained exclusively in Christ and the Cross.

Yes. Context is key.


Concerning the Gospel.


Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.



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


In this context, it means turn to God in submission to His rule and authority.


This is a powerful declaration.



If we are called to turn to God, then by default we are called to “turn away” from Satan as our lord.


The way we obey this command of the Gospel is to confess Jesus as Lord.



Here is Jesus giving Paul these very instructions, on his “road to Damascus”.


Words of Christ in red for emphasis -



But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’
“Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. Acts 26:16-20





JPT

One can not have faith if they have not repented

Repent means to change your thinking. You can not come to faith in God if you..

1. still think you are an ok person (God will not judge me, I am not a sinner like those murderers)
2. Think you still can do something to save yourself (The cross was a great start, but I have to do my part) or are saved by religious system of works (legalism)
3. Think you can say yes, I believe, yet I can still live my life of sin all I want. All I have to do is believe (easy believism or licentiousness)

Jesus said in the sermon on the mount, Blessed is he who is poor in spirit. The term poor is actually a bad translation. The word means to be bancrupt, or destitute, Hopeless. One who truly repents comes to this state, A great example jesus gave is of the tax collector. Who was so hopeless because he repented and realised he was beyond all hope. Got on his knees.

Many people claim they believe in God, but only those who have truly repented have come to true faith.

Hi thanks for the reply.

I would offer, repentance is a work of turning in order to beleive . We are not saved by any work we could do. It is the work of God in us that we can believe Him not seen.

Jeremiah 31 seems to define how the word repent (comfort, easement or turn) is to be used.

Jeremiah 31:18-20 King James Version (KJV)I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus; Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke: turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou art the Lord my God.Surely after that I was turned, I repented; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh: I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth.

If we do not hear God as he does first turn a person giving them the understanding to believe how could they in turn ease themselves because they did bear the reproach and were forgiven by the great mercy of God. Christ in us gives us the beginning of His understanding and the end. The Alfa and Omega

The emphasis is on the word "turn". It used three times .Surely after he does the first work of turning us giving us ears to hear, then and not before can we complete the work of God that does work in us to both will and do his good pleasure . (Philipians2:12-13)

The other alternative destroys the imputed righteousness of Christ..

Faith or belief as that which reveals not coming from our own selves, is needed to believe God. It is the gift of the His work of Spirit . We are born with none. When it comes pleasing Him before salvation we had no faith, not little none.

Romans 11:31-33 King James Version (KJV) Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

not believed= no faith

unbelief= no faith

faith= His ways

In all things he must do the first works of creating. The first works were he freely gave us His living understanding needed to believe Him not seen. If we fall in unbelief (no faith) His call of repentance turns us towards him so that we might do the first works.. believing a living God. It is like what was said to the foolish Galatians (Galatians 3)If he began a work in us giving us ears to hear what the unseen Spirit is saying then the same hearing of faith will call that person to repent and do the first works believe God as he works in us to make it possible.

Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. Revelation 2:4-5

Only those who did the first works, (believe God) could repent. The others were not given ears to hear and eyes to see what the Spirit was revealing to the churches.. We who believe do have that treasured spirit the power not of us but of the Spirit of Christ

A question I would ask is. What makes repentance any different of a work that God works in us shown by Philippians 2:12-13 than say some other spiritual gift that accompanies salvation.

Repent.

I dont think its a mere change of mind. Because one can be doubleminded. Also the brain does have two halves. If it just meant a change of mind, well women would be in trouble because we are known for changing our mind as many times as we change clothes. Also nobody says whenver they change their mind about something that they repented! Im not going out tonite, ive repented and decided to stay at home. No people dont say that.

I think its a change of heart.

The dictionary does say the root word means to be contrite.

When God repented, he didnt change his mind he had a change of heart and wasnt going to destroy mankind after all.

A contrite and humble heart He will not despise.

Metanoia the greek word for repent, means a change of heart.

Yes according to whose work of change?

It can mean after thought, reconsider by changing ones care or interest for another or falling into emotional remorse afterwards and can mean to regret. It repents one; to repent oneself .