REPENTANCE
By: Randy Kea
What does repentance mean? In the Old Testament there are two words for repentance ~ “to grieve” in Genesis 6:6 and “to change” in Ezekiel 14:6. In the New Testament there are two words as well ~ “regret” in Matthew 27:3-4 and “to change” in Acts 17:30. Repentance does not simply mean regret or sorrow. It does mean, simply, to stop doing what is wrong. It does mean to simply start doing what is right. It is more than just going forward at an invitation song. It is not merely being convicted of sin (Acts 2:36-38). It is not being fearful or afraid. Felix trembled but never repented as far as we know (Acts 24:24-26). It is not merely confessing your sin. Judas did that, but he did not repent (Matthew 27:3-4). Repentance defined is: “signifies to change one’s mind or purpose … involving a change for the better” (Vine’s Dictionary). Again, “to change one’s mind for the better, heartily to amend with abhorrence of one’s past sins” (Thayer). Brother N. B. Hardeman said, “Repentance is a change of man’s willpower. It is brought about by godly sorrow and results in a reformation of life.”
Is repentance essential for salvation? It is for all men everywhere (Acts 17:30-31). It was essential in the Old Testament to please God (Ezekiel 14:6; Jonah 3:5-10). John the Baptist preached repentance (Matthew 3:1-2). Jesus preached repentance (Matthew 4:17; Luke 13:1-5). The apostles preached repentance (Mark 6:7-12). Repentance is required in the Apostolic Commission (Luke 24:46-47). God desires all to come to repentance (II Peter 3:9).
Exactly who needs to repent? All have sinned and all are sinners; therefore, all accountable people need to repent to become Christians (Romans 3:9, 19, 23; Acts 2:38). Christians who have fallen back into sin need to repent (Acts 8:12-22). Christians who have left their first love need to repent (Revelation 2:4-5). Lukewarm Christians need to repent (Revelation 3:15-19). Christians who have sinned against their brethren need to repent (Luke 17:3). Churches who tolerate false doctrine need to repent (Revelation 2:12-17).
In what sense does God grand repentance? God grants repentance by placing before man motives designed to lead him to repentance: grace, mercy, and love (Romans 2:4); the coming of the Judgment Day (Luke 13:3, 5; II Corinthians 5:10-11); the anticipation of eternal life in heaven (I Peter 1:3-5). Furthermore, God grants repentance in that He is longsuffering, thus giving us opportunities to repent (II Peter 3:9; I Peter 3:20; Acts 11:18).
Remember the words of Jesus. “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3).