Topical Encyclopedia Repentance is a central theme throughout the Bible, calling individuals to turn away from sin and return to God. This exhortation is not merely a suggestion but a divine command that carries significant spiritual implications. The call to repentance is woven throughout both the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing its importance in the life of every believer.Old Testament Exhortations The prophets of the Old Testament frequently called the people of Israel to repentance. This call was often accompanied by warnings of impending judgment if the people failed to turn from their sinful ways. In the book of Ezekiel, God speaks through the prophet, saying, "Therefore, house of Israel, I will judge each of you according to your ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so that your iniquity will not become your downfall" (Ezekiel 18:30). Here, repentance is presented as a means to avert disaster and restore a right relationship with God. Similarly, the prophet Joel urges the people to return to the Lord with sincerity: "Yet even now," declares the LORD, "return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning" (Joel 2:12). This passage highlights the depth of repentance, involving not just a change of action but a transformation of the heart. New Testament Exhortations In the New Testament, the call to repentance is central to the message of John the Baptist, Jesus Christ, and the apostles. John the Baptist's ministry began with the proclamation, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near" (Matthew 3:2). This call set the stage for the coming of Christ, emphasizing the need for spiritual preparation through repentance. Jesus Himself continued this message, as seen in Mark 1:15: "The time is fulfilled," He said, "and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel" . Here, repentance is linked with faith, indicating that turning away from sin is a prerequisite for embracing the good news of salvation. The apostles carried forward this exhortation in their preaching. On the day of Pentecost, Peter addressed the crowd, saying, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). This call to repentance is foundational to the Christian faith, marking the beginning of a new life in Christ. The Nature of True Repentance True repentance involves a genuine acknowledgment of sin, a heartfelt sorrow for having offended God, and a resolute turning away from sin. It is not merely an emotional response but a decisive change in direction. The apostle Paul describes this transformation in 2 Corinthians 7:10: "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death" . This distinction underscores the importance of a repentance that is motivated by a desire to honor God rather than merely escape consequences. The Urgency of Repentance Scripture emphasizes the urgency of repentance, warning that the opportunity to repent is not indefinite. In the book of Revelation, Jesus warns the church in Ephesus, "Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place" (Revelation 2:5). This admonition serves as a sobering reminder that repentance is not to be delayed. Conclusion The exhortation to repentance is a vital aspect of the biblical message, calling individuals to turn from sin and seek reconciliation with God. It is a call that demands a response, urging believers to embrace a life of holiness and obedience. Through repentance, believers experience the grace and forgiveness of God, entering into a restored relationship with Him. Nave's Topical Index Proverbs 1:23-33Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit to you, I will make known my words to you. Nave's Topical Index Jeremiah 7:3,5 Jeremiah 26:3 Hosea 14:1-3 Amos 5:4-6 Matthew 3:2 Library An Exhortation to Repentance. An Exhortation to Repentance. Exhortation to Repentance. Apostolic Exhortation The Exhortation of the Last HomilyIs Continued in This. ... Sixth Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to Christian Living. On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. vi. 19, "Lay not up for ... Spiritual Condition of the Congregations. --The Seven Churches in ... A Word of Exhortation. An Exhortation to Love God Resources How to repent'what does the Bible say? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that God is not willing for any to perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9)? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that today is the day of salvation? | GotQuestions.org Repentance: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Repentance by the Operation of the Holy Spirit Repentance by the Preaching of Haggai Repentance by the Preaching of Oded Repentance in Asking for a King Repentance in the Time of Asa, by the Preaching of Azariah Repentance of Their Idolatry, when Afflicted by the Philistines Repentance of Worshiping the Golden Calf Repentance: Achan, Because of his Theft Repentance: After Hearing the Law Expounded by Ezra Repentance: Ahab, when Reproved by Elijah for Ahab's Idolatry Repentance: At the Dedication of the Second Temple Repentance: Balaam, of his Spiritual Blindness Repentance: Because of Their Idolatrous Marriages Repentance: Because of Their Oppressive Usury Repentance: Called Repentance to Life Repentance: Called Repentance to Salvation Repentance: Christ Came to Call Sinners To Repentance: Christ Exalted to Give Repentance: Commanded by Christ Repentance: Commanded to all by God Repentance: Condition of God's Favor Repentance: Conviction of Sin Necessary To Repentance: Danger of Neglecting Repentance: David, at the Rebuke of Nathan, for his Sins of Adultery and Murder Repentance: Denied to Apostates Repentance: Hezekiah, at the Time of his Sickness Repentance: Illustrated: The Prodigal Son Repentance: Illustrated: The Repentant Son Repentance: Jonah, After his Punishment Repentance: Joseph's Brothers, of Their Maltreatment of Joseph Repentance: Josiah, when he Heard the Law of God Which had been Discovered in the Temple by Hilkiah Repentance: Manasseh, when he Was Carried Away Captive to Babylon by the King of Assyria Repentance: Ministers should Rejoice Over Their People on Their Repentance: Necessary to the Pardon of Sin Repentance: Neglect of, Followed by Swift Judgment Repentance: Not to be Repented of Repentance: Peter, Because of his Denial of Jesus Repentance: Pharaoh, of his Hardness of Heart Repentance: Preached by Christ Repentance: Preached by John the Baptist Repentance: Preached by the Apostles Repentance: Preached in the Name of Christ Repentance: Rehoboam, when his Kingdom Was Invaded, and Jerusalem Was Besieged Repentance: Repentance of Their Complaining Because of Lack of Bread and Water Repentance: Saul, at the Rebuke of Samuel for not Destroying the Amalekites Repentance: should be Accompanied by Confession Repentance: should be Accompanied by Conversion Repentance: should be Accompanied by Faith Repentance: should be Accompanied by Greater Zeal in the Path of Duty Repentance: should be Accompanied by Humility Repentance: should be Accompanied by Prayer Repentance: should be Accompanied by Self-Abhorrence Repentance: should be Accompanied by Shame and Confusion Repentance: should be Accompanied by Turning from Idolatry Repentance: should be Accompanied by Turning from Sin Repentance: should be Evidenced by Fruits Repentance: The Burden of the Preaching of Jesus Repentance: The Burden of the Preaching of John the Baptist Repentance: The Disobedient Son Repentance: The Ephesians, by the Preaching of Paul Repentance: The Jews, by the Preaching of John the Baptist Repentance: The Ninevites, by the Preaching of Jonah Repentance: The Present Time the Season For Repentance: The Wicked: Averse To Repentance: The Wicked: Condemned for Neglecting Repentance: The Wicked: Neglect the Time Given For Repentance: The Wicked: Not Led to by the Judgments of God Repentance: The Wicked: Not Led To, by Miraculous Interference Repentance: The Woman Who Anointed Jesus With Oil Repentance: There is Joy in Heaven Over One Sinner Brought To Repentance: True: Thief on the Cross Repentance: Unavailing: To Esau Repentance: Unavailing: To Israel Repentance: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Repentance: Under the Influence of Hezekiah Repentance: we should be Led To, by Godly Sorrow Works Repentance: we should be Led To, by The Chastisements of God Repentance: we should be Led To, by The Goodness of God Repentance: we should be Led To, by The Patience of God Repentance: when Rebuked by an Angel for not Expelling the Canaanites Repentance: when Reproved by the Prophet Micah Related Terms Long-suffering (23 Occurrences) |
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