Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionRepentance is a central theme in Christian theology, representing a transformative change of heart and mind, turning away from sin and returning to God. The Parable of the Prodigal Son, found in Luke 15:11-32, is a profound illustration of repentance and God's boundless grace and forgiveness. This parable, spoken by Jesus, is a vivid narrative that encapsulates the journey of sin, realization, repentance, and reconciliation. The Parable In the parable, a man has two sons. The younger son, seeking independence and self-indulgence, demands his share of the inheritance from his father. "Father, give me my share of the estate," he requests (Luke 15:12). The father grants his request, and the son departs to a distant country, where he squanders his wealth in reckless living. As famine strikes the land, the young man finds himself in dire need. He takes a job feeding pigs, a task abhorrent to a Jewish audience, highlighting his degradation. In his destitution, he reflects on his condition: "How many of my father’s hired servants have plenty of food? But here I am, starving to death!" (Luke 15:17). This moment of clarity marks the beginning of his repentance. Repentance and Return The prodigal son decides to return to his father, acknowledging his sinfulness and unworthiness: "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son" (Luke 15:18-19). This confession signifies a genuine change of heart, a turning away from his previous life and a humble return to his father. As the son approaches, the father sees him from a distance and is filled with compassion. He runs to his son, embraces him, and kisses him. The father's actions are a powerful representation of God's readiness to forgive and restore those who repent. The son begins his prepared confession, but the father interrupts, instructing his servants to bring the best robe, a ring, and sandals, and to prepare a feast, declaring, "For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found" (Luke 15:24). The Elder Son The parable also addresses the elder son, who becomes angry upon learning of the celebration for his brother's return. He confronts his father, expressing resentment and self-righteousness. The father gently reminds him of his constant presence and inheritance, saying, "Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours" (Luke 15:31). This interaction underscores the importance of recognizing one's own need for grace and the danger of pride and judgment. Theological Implications The Parable of the Prodigal Son is a profound illustration of repentance and divine grace. It emphasizes that repentance involves a sincere acknowledgment of sin, a turning away from it, and a return to God. The father's response highlights God's readiness to forgive and restore those who come to Him with a contrite heart. The parable also serves as a reminder of the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents (cf. Luke 15:7). In the broader context of Christian teaching, the parable reinforces the message that no one is beyond the reach of God's mercy. It calls believers to examine their own hearts, to repent of their sins, and to extend grace and forgiveness to others, reflecting the character of the Father. Nave's Topical Index Luke 15:17-21And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! Nave's Topical Index Library Explanation of the Parable of the Prodigal Son, in which St. ... Christ's Different Modes of Reply to those who Questioned his ... Repentance, The Prodigal Son. Certain General Principles of Parabolic Interpretation These ... The Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son. Privilege and Experience Examples from Scripture to Prove the Lord's Willingness to Pardon. The Prodigal's Return. True Repentance 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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