The term "repentant" refers to an individual who experiences a profound change of heart and mind, turning away from sin and toward God. This transformation is characterized by genuine remorse for past transgressions and a commitment to live in accordance with God's will. Repentance is a central theme in the Bible, underscoring the necessity of turning from sin to receive God's forgiveness and grace.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, repentance is often associated with the Hebrew word "shuv," which means to return or turn back. The prophets frequently called the people of Israel to repentance, urging them to return to the covenantal relationship with God. For instance, in Joel 2:12-13 , the prophet exhorts, "Even now," declares the LORD, "return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion."

The account of King David provides a poignant example of repentance. After his sin with Bathsheba, David is confronted by the prophet Nathan and responds with deep contrition, as expressed in Psalm 51. In verse 17 , David acknowledges, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the Greek word "metanoia" is used to describe repentance, signifying a change of mind and purpose. John the Baptist's ministry was marked by a call to repentance in preparation for the coming of the Messiah. In Matthew 3:2 , John proclaims, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."

Jesus Himself emphasized the importance of repentance. In Luke 5:32 , He states, "I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance." The parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) illustrates the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, highlighting God's readiness to forgive and restore those who turn back to Him.

The apostle Peter, in his sermon at Pentecost, calls the people to repentance as a response to the gospel message. Acts 2:38 records Peter's words: "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."

Theological Significance

Repentance is not merely an emotional response but involves a decisive turning away from sin and a turning toward God. It is an essential aspect of salvation, as it reflects a heart that is open to God's transformative work. The apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 7:10 , distinguishes between worldly sorrow and godly sorrow, stating, "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death."

Repentance is also a continual process in the life of a believer. It is an ongoing attitude of humility and submission to God's will, recognizing the need for His grace and forgiveness. The call to repentance is a call to align one's life with the teachings of Christ, to bear fruit in keeping with repentance (Matthew 3:8), and to live a life that reflects the holiness of God.

Practical Implications

For the believer, being repentant involves regular self-examination and a willingness to confess sins, as encouraged in 1 John 1:9 : "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." It requires a heart that is sensitive to the conviction of the Holy Spirit and a commitment to pursue righteousness.

The repentant heart is marked by a desire to restore broken relationships, seek forgiveness from those wronged, and make restitution where possible. It is a life characterized by the fruit of the Spirit, demonstrating love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

In summary, the concept of being repentant is foundational to the Christian faith, emphasizing the need for a transformative relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It is a call to turn from sin, embrace God's forgiveness, and live a life that honors Him.1. (a.) Penitent; sorry for sin.

2. (a.) Expressing or showing sorrow for sin; as, repentant tears; repentant ashes.

3. (n.) One who repents, especially one who repents of sin; a penitent.

7725. shub -- to turn back, return
... 1), remade* (1), render (8), repaid (1), repay (5), repeatedly (2), repeats (1),
repel (1), repent (6), repent and turn away (2), repentant (1), repented (1 ...
/hebrew/7725.htm - 9k

The Repentant Father.
... The Repentant Father. Not long ago a young man went home late. He had been
in the habit of going home late, and the father began ...
/.../moody/moodys anecdotes and illustrations/the repentant father.htm

Forgiveness of the Repentant Woman.
... A TOUR IN GALILEE FORGIVENESS OF THE REPENTANT WOMAN. And one of the Pharisees
desired him that he would eat with him. And he entered ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/forgiveness of the repentant woman.htm

Man, Endued with Liberty, Superior to the Angels, Overcomes Even ...
... Chapter VIII."Man, Endued with Liberty, Superior to the Angels, Overcomes Even the
Angel Which Lured Him to His Fall, When Repentant and Resuming Obedience ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter viii man endued with liberty.htm

Examples from Scripture to Prove the Lord's Willingness to Pardon.
... all general monitions to repentance"under comminations, it is true; but He would
not utter comminations to one unrepentant if He did not forgive the repentant ...
/.../tertullian/on repentance/chapter viii examples from scripture to.htm

To those who are Altogether Reprobate, and Unrepentant, who ...
... What has been previously said of the lapsed, has been said of the repentant. ... What
has been previously said of the lapsed, has been said of the repentant. ...
/.../peter/the writings of peter of alexandria/canon iv to those who.htm

Ninth Sunday after Trinity Carnal Security and Its vices.
... But, as in the second epistle, seeing how his sternness has startled the Corinthians,
he modifies it to some extent, and deals tenderly with the repentant. ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/ninth sunday after trinity carnal.htm

Rhapsody
... It opens with scenic description of the drought; the rest is dialogue between
God, Repentant Israel, and the Prophet. The action ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/rhapsody 2.htm

Christ's Different Modes of Reply to those who Questioned his ...
... In some cases he stopped short after vividly exhibiting the mercy of God to all
truly repentant sinners; in others, he not only justified his own conduct, but ...
/.../section 142 christs different modes.htm

M. *John Taylor. A Penitential Hymn.
... M. *John Taylor. A Penitential Hymn. 1 God of mercy! God of love! Hear our sad,
repentant songs; Listen to Thy suppliant ones, Thou, to whom all grace belongs! ...
/.../various/book of hymns for public and private devotion/201 7s m john taylor.htm

The Parable of the Tares, by Bishop Latimer, Preached on the 7Th ...
... Those who die repentant and are sorry for their sins"who cry to God for mercy, are
ashamed of their wickedness, and believe with all their hearts that God ...
/.../knox/the pulpit of the reformation nos 1 2 and 3 /the parable of the tares.htm

Repentant (3 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Penitent; sorry for sin. 2. (a.) Expressing or showing sorrow for sin;
as, repentant tears; repentant ashes. ...Repentant (3 Occurrences). ...
/r/repentant.htm - 7k

Rejoicing (90 Occurrences)
... Luke 15:7 I tell you that in the same way there will be rejoicing in Heaven over
one repentant sinner--more rejoicing than over ninety-nine blameless persons ...
/r/rejoicing.htm - 33k

Repented (49 Occurrences)

/r/repented.htm - 22k

Naboth (18 Occurrences)
... A temporary respite was given to Ahab because of a repentant mood (1 Kings
21:27-29); but later the blow fell, first upon himself in a conflict with Syria ( ...
/n/naboth.htm - 16k

Penitent (7 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Feeling pain or sorrow on account of sins or offenses; repentant; contrite;
sincerely affected by a sense of guilt, and resolved on amendment of life. ...
/p/penitent.htm - 8k

Palm (49 Occurrences)
... In a beautiful metaphor God answers the repentant people of Jerusalem, who thought
Yahweh had forgotten and forsaken them: "Behold, I have graven thee upon the ...
/p/palm.htm - 35k

Best (252 Occurrences)
... 31); (2) of raiment (protos, "first"), "best robe" (Luke 15:22), of special
significance as expressing the Father's lavish love for the repentant and returning ...
/b/best.htm - 36k

Blameless (81 Occurrences)
... Luke 15:7 I tell you that in the same way there will be rejoicing in Heaven over
one repentant sinner--more rejoicing than over ninety-nine blameless persons ...
/b/blameless.htm - 27k

Lily (9 Occurrences)
... and in 50:8 we read of "lilies by the rivers of water." The beauty of the blossom
is implied in Hosea 14:5, where Yahweh promises that repentant Israel shall ...
/l/lily.htm - 15k

Anthropomorphism
... Because he has purged his conceptions of Deity after human pattern, and no longer
cares much to speak of God as a jealous or repentant or punitive Deity, as ...
/a/anthropomorphism.htm - 20k

Since God withholds forgiveness, can we? | GotQuestions.org

What is the meaning of the Parable of the Prodigal Son? | GotQuestions.org

What is penitence? What does the Bible say about penitence? | GotQuestions.org

Repentant: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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