Topical Encyclopedia Repenting is a fundamental concept in Christian theology, signifying a profound change of mind and heart, turning away from sin and toward God. It is a key component of the Christian doctrine of salvation and is emphasized throughout the Bible as essential for forgiveness and reconciliation with God.Old Testament Understanding In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "repent" is "shuv," which means to turn back or return. This concept is vividly illustrated in the prophetic writings, where God calls His people to return to Him and forsake their sinful ways. For instance, in Ezekiel 18:30-31 , God implores, "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. Cast away from yourselves all the transgressions you have committed, and fashion for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit." New Testament Teaching In the New Testament, the Greek word for repentance is "metanoia," which conveys a change of mind and purpose. John the Baptist and Jesus Christ both began their ministries with a call to repentance. In Matthew 3:2 , John the Baptist declares, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." Similarly, Jesus proclaims in Mark 1:15 , "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!" Repentance in the New Testament is closely linked with faith in Jesus Christ. It involves recognizing one's sinfulness, feeling genuine sorrow for sin, and making a conscious decision to turn away from sin and toward God. Acts 3:19 states, "Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord." Theological Significance Repentance is not merely an emotional response but a decisive act of the will, prompted by the Holy Spirit. It is a necessary step in the process of salvation, as it prepares the heart to receive God's grace and forgiveness. In 2 Peter 3:9 , the apostle Peter emphasizes God's desire for all to repent: "The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance." Repentance and the Christian Life For believers, repentance is not a one-time event but an ongoing practice. It is part of the sanctification process, as Christians continually seek to align their lives with God's will. The apostle Paul, in his letters, often encourages believers to examine themselves and turn from any sin. In 2 Corinthians 7:10 , he writes, "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death." Repentance and Forgiveness The promise of forgiveness is intricately tied to repentance. In 1 John 1:9 , the assurance is given, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This verse highlights the faithfulness of God in responding to genuine repentance with forgiveness and cleansing. Conclusion Repentance is a vital aspect of the Christian faith, serving as the gateway to forgiveness and a restored relationship with God. It is a call to turn from sin and embrace the transformative power of the gospel, leading to a life of holiness and devotion to God. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Repent.Strong's Hebrew 5150. nichum -- comfort, compassion... comfortable, repenting. Or nichum {nee-khoom'}; from nacham; properly, consoled; abstractly, solace -- comfort(-able), repenting. see HEBREW nacham. ... /hebrew/5150.htm - 6k Library The Repenting Prodigal, Luke 15 13 &C. Peter Sinning and Repenting. Mt 26:73 Joy in Heaven for a Repenting Sinner. Luke 15:7,10. Ephraim Repenting. Jer 31:18-20 The Repenting Prodigal. Luke 15:13,Etc. Again it is Shown from the Utility of Repenting that Souls are not ... Joy in Heaven for a Repenting Sinner, Luke 15 7-10. Motives to Holy Mourning But, if it Does not Weary You, Let the Point Out as Briefly as ... The Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son. Thesaurus Repenting (6 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Repenting (6 Occurrences). Matthew 21:29 And he answering said, I will not; but afterwards repenting himself he went. (DBY). ... /r/repenting.htm - 8k Sinner (88 Occurrences) Repenteth (13 Occurrences) Thus (1271 Occurrences) Impenitent (1 Occurrence) Forestall (2 Occurrences) Repentance (28 Occurrences) Repentings (1 Occurrence) Relenting (3 Occurrences) Repents (6 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean that Job repented in dust and ashes? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of Lent? | GotQuestions.org Personal Interaction ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org Repenting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Repenting (6 Occurrences)Matthew 21:29 Luke 15:7 Luke 15:10 2 Corinthians 7:9 Jeremiah 15:6 Jonah 4:2 Subtopics Related Terms |
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