Topical Encyclopedia Repentance is a central theme in Christian theology, representing a transformative change of heart and mind, turning away from sin and toward God. In the New Testament, repentance is closely linked with the work and exaltation of Jesus Christ, who is both the source and enabler of true repentance.Biblical Foundation The concept of repentance is deeply rooted in Scripture, with the Greek term "metanoia" signifying a profound change of mind and purpose. In the Old Testament, the call to repentance is a recurring theme, as seen in the prophetic writings urging Israel to return to God (e.g., Joel 2:12-13). In the New Testament, repentance is integral to the message of the Gospel, as proclaimed by John the Baptist and Jesus Himself (Matthew 3:2; 4:17). Christ's Exaltation and the Gift of Repentance The exaltation of Christ is a pivotal event in the divine plan of salvation. After His resurrection, Jesus was exalted to the right hand of God, a position of authority and power. This exaltation is not merely a reward for His obedience but serves a redemptive purpose for humanity. Acts 5:31 states, "God exalted Him to His right hand as Prince and Savior, in order to grant repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel." This passage highlights that Christ's exaltation is directly linked to the granting of repentance. It underscores the belief that repentance is not merely a human effort but a divine gift, made possible through the work of Christ. As the exalted Savior, Jesus is the mediator who enables believers to turn from sin and receive forgiveness. The Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the process of repentance. Sent by the exalted Christ, the Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8). This conviction is essential for genuine repentance, as it leads individuals to recognize their need for a Savior and to turn to Christ in faith. Repentance and Faith Repentance and faith are often mentioned together in the New Testament, forming a dual response to the Gospel. Acts 20:21 speaks of "testifying to both Jews and Greeks about repentance to God and faith in our Lord Jesus." This pairing indicates that true repentance involves not only turning away from sin but also turning toward God in faith, trusting in the redemptive work of Christ. The Fruits of Repentance Genuine repentance results in a transformed life, characterized by the "fruits of repentance" (Luke 3:8). These fruits include a renewed mind, a changed heart, and a life that reflects the values of the Kingdom of God. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often emphasizes the ethical implications of repentance, urging believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling (Ephesians 4:1). Conclusion Repentance, as a gift from the exalted Christ, is a profound and transformative experience. It is both a divine initiative and a human response, enabled by the Holy Spirit and resulting in a life that bears witness to the grace and power of God. Through repentance, believers are drawn into a deeper relationship with God, experiencing His forgiveness and the fullness of life in Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 5:31Him has God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library How to Make Use of Christ for Taking the Guilt of Our Daily Out ... How Shall one Make Use of Christ as the Life, when Wrestling with ... Insensibility Baptism unto Repentance How to Make Use of Christ as the Life when the Soul is Dead as to ... Twenty-Fifth Day for More Conversions How Christ is Made Use of for Justification as a Way. Repentance For whom did Christ Die? All Fulness in Christ 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) |