Topical Encyclopedia Repentance is a central theme in the teachings of Jesus Christ, underscoring the transformative journey from sin to righteousness. In the New Testament, Christ's call to repentance is both a command and an invitation to enter the Kingdom of God. This entry explores the biblical foundation and significance of repentance as commanded by Christ.Biblical Foundation The call to repentance is prominently featured in the Gospels, where Jesus begins His public ministry with a clear and direct message. In Matthew 4:17, Jesus proclaims, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." This declaration sets the tone for His earthly ministry, emphasizing the urgency and necessity of turning away from sin. Similarly, in Mark 1:15, Jesus states, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!" Here, repentance is coupled with faith, highlighting the dual response required to embrace the good news of salvation. The Nature of Repentance Repentance, as commanded by Christ, involves a profound change of heart and mind. It is not merely an emotional response but a deliberate turning away from sin and a turning towards God. This transformation is evidenced by a genuine sorrow for sin, a renunciation of past wrongs, and a commitment to live in accordance with God's will. In Luke 13:3, Jesus warns, "No, I tell you. But unless you repent, you too will all perish." This stark admonition underscores the seriousness of repentance as a non-negotiable requirement for salvation. It is a call to recognize one's sinful state and the impending judgment, leading to a sincere and lasting change. Repentance and Forgiveness Christ's command to repent is intrinsically linked to the promise of forgiveness. In Luke 24:46-47, Jesus instructs His disciples, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and in His name repentance and forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem." Here, repentance is presented as the pathway to receiving God's grace and forgiveness, a message to be shared with all humanity. Repentance in Parables Jesus often used parables to illustrate the concept of repentance. The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) vividly portrays the journey of repentance and reconciliation. The wayward son, upon realizing his sinful state, returns to his father with a repentant heart, symbolizing the sinner's return to God. The father's joyous reception of his son exemplifies God's readiness to forgive those who truly repent. The Role of Repentance in Discipleship Repentance is not a one-time act but an ongoing aspect of Christian discipleship. In Revelation 3:19, Jesus exhorts, "Those I love, I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent." This call to continual repentance reflects the believer's ongoing need for spiritual renewal and alignment with God's purposes. Conclusion Repentance, as commanded by Christ, is a foundational element of the Christian faith. It is a call to turn from sin, embrace the gospel, and live a life transformed by God's grace. Through repentance, believers enter into a restored relationship with God, experiencing the fullness of His forgiveness and love. Torrey's Topical Textbook Revelation 2:5,16Remember therefore from where you are fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come to you quickly, and will remove your candlestick out of his place, except you repent. Torrey's Topical Textbook Revelation 3:3 Library Confessing Christ an Indispensable Duty. Repentance On Repentance In the Second Place, Repentance and Grace are Obscured. ... By the vision of the Cross, and by the Appearance of Christ ... Hopkinsians. Christ the Great Physician. Faith and Repentance Inseparable Solomon's Repentance Believe Just Now Resources What is cheap grace? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of sackcloth and ashes? | GotQuestions.org Why had the disciples in Ephesus not received the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:1-7)? | 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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