Topical Encyclopedia Repentance is a fundamental concept in Christian theology, signifying a profound change of mind and heart, turning away from sin and toward God. It is not merely a human endeavor but is often depicted in Scripture as a gift from God, an act of divine grace that enables individuals to recognize their sinfulness and seek reconciliation with Him.Biblical Foundation The Bible presents repentance as an essential component of salvation and spiritual renewal. In the New Testament, the Greek word for repentance, "metanoia," implies a transformative change of heart. This transformation is not solely initiated by human effort but is often described as being granted by God. Divine Initiative in Repentance Several passages in Scripture highlight the divine role in granting repentance. In Acts 11:18, after Peter explains the conversion of the Gentiles, the early church acknowledges, "So then, even to the Gentiles God has granted repentance unto life." This verse underscores the belief that repentance leading to eternal life is a gift from God, extended to all people, including the Gentiles. Similarly, in 2 Timothy 2:25, Paul instructs Timothy on how to deal with opponents: "He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth." Here, repentance is portrayed as something God bestows, leading individuals to a deeper understanding of truth. Old Testament Insights The Old Testament also reflects the concept of God-given repentance. In Jeremiah 31:18-19, Ephraim laments, "You disciplined me, and I was disciplined, like an untrained calf. Restore me, and I will return, for You are the LORD my God. After I returned, I repented; and after I was instructed, I struck my thigh. I was ashamed and humiliated because I bore the disgrace of my youth." This passage illustrates the process of divine discipline leading to repentance, emphasizing God's role in initiating the return to Him. The Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the process of repentance. In John 16:8, Jesus describes the work of the Spirit: "When He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment." The Spirit's conviction is a divine act that leads individuals to recognize their sinfulness and their need for repentance. Human Responsibility and Divine Sovereignty While repentance is a gift from God, Scripture also affirms human responsibility in the process. Individuals are called to respond to God's initiative with faith and obedience. In Mark 1:15, Jesus proclaims, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel!" This call to repentance requires a human response, yet it is empowered by God's grace. Conclusion Repentance, as depicted in the Bible, is a profound and transformative act that is both a divine gift and a human responsibility. It is through God's grace and the work of the Holy Spirit that individuals are led to repentance, turning away from sin and toward a life of faith and obedience. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 11:18When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then has God also to the Gentiles granted repentance to life. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Timothy 2:25 Library Solomon's Repentance Repentance Applicable to all the Kinds of Sin to be Practised not ... Of Repentance. God Just as Well as Merciful; Accordingly, Mercy must not be ... Instances of God's Repentance, and Notably in the Case of the ... Manasseh's Sin and Repentance Repentance Regeneration by Faith. Of Repentance. On Repentance Peter's Repentance Resources What is repentance and is it necessary for salvation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about repentance? What does it mean to repent? | GotQuestions.org Is repentance a change of mind or a turning from sin? | 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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