Topical Encyclopedia Introduction to RepentanceRepentance is a fundamental concept in Christian theology, signifying a profound change of mind and heart, turning away from sin and toward God. It involves a sincere acknowledgment of one's sins, a heartfelt sorrow for having offended God, and a resolute commitment to change one's ways. The Bible consistently emphasizes repentance as essential for salvation and reconciliation with God. Biblical Illustration: The Repentant Son One of the most poignant illustrations of repentance in the Bible is found in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, as recounted in the Gospel of Luke. This parable, told by Jesus, vividly portrays the journey of repentance and the boundless grace of the Father. The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) In this parable, a man has two sons. The younger son, seeking independence, demands his share of the inheritance and leaves for a distant country. There, he squanders his wealth in reckless living. As a severe famine strikes the land, the young man finds himself in dire need, reduced to feeding pigs and longing to eat their food. In his destitution, the son comes to his senses and reflects on his father's servants, who have more than enough to eat. He decides to return to his father, acknowledging his sin and unworthiness: "I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants’" (Luke 15:18-19). The Journey of Repentance The journey of the prodigal son back to his father is emblematic of true repentance. It begins with a recognition of his sinful state and a genuine sorrow for his actions. The son's decision to return home signifies a turning away from his former life and a desire to be reconciled with his father. The Father's Response As the son approaches, the father sees him from a distance and is filled with compassion. He runs to his son, embraces him, and kisses him. The son confesses his sin, but before he can finish, the father calls for the best robe, a ring, and sandals to be placed on him, and a feast to be prepared in celebration of his return: "For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found" (Luke 15:24). Theological Significance The father's response illustrates the grace and mercy of God toward repentant sinners. Despite the son's waywardness, the father welcomes him back with open arms, restoring him to his position as a son. This reflects the biblical truth that God is eager to forgive and restore those who turn to Him in repentance. Repentance in the Broader Biblical Context Throughout Scripture, repentance is consistently linked with forgiveness and salvation. John the Baptist and Jesus both began their ministries with a call to repentance (Matthew 3:2, 4:17). The Apostle Peter, in his sermon at Pentecost, exhorts the people to "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins" (Acts 2:38). Conclusion The parable of the prodigal son serves as a powerful illustration of repentance, highlighting the transformative journey from sin to reconciliation with God. It underscores the readiness of the Father to forgive and restore those who come to Him with a contrite heart, embodying the essence of the Gospel message. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 21:29He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Christ's Different Modes of Reply to those who Questioned his ... The Doctrines of Salvation A. Repentance. B. Faith. C. ... The Prodigal Son. B. The Second Stages. Chs. 13:22 to 17:10 The Five Books Against Marcion The Teacher Come from God and the Teacher from Jerusalem - Jesus ... Sailors' Hymns. Lydia, the First European Convert The First Native Converts and Christian Schools Examination of the Treatise 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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