Topical Encyclopedia Definition and ImportanceRepentance 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 an emotional response but involves a conscious decision to forsake sin and pursue righteousness. The Greek word for repentance, "metanoia," implies a transformative change of heart. Repentance is essential for salvation and is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. Old Testament Illustrations 1. David's Repentance (Psalm 51): After his sin with Bathsheba, King David exemplifies true repentance. In Psalm 51, he cries out to God for mercy, acknowledging his transgressions and seeking a clean heart. David's plea, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10), highlights the depth of his contrition and desire for restoration. 2. Nineveh's Repentance (Jonah 3): The city of Nineveh provides a corporate example of repentance. When Jonah proclaimed God's impending judgment, the people of Nineveh believed God, proclaimed a fast, and wore sackcloth. "When God saw their actions—that they had turned from their evil ways—He relented from the disaster He had threatened" (Jonah 3:10). This narrative underscores the power of collective repentance and God's mercy. New Testament Illustrations 1. The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32): Jesus' parable of the prodigal son vividly illustrates personal repentance. The younger son, after squandering his inheritance, comes to his senses and returns to his father, saying, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you" (Luke 15:21). His return and the father's gracious reception symbolize the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. 2. Peter's Repentance (Luke 22:54-62): After denying Jesus three times, Peter experiences deep remorse. "And he went outside and wept bitterly" (Luke 22:62). Peter's tears reflect genuine repentance, leading to his restoration and future role as a leader in the early church. Theological Significance Repentance is integral to the gospel message. John the Baptist and Jesus both began their ministries with a call to repentance: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near" (Matthew 3:2; Matthew 4:17). This call emphasizes the necessity of repentance for entering God's kingdom. Repentance and Faith Repentance is closely linked with faith. Acts 20:21 speaks of "repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ." True repentance involves turning away from sin and turning toward God in faith, trusting in Christ's atoning sacrifice for forgiveness. Repentance and Forgiveness 1 John 1:9 assures believers, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Repentance opens the door to God's forgiveness and cleansing, restoring the believer's relationship with Him. Practical Application Repentance is not a one-time event but a continual posture of the heart. Believers are called to live a life of ongoing repentance, continually turning from sin and aligning their lives with God's will. This ongoing process is part of sanctification, the journey of becoming more like Christ. Conclusion Repentance is a vital aspect of the Christian life, illustrating the transformative power of God's grace. Through repentance, believers experience forgiveness, restoration, and a renewed relationship with God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 15:18-21I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before you, Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 18:13 Library The Doctrines of Salvation A. Repentance. B. Faith. C. ... Confession of Sin Illustrated by the Cases of Dr. Pritchard and ... For Godly Sorrow Worketh Repentance to Salvation, not to be ... Consecration to God --Illustrated by Abraham's Circumcision The Penitent Thief. Ch. 23:39-43 Attributes of Love. The Formation and Order of the Primitive Church. Theophilus. Special Preparation for Baptism. Saving Faith 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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