Topical Encyclopedia Repentance is a fundamental concept within Christian theology, signifying a sincere turning away from sin and turning towards God. It is not merely an emotional response but involves a conscious decision to change one's mind and actions in alignment with God's will. The necessity of repentance for the pardon of sin is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, underscoring its critical role in the believer's spiritual journey.Old Testament Foundations The call to repentance is deeply rooted in the Old Testament. The prophets consistently urged the people of Israel to repent and return to God. In Ezekiel 18:30-31 , the Lord declares, "Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge each of you according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your offenses, so that sin will not be your downfall. Cast away from yourselves all the transgressions you have committed, and fashion for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit." This passage highlights the necessity of repentance for avoiding judgment and receiving a new heart and spirit from God. New Testament Emphasis The New Testament continues to emphasize repentance as essential for the forgiveness of sins. John the Baptist's ministry was marked by a call to repentance, preparing the way for Jesus Christ. In Matthew 3:2 , John proclaims, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." Jesus Himself began His ministry with a similar message, as recorded in Matthew 4:17 : "From that time on Jesus began to preach, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.'" The apostle Peter, in his sermon on the day of Pentecost, underscores the necessity of repentance for salvation. In Acts 2:38 , Peter instructs the crowd, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." This directive links repentance directly to the forgiveness of sins and the reception of the Holy Spirit. Theological Significance Repentance is not merely an initial step in the Christian life but an ongoing attitude and practice. It involves a continual turning away from sin and a turning towards God, reflecting a life transformed by His grace. The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, speaks to the transformative power of repentance, stating in Romans 2:4 , "Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?" Repentance and Faith Repentance is intrinsically linked with faith. The two are often mentioned together as necessary responses to the gospel. In Acts 20:21 , Paul summarizes his ministry as "testifying to Jews and Greeks alike about repentance to God and faith in our Lord Jesus." This pairing indicates that true repentance is accompanied by faith in Jesus Christ, leading to a restored relationship with God. Conclusion The biblical narrative consistently presents repentance as indispensable for the pardon of sin. It is a divine requirement that reflects a genuine acknowledgment of one's sinfulness and a heartfelt desire to align with God's righteous standards. Through repentance, believers experience the transformative power of God's forgiveness and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, enabling them to live in accordance with His will. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 2:38Then Peter said to them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 3:19 Acts 8:22 Library Repentance More Competent to Heathens than to Christians. Repentance The Remission of Sins. Whether by Penance one Sin Can be Pardoned Without Another? The Enchiridion On Repentance Morning Prayer for a Family. Repentance unto Life Christ's Different Modes of Reply to those who Questioned his ... 'The Scapegoat' 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) |
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