Topical Encyclopedia Repentance is a central theme in the teachings of Jesus Christ, marking the beginning of His public ministry and permeating His message throughout the Gospels. The call to repentance is a divine invitation to turn away from sin and return to God, aligning one's life with His will and purpose.The Inauguration of Christ's Ministry The message of repentance is introduced at the very onset of Jesus' ministry. In Matthew 4:17, it is recorded, "From that time on Jesus began to preach, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.'" This proclamation underscores the urgency and immediacy of repentance in light of the coming kingdom. Jesus' call to repentance is not merely a call to moral reformation but a transformative turning towards God, necessitated by the nearness of His kingdom. The Parables and Teachings of Jesus Throughout His teachings, Jesus emphasizes repentance as a necessary response to God's grace. In the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), Jesus illustrates the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. The father's welcoming embrace of the returning son symbolizes God's readiness to forgive and restore those who turn back to Him. This parable highlights the compassionate nature of God and the transformative power of genuine repentance. In another instance, Jesus addresses the self-righteousness of the Pharisees, contrasting it with the humility of a repentant sinner. In Luke 18:13-14, the tax collector's plea, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner," is met with divine approval, illustrating that repentance is a matter of the heart, not merely external observance. Repentance and Faith Jesus' call to repentance is often coupled with an invitation to faith. In Mark 1:15, He declares, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!" This dual call to repentance and faith signifies a holistic response to the gospel message. Repentance involves a turning away from sin, while faith involves a turning towards Christ, trusting in His redemptive work. Warnings and Urgency Jesus also issues stern warnings about the consequences of failing to repent. In Luke 13:3, He states, "No, I tell you. But unless you repent, you too will all perish." This warning underscores the seriousness of repentance as a non-negotiable aspect of entering the kingdom of God. The urgency of repentance is further emphasized in the parable of the barren fig tree (Luke 13:6-9), where the call to bear fruit in keeping with repentance is made clear. The Great Commission The theme of repentance extends beyond Jesus' earthly ministry into the mission of His disciples. In Luke 24:47, Jesus commissions His followers, stating, "and in His name repentance and forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem." This charge highlights the ongoing importance of repentance in the proclamation of the gospel, as it remains a foundational element of the Christian message. In summary, repentance as preached by Christ is a profound and transformative turning towards God, characterized by humility, faith, and a sincere desire to align one's life with His will. It is both a personal and communal call, integral to the message of salvation and the advancement of God's kingdom. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 4:17From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Torrey's Topical Textbook Mark 1:15 Library Christ and his Apostles, Without any Fraud, Deception, or ... Repentance Christ's First and Last Subject Faith and Repentance Inseparable That Faith in Christ Justifies. Beginning at Jerusalem Regeneration by Faith. Of Repentance. Apostolic Exhortation The Preaching of John. Ch. 3:1-20 The Beginning of the Gospel. 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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