Topical Encyclopedia Repentance is a central theme in the teachings of the apostles, as recorded in the New Testament. It signifies a profound change of mind and heart, turning away from sin and toward God. The apostles, following the example of Jesus Christ, emphasized repentance as essential for salvation and a restored relationship with God.Peter's Call to Repentance The Apostle Peter prominently preached repentance, particularly in his early sermons recorded in the Book of Acts. On the day of Pentecost, after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Peter addressed the crowd, convicting them of their role in the crucifixion of Jesus. In Acts 2:38 , Peter declares, "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." Here, repentance is linked with baptism and the reception of the Holy Spirit, marking the beginning of the Christian life. Peter's message of repentance is reiterated in Acts 3:19 , where he urges, "Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord." This passage highlights the cleansing and renewal that accompany genuine repentance. Paul's Teaching on Repentance The Apostle Paul also emphasized repentance in his missionary journeys and epistles. In his address to the Athenians at the Areopagus, Paul speaks of God's command for all people to repent, as recorded in Acts 17:30 : "Although God overlooked the ignorance of earlier times, He now commands all people everywhere to repent." Paul presents repentance as a universal requirement, underscoring its importance in the divine plan of salvation. In his farewell to the Ephesian elders, Paul summarizes his ministry as one of "testifying to both Jews and Greeks about repentance to God and faith in our Lord Jesus" (Acts 20:21). This statement encapsulates the dual focus of Paul's message: turning away from sin and turning toward faith in Christ. Repentance in the Epistles The theme of repentance continues in the apostolic letters. In 2 Corinthians 7:10 , Paul writes, "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death." Here, Paul distinguishes between genuine repentance, which is motivated by a sorrow that aligns with God's will, and a superficial sorrow that lacks transformative power. The Apostle John also addresses repentance in the context of the churches in Revelation. In Revelation 2:5 , the church in Ephesus is admonished: "Therefore, keep in mind how far you have fallen. Repent and perform the deeds you did at first." This call to repentance is a reminder of the need for continual renewal and return to one's first love and commitment to Christ. The Apostolic Model of Repentance The apostles' preaching of repentance is characterized by a call to action, urging individuals to acknowledge their sins, seek forgiveness, and live in obedience to God. This message is consistent with the teachings of Jesus, who began His ministry with the proclamation, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near" (Matthew 4:17). Repentance, as preached by the apostles, is not merely an emotional response but a decisive turning point that involves the whole person—mind, heart, and will. It is both an initial step in the Christian journey and an ongoing practice, as believers continually seek to align their lives with God's purposes. Through repentance, the apostles offered the hope of redemption and the promise of new life in Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Mark 6:12And they went out, and preached that men should repent. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 20:21 Library Comparison Between the Apostles and Novatians. ... Christ and his Apostles, Without any Fraud, Deception, or ... The Gospel was Preached to Jews and Gentiles in Hades. From the Ascension to the Church at Antioch. Regeneration by Faith. Of Repentance. From the Acts of the Apostles. Doctrine of the Rest of the Apostles. The Angel of the Everlasting Gospel. The Age of the Apostles (Ad 33-100) Berea and Athens 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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