Topical Encyclopedia Repentance is a fundamental concept in Christian theology, signifying a profound transformation of heart and mind, turning away from sin and toward God. It is not merely an emotional response but involves a decisive change in direction, leading to a life of obedience and holiness. This transformation is expected to be accompanied by a renewed zeal in fulfilling one's duties as a follower of Christ.Biblical Foundation The call to repentance is a central theme throughout Scripture. In the New Testament, John the Baptist and Jesus both began their ministries with the call to "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near" (Matthew 3:2; Matthew 4:17). This call to repentance is not just about feeling remorse for past sins but involves a commitment to live according to God's will. Repentance and Zeal True repentance is evidenced by a greater zeal in the path of duty. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, highlights the earnestness that accompanies genuine repentance: "See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done" (2 Corinthians 7:11). This passage underscores that repentance should lead to a fervent desire to pursue righteousness and fulfill one's responsibilities before God. Examples of Zeal Following Repentance The account of Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1-10 illustrates repentance leading to action. Upon encountering Jesus, Zacchaeus, a tax collector known for his dishonesty, repents and demonstrates his newfound zeal by pledging to give half of his possessions to the poor and repay fourfold anyone he has defrauded. His actions reflect a sincere commitment to rectify past wrongs and live a life pleasing to God. Similarly, the Apostle Peter, after denying Christ three times, experiences deep remorse and repentance. Following the resurrection, Jesus restores Peter, and he becomes a fervent leader in the early church, boldly proclaiming the gospel and fulfilling his duties with renewed passion (John 21:15-19; Acts 2:14-41). The Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in empowering believers to live out their repentance with zeal. In Acts 1:8, Jesus promises His disciples that they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them, enabling them to be His witnesses. This empowerment is essential for believers to carry out their duties with enthusiasm and dedication, as seen in the early church's rapid growth and the apostles' unwavering commitment to their mission. Practical Implications Repentance should lead to a tangible change in behavior and priorities. Believers are called to "offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God" (Romans 12:1), which involves a wholehearted commitment to serving God and others. This service is not to be done grudgingly but with zeal, as Paul exhorts in Romans 12:11, "Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord" . In summary, repentance is not an end in itself but a catalyst for a life marked by greater zeal in the path of duty. It is a transformative process that aligns the believer's heart with God's purposes, resulting in a passionate pursuit of righteousness and faithful service in His kingdom. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Corinthians 7:11For behold this selfsame thing, that you sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it worked in you, yes, what clearing of yourselves, yes, what indignation, yes, what fear, yes, what vehement desire, yes, what zeal, yes, what revenge! In all things you have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Regeneration by Faith. Of Repentance. Treatise on the Priesthood. Book iii. From the Close of the General Conference of 1816 to the ... Boniface, Apostle of the Germans. From the Close of the General Conference of 1812 to the Death of ... Death of Martha Yeardley, and John Yeardley's Journey to Norway. Introductory Notice Respecting Tauler's Life and Times Modern Revivals. Modern Revivals From the Close of the General Conference of 1800, to the End of ... 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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