Topical Encyclopedia Repentance is a central theme in Christian theology, emphasizing the need for a change of heart and mind, turning away from sin, and turning towards God. The urgency of repentance is underscored throughout Scripture, highlighting the present time as the opportune season for individuals to seek reconciliation with God.Biblical Foundation The call to repentance is a consistent message throughout the Bible. In the New Testament, John the Baptist and Jesus Christ both began their ministries with a call to repentance. John the Baptist proclaimed, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near" (Matthew 3:2). Similarly, Jesus echoed this call, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near" (Matthew 4:17). This urgency indicates that the present moment is always the right time to turn back to God. The Apostolic Message The apostles continued this message, urging believers to repent and turn to God. In Acts 3:19, Peter exhorts the people, "Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away." The apostolic teaching emphasizes that repentance is not merely a one-time event but an ongoing attitude and action in the life of a believer. The Present Time as the Season for Repentance The Bible stresses the importance of the present time as the season for repentance. In 2 Corinthians 6:2, Paul writes, "For He says: 'In the time of favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.' Behold, now is the time of favor; now is the day of salvation." This passage underscores the immediacy and urgency of responding to God's call without delay. The Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in convicting individuals of their need for repentance. In John 16:8, Jesus explains, "And when He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment." The Spirit's work in the hearts of individuals prompts them to recognize their sinfulness and their need for God's grace. Repentance and Faith Repentance is closely linked with faith. In Mark 1:15, Jesus declares, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!" This connection shows that true repentance involves not only turning away from sin but also turning towards faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The Consequences of Delay Scripture warns of the dangers of delaying repentance. Hebrews 3:15 cautions, "As it has been said: 'Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.'" The hardening of one's heart can lead to spiritual peril, emphasizing the need to respond to God's call promptly. The Joy of Repentance Repentance is not merely a somber duty but a source of great joy. In Luke 15:7, Jesus states, "In the same way, I tell you that there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous ones who do not need to repent." This heavenly joy reflects the transformative power of repentance and the restoration of a right relationship with God. Conclusion The present time is indeed the season for repentance. The biblical call to repentance is urgent and immediate, inviting individuals to experience the grace and forgiveness available through Jesus Christ. As the Scriptures affirm, now is the time to turn to God, embrace His mercy, and walk in newness of life. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 95:7,8For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if you will hear his voice, Torrey's Topical Textbook Hebrews 3:7,8 Proverbs 27:1 Isaiah 55:6 2 Corinthians 6:2 Hebrews 4:7 Library What Hope and Reward Remains for the Righteous and for Martyrs ... Liii. Repentance Enjoined. Parable of the Barren Fig-Tree. Special Preparation for Baptism. A Present Religion The Season of Epiphany. Proverbs i. 28 On Admonition and Repentance. Matthew xx. 1, and C. The Gift of the Spirit Twentieth Sunday after Trinity the Careful Walk of the Christian. 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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