Topical Encyclopedia Repentance is a central theme in Christian theology, emphasizing a transformative change of heart and mind, turning away from sin and toward God. This concept is not only a personal journey but also a cause for divine celebration, as illustrated in the teachings of Jesus Christ.The Gospel of Luke provides a poignant depiction of the heavenly response to repentance. 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 verse underscores the immense value placed on each individual soul and the profound joy that repentance brings to the heavenly realm. The parable of the lost sheep, found in Luke 15:3-7, further illustrates this concept. The shepherd leaves the ninety-nine sheep to find the one that is lost, symbolizing God's relentless pursuit of the sinner. Upon finding the lost sheep, the shepherd rejoices, and Jesus concludes the parable by emphasizing the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. Similarly, the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32 highlights the theme of repentance and divine joy. The wayward son, after squandering his inheritance, returns to his father in a state of repentance. The father's response is one of overwhelming joy and celebration, mirroring the heavenly reaction to a sinner's return to God. The concept of joy in heaven over repentance is not limited to the New Testament. The Old Testament also reflects God's desire for repentance and the joy it brings. In Ezekiel 18:23 , God declares, "Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Lord GOD. Wouldn't I prefer he turn from his ways and live?" This passage reveals God's heart for repentance and His preference for life and restoration over judgment. Repentance is a gift from God, enabled by His grace and the work of the Holy Spirit. It involves a sincere acknowledgment of sin, a heartfelt sorrow for having offended God, and a resolute turning away from sin toward a life of obedience and faith. The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 7:10 , distinguishes between worldly sorrow and godly sorrow, stating, "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death." The joy in heaven over one sinner's repentance reflects the immense value God places on each individual. It highlights the boundless grace and mercy available to all who turn to Him. This divine joy serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of repentance and the eternal significance of each soul's return to God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 15:7,10I say to you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repents, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Humanity of God The Lost Sheep. That God and the Angels Rejoice More on the Return of one Sinner ... The Three Parables of the Gospel: of the Recovery of the Lost - of ... The Sympathy of the Two Worlds The Two Sons. Solomon's Repentance Paul's First Prayer The Parable of the Lost Sheep B. The Second Stages. Chs. 13:22 to 17:10 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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