Repentance: the Greek word is: Met-an-o-eh-o
to think differently or afterwards, that is, reconsider (morally to feel compunction): - repent.
******************************************************************************
As you can see from the root word meaning above; to repent is to think different, it is the turning of your mind, to reconsider. Example: once you were into sin, you lived for your flesh and carnality which separated you from God. But now you have turned your mind from that fallen view and you are refocusing your mind on Christ and all things of Him in holiness and obedience.
Here are several verses that illustrate that well.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:1
This is a very important word and should be part of the biblical Christ followers life, teachings and testimony. You cannot read the New Testament without seeing it over and over as it was preached by John the Baptist, Jesus Christ, Peter and Paul. In fact in it's form of repent or repentance; it is used 59 times in the New Testament writings alone.
If you read or hear a 'so called' Christian website, tract, sermon, article or a testimony using a biblically discerning mind and you focus on this word "repent"; you will usually find two very troubling aspects.
1) There is a TOTAL lack of the word repent or repentance at all in many places called Christian today.
2) Many times you will see the word repent or repentance used but; it is used in a wrong fashion with an incorrect meaning attached to it.
Neither of the above are excusable at all and it shows the fault of much man-made religion today.
*To leave out the word is to make void what God is telling us as to how we are to come to the Savior. *To use the word but not get it correct; we twist the scripture's true meaning and we can deceive others onto thinking they have biblical salvation; when they do not!
When the word repent or repentance is left out altogether; often the idea of God's grace takes on a different meaning then what is intended in the bible. God gives us grace but we are called to repent as a fruit of His salvation. To not see that fact is likened to taking a "cheap grace view". This means you don't view the removing of sinful ways as a key to the biblical life Christ called us to. This is very dangerous! See our post on antinomianism HERE.
It is impossible to repent and not change your actions. Scripture tells us to turn back along with repentance.
Using more scripture we see that true repentance will show forth in godly fruit
Jesus said: Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: Matthew 3:8
Also Paul's tells us in Romans 6 that we don't stay in sin due to having God's grace.
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
God forbid. Romans 6:1-2
The fact is if your mind turns from something your body and life will follow. I have never heard of a mans body going off to sin without his mind knowing full well what was happening. If you have changed your mind about sin and Gods spirit comes into you; you WILL as fruit start to kill sin and live a obedient life as that is what His children do. This is know as the new life. 2 Cor 5:17
Jesus said this: if we love Him we keep His commands.
John 14:15
So if you're truly in Christ and His redeemed, you will have a desire to turn from iniquity and NOT sin today or want to sin ever. This is the fruit of Him at work in you and part of the sanctification process we are in if we claim His Holy name. To leave out repentance all together is to show that you really don't understand what biblical salvation is about and you may not have it? (This is also often called "easy believe-ism" in today's modern religious circles and it is a cancer of the truth damning many to hell.)
Here is a article on dispensationalism that often has a HYPER grace mindset totally void of repentance.
http://spiritandtruthdiscernment.blogspot.com/2017/02/dispensationalism-exposed.html
While there are many different ways to twist the meaning of the word repent; the most common ones we come across are:
*people say it is only changing your mind and you do not have to stop sinning.
This cannot be true as the bible is full of instruction to leave sin. Jesus Himself said this to a woman in sin
She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
John 8:11
To change your mind about sin but to stay in it is NOT changing your mind at all. It is not a biblical stance nor is it consistent with Gods Holy nature. Would you stand before a judge and tell him: "your honor.... I changed my mind about the law but I will still keep breaking it." A righteous judge will add to your sentence then toss you in jail ...not let you go!
God is a righteous judge also and He calls His people into obedience and holiness as fruit they are His. See Heb 5:9
*Some say it means to "be sorry for your past sins". While we should indeed be sorry for our sinful past that is not a correct biblical meaning as used in God's Word. True biblical repentance is to have your mind turned by God's truth and Spirit. The result is you will have a new view of how you live your life and of course; how you lived in the past as well. You will turn away from sin to seek righteousness for God's glory. But if we only view our past sin as a sorrowful event, are we really going to walk in manner that is worthy of God today and tomorrow? I think not. We are called to leave ALL sin and to strive for perfection and holiness (to be set apart for God) in all our ways.
But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conduct. 1 Peter 1:15
Jesus said Be ye perfect as the Father in heaven is perfect Matthew 5:48
Why is the mind so important you may ask?
Sin is often conceived in our minds even before we can act out in the flesh.
Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
James 1:15
So true biblical repentance can be understood as turning your mind. There is a true battle in that mind and that is why we need to surrender and be transformed by renewing it via His Spirit (See Romans 12:2 and also John 3:3 regarding being born again for salvation.)
God looks on our hearts but He will judge our deeds.
Who will render to every man according to his deeds: Romans 2:6
Jesus said: A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. Luke 6:45
Often times you can illustrate God's Kingdom using a righteous Judge in a court setting as a example. Can you imagine if a just Judge was about to pronounce a sentence upon a criminal who either:
Didn't even acknowledge to the judge he cared or was aware of his past crimes/mistakes
or;
He acknowledged the past mistakes but showed he really had no intention of correcting himself in the future and he would return to committing crimes.
That just Judge will not be willing to go easier on his sentence at all because of his state of mind regarding his transgressions against the law.
We are no different before a Holy, Holy. Holy God. While His Amazing grace alone can save us; our state of mind (repentance) regarding what separated us in the first place (sin) is how we are shown to have godly fruit. It is the evidence of His seal of salvation to come via the holy spirit; "if" we hold fast to what was preached to us in God's Word regarding the gospel. (See 1 Corinthians 15)
We indeed know that God calls men to repent.
And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent
Acts 17:30
When conversion and salvation is truly there; repentance has occurred and that person is forever changed and they no longer have the same mind towards ANY sin. (Though they will have fleshly desires to fight indeed,) If you haven't truly and biblically repented of your sin unto salvation; you need to go before God and get that settled today. (Repentance and salvation are the two heads of the same coin; don't try to pry them apart.)
If you are truly in Christ today don't ever avoid using this word in your testimony, preaching and teaching; calling others to it for their redemption. This will result in a biblical gospel message and more glory to God for what He has done!
Repent and believe the gospel then; bear fruit worthy of that repentance!
Jesus said: Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matthew 4:17
Jesus said: But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Matthew 9:18
And they went out, and preached that men should repent. Mark 6:12
Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38
Jesus said As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Revelation 3:19
And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory. Revelation 16:19
Glory to God
Email us anytime at all
www.dontperish.com
to think differently or afterwards, that is, reconsider (morally to feel compunction): - repent.
******************************************************************************
As you can see from the root word meaning above; to repent is to think different, it is the turning of your mind, to reconsider. Example: once you were into sin, you lived for your flesh and carnality which separated you from God. But now you have turned your mind from that fallen view and you are refocusing your mind on Christ and all things of Him in holiness and obedience.
Here are several verses that illustrate that well.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:1
This is a very important word and should be part of the biblical Christ followers life, teachings and testimony. You cannot read the New Testament without seeing it over and over as it was preached by John the Baptist, Jesus Christ, Peter and Paul. In fact in it's form of repent or repentance; it is used 59 times in the New Testament writings alone.
If you read or hear a 'so called' Christian website, tract, sermon, article or a testimony using a biblically discerning mind and you focus on this word "repent"; you will usually find two very troubling aspects.
1) There is a TOTAL lack of the word repent or repentance at all in many places called Christian today.
2) Many times you will see the word repent or repentance used but; it is used in a wrong fashion with an incorrect meaning attached to it.
Neither of the above are excusable at all and it shows the fault of much man-made religion today.
*To leave out the word is to make void what God is telling us as to how we are to come to the Savior. *To use the word but not get it correct; we twist the scripture's true meaning and we can deceive others onto thinking they have biblical salvation; when they do not!
When the word repent or repentance is left out altogether; often the idea of God's grace takes on a different meaning then what is intended in the bible. God gives us grace but we are called to repent as a fruit of His salvation. To not see that fact is likened to taking a "cheap grace view". This means you don't view the removing of sinful ways as a key to the biblical life Christ called us to. This is very dangerous! See our post on antinomianism HERE.
It is impossible to repent and not change your actions. Scripture tells us to turn back along with repentance.
Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
9 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Luke 3
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.
Acts 3:19
(other translations say.... turn back / so repentance is a action that has fruit to it.... it is NOT just your mind )
Using more scripture we see that true repentance will show forth in godly fruit
Jesus said: Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: Matthew 3:8
Also Paul's tells us in Romans 6 that we don't stay in sin due to having God's grace.
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
God forbid. Romans 6:1-2
The fact is if your mind turns from something your body and life will follow. I have never heard of a mans body going off to sin without his mind knowing full well what was happening. If you have changed your mind about sin and Gods spirit comes into you; you WILL as fruit start to kill sin and live a obedient life as that is what His children do. This is know as the new life. 2 Cor 5:17
Jesus said this: if we love Him we keep His commands.
John 14:15
So if you're truly in Christ and His redeemed, you will have a desire to turn from iniquity and NOT sin today or want to sin ever. This is the fruit of Him at work in you and part of the sanctification process we are in if we claim His Holy name. To leave out repentance all together is to show that you really don't understand what biblical salvation is about and you may not have it? (This is also often called "easy believe-ism" in today's modern religious circles and it is a cancer of the truth damning many to hell.)
Here is a article on dispensationalism that often has a HYPER grace mindset totally void of repentance.
http://spiritandtruthdiscernment.blogspot.com/2017/02/dispensationalism-exposed.html
While there are many different ways to twist the meaning of the word repent; the most common ones we come across are:
*people say it is only changing your mind and you do not have to stop sinning.
This cannot be true as the bible is full of instruction to leave sin. Jesus Himself said this to a woman in sin
She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
John 8:11
To change your mind about sin but to stay in it is NOT changing your mind at all. It is not a biblical stance nor is it consistent with Gods Holy nature. Would you stand before a judge and tell him: "your honor.... I changed my mind about the law but I will still keep breaking it." A righteous judge will add to your sentence then toss you in jail ...not let you go!
God is a righteous judge also and He calls His people into obedience and holiness as fruit they are His. See Heb 5:9
*Some say it means to "be sorry for your past sins". While we should indeed be sorry for our sinful past that is not a correct biblical meaning as used in God's Word. True biblical repentance is to have your mind turned by God's truth and Spirit. The result is you will have a new view of how you live your life and of course; how you lived in the past as well. You will turn away from sin to seek righteousness for God's glory. But if we only view our past sin as a sorrowful event, are we really going to walk in manner that is worthy of God today and tomorrow? I think not. We are called to leave ALL sin and to strive for perfection and holiness (to be set apart for God) in all our ways.
But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conduct. 1 Peter 1:15
Jesus said Be ye perfect as the Father in heaven is perfect Matthew 5:48
Why is the mind so important you may ask?
Sin is often conceived in our minds even before we can act out in the flesh.
Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
James 1:15
So true biblical repentance can be understood as turning your mind. There is a true battle in that mind and that is why we need to surrender and be transformed by renewing it via His Spirit (See Romans 12:2 and also John 3:3 regarding being born again for salvation.)
God looks on our hearts but He will judge our deeds.
Who will render to every man according to his deeds: Romans 2:6
Jesus said: A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. Luke 6:45
Often times you can illustrate God's Kingdom using a righteous Judge in a court setting as a example. Can you imagine if a just Judge was about to pronounce a sentence upon a criminal who either:
Didn't even acknowledge to the judge he cared or was aware of his past crimes/mistakes
or;
He acknowledged the past mistakes but showed he really had no intention of correcting himself in the future and he would return to committing crimes.
That just Judge will not be willing to go easier on his sentence at all because of his state of mind regarding his transgressions against the law.
We are no different before a Holy, Holy. Holy God. While His Amazing grace alone can save us; our state of mind (repentance) regarding what separated us in the first place (sin) is how we are shown to have godly fruit. It is the evidence of His seal of salvation to come via the holy spirit; "if" we hold fast to what was preached to us in God's Word regarding the gospel. (See 1 Corinthians 15)
We indeed know that God calls men to repent.
And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent
Acts 17:30
When conversion and salvation is truly there; repentance has occurred and that person is forever changed and they no longer have the same mind towards ANY sin. (Though they will have fleshly desires to fight indeed,) If you haven't truly and biblically repented of your sin unto salvation; you need to go before God and get that settled today. (Repentance and salvation are the two heads of the same coin; don't try to pry them apart.)
If you are truly in Christ today don't ever avoid using this word in your testimony, preaching and teaching; calling others to it for their redemption. This will result in a biblical gospel message and more glory to God for what He has done!
Repent and believe the gospel then; bear fruit worthy of that repentance!
Jesus said: Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matthew 4:17
Jesus said: But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Matthew 9:18
And they went out, and preached that men should repent. Mark 6:12
Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38
Jesus said As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Revelation 3:19
And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory. Revelation 16:19
Glory to God
Email us anytime at all
www.dontperish.com