So, what is REPENTANCE really?

[vhusley]

What is repentance? I mean, what is TRUE repentance? Is it a necessary step in the “salvation formula”?

What does a truly repentant person “look like”? Are there outward as well as inward signs to let us know that WE have truly repented or than another is truly repentant?
I believe there are. Read this passage where Paul is giving a defense before King Agrippa:

“For that reason, King Agrippa, I did not prove disobedient to the heavenly vision, but continually proclaimed to those in Damascus first, and in Jerusalem, and then all the region of Judea, and even to the Gentiles, that they are to repent and turn to God, performing deeds consistent with repentance.” (Acts 26:19-20 NASB)

So what are those “deeds consistent with repentance” (other translations use the term “works”) of which the Apostle Paul speaks?

 

[twcstp]

Deeds consistent with genuine repentance would be this: following the commandments.

 

[vhusley]

Deeds consistent with genuine repentance would be this: following the commandments.

That would definitely be a start! I tend to look at the Ten Commandments almost as the "Bare minimum" requirements for obedience to God.
I'm just thinking that true repentance and having a REAL and DEEPER relationship with God goes further and prob reflects certain other "changes of character.'

In Matthew 3:7-8 John the Baptist is rebuking Sadducees and Pharisees who've come for baptism: " But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruit in keeping with repentance"

We know that these men were church leaders, knew the Law and the Commandments, and for the most part were obedient and lived them out daily (or when others looked at them they witnessed them trying to "live out" the Commandments......how they interpreted them at least). I believe the difference here is......their hearts were not truly repentant....and John the Baptizer somehow recognized this in them!
I believe that it is possible to exhibit obedience and yet still not have a repentant heart. I'm thinking HUMILITY, BROKENNESS, GODLY SORROW, PATIENCE, MERCY, and COMPASSION for the lost (among others) are all visible "signs" of a truly repentant heart.....or that "fruit" that John speaks of.