What IS Repentance?

[RJ]

:Many understand the term repentance to mean “turning from sin.” This is not the biblical definition of repentance. In the Bible, the word repent means “to change one’s mind.” The Bible also tells us that true repentance will result in a change of actions Luke 3:8-14 ; Acts 3:19. Acts 26:20 declares, “I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.” The full biblical definition of repentance is a change of mind that results in a change of action.

What, then, is the connection between repentance and salvation? The Book of Acts seems to especially focus on repentance in regards to salvation Acts 2:38;3:19;11:18;17:30;20:21;26:20. To repent, in relation to salvation, is to change your mind in regard to Jesus Christ. In Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost Acts chapter 2 , he concludes with a call for the people to repent Acts 2:38. Repent from what? Peter is calling the people who rejected Jesus (Acts 2:36) to change their minds about Him, to recognize that He is indeed “Lord and Christ” Acts 2:36. Peter is calling the people to change their minds from rejection of Christ as the Messiah to faith in Him as both Messiah and Savior.

Repentance and faith can be understood as “two sides of the same coin.” It is impossible to place your faith in Jesus Christ as the Savior without first changing your mind about who He is and what He has done. Whether it is repentance from willful rejection or repentance from ignorance or disinterest, it is a change of mind. Biblical repentance, in relation to salvation, is changing your mind from rejection of Christ to faith in Christ.

It is crucially important that we understand repentance is not a work we do to earn salvation. No one can repent and come to God unless God pulls that person to Himself John 6:44 . Acts 5:31and11:18 indicate that repentance is something God gives—it is only possible because of His grace. No one can repent unless God grants repentance
Repentance is a gift and a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Who knows how fast, but probably instantly, repentance follows faith and is one of many fruits or works of the Holy Spirit through you, that without it is one of the first indications that your faith is indeed dead!,

 

[TaylorDonBarret]

So we must repent and believe in order to be saved. But these are not works that we must do in order to be saved? I thought we had to do them in order to be saved?

 

[TaylorDonBarret]

What is Repentance?
The Greek word where repentance is used as a noun is “metanoia” which means “a change of mind.” When Jesus started His ministry He said “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt 4:17). In this case, Jesus used the verb form of repentance which is “metanoeō” which again means “to change one’s mind” or “heartily to amend with abhorrence of one’s past sins” so we see that repentance is not just a change of mind but a change of intention or a change of the heart. It is an intentional change or turning away from sin and turning to God; from wanting to sin to not wanting to sin. God is the one Who grants repentance (Acts 11:18; 2 Tim 2:25) and it must take this miracle of God because the unregenerate human loves their sin and we have an ongoing, constant battle with sin all of our lives, even after conversion (Rom 7). Repentance is a heart change.a heart changed from the desire to sin to the desire to not sin and obey God.

 

[RJ]

So we must repent and believe in order to be saved. But these are not works that we must do in order to be saved? I thought we had to do them in order to be saved?

I was always taught that you "Had to dance with who brought you"! You have to go by what you are taught or what you personally get from the word of God. For me , it can never be something "We must do", it is all about God and none of us, unless we could fail! Repentance is something you want to do , of course, but make no mistake, it is only by the encouragement to do so by the Holy Spirit now in you and his fruit /work through you!

 

[RJ]

What is Repentance?
The Greek word where repentance is used as a noun is “metanoia” which means “a change of mind.” When Jesus started His ministry He said “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt 4:17). In this case, Jesus used the verb form of repentance which is “metanoeō” which again means “to change one’s mind” or “heartily to amend with abhorrence of one’s past sins” so we see that repentance is not just a change of mind but a change of intention or a change of the heart. It is an intentional change or turning away from sin and turning to God; from wanting to sin to not wanting to sin. God is the one Who grants repentance (Acts 11:18; 2 Tim 2:25) and it must take this miracle of God because the unregenerate human loves their sin and we have an ongoing, constant battle with sin all of our lives, even after conversion (Rom 7). Repentance is a heart change.a heart changed from the desire to sin to the desire to not sin and obey God.

Like I previously stated a few minutes ago, you have to go with what you believe! To "change one's mind" is the same as God saying that it is "A change in conscientious toward God" and this is possible only with the Holy spirit in you.......unbelievers do not or are not capable of this change because obviously they do not have the Holy Spirit!
1 Peter 3:21 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also--not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

 

[RJ]

Like I previously stated a few minutes ago, you have to go with what you believe! To "change one's mind" is the same as God saying that it is "A change in conscientious toward God" and this is possible only with the Holy spirit in you.......unbelievers do not or are not capable of this change because obviously they do not have the Holy Spirit!
1 Peter 3:21 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also--not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

A change in conscience, mind, heart are all the same, and happen at the same time!

 

[Thiscrosshurts]

It is crucially important that we understand repentance is not a work we do to earn salvation. No one can repent and come to God unless God pulls that person to Himself John 6:44 . Acts 5:31and11:18 indicate that repentance is something God gives—it is only possible because of His grace. No one can repent unless God grants repentance
Repentance is a gift and a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Who knows how fast, but probably instantly, repentance follows faith and is one of many fruits or works of the Holy Spirit through you, that without it is one of the first indications that your faith is indeed dead!,

I agree with you but I would add something.I can see an initial repentance by changing our mind and believing.
That repentance comes from seeing Jesus as Lord and comes to most of us by faith.
Saul/Paul was confronted by Jesus and called him Lord because it was revealed to him.

When it is revealed to us by Faith that Jesus is Lord we have the option to believe and change based on that belief.
That is the foundation that no other can lay.
That qualifies us for the journey.
Every thing we do after that builds on that foundation.
There is only one work required by God and that is to believe on the one whom God sent.
If one really believes he will act accordingly.

There will be many times in our walk that we will repent when it is revealed that there is a better way of conducting ourselves.
After salvation- repentance,works,study,prayer and learning builds on the foundation of Christ.
Jesus does not build on our foundation we build on his.

1 Corinthians 3:11 For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:12 Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,
1 Corinthians 3:13 each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work.

We can build on that foundation and what we build will be tested.
1 Corinthians 3:14 If any man's work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward.
1 Corinthians 3:15 If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

 

[RJ]

That is the foundation that no other can lay.

The foundation that he lays is all of him and none of us. There is absolutely nothing man can do himself or it is a work and God said he does not accept the work of man, all will eventually be burned up!
The only work acceptable to God is not from us but through us from Jesus Christ himself! That is what I believe and I have found nothing to replace it, so we'll just to disagree on this.

 

[Thiscrosshurts]

The foundation that he lays is all of him and none of us. There is absolutely nothing man can do himself or it is a work and God said he does not accept the work of man, all will eventually be burned up!
The only work acceptable to God is not from us but through us from Jesus Christ himself! That is what I believe and I have found nothing to replace it, so we'll just to disagree on this.

What would we be disagreeing on?
I said Jesus is the foundation for salvation alone.
Your right,nothing I can do but fall on that rock before it falls on me.
Now that I now it is all him and all I have to do is listen for the masters voice then I am free to start the journey.

I tried to make a distinction between the only work God wants and the works that are done on the journey.

1 Corinthians 3:11 For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
You seem to agree that this foundation is what has been already finished and that what we are doing
is acknowledging through the gift of faith the grace that laid that foundation..

1 Corinthians 3:12 Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,
There is a place for works and the other things but they are not the foundation.

1 Corinthians 3:13 each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it because it
is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work.
Our works (after salvation) will be tested.

1 Corinthians 3:14 If any man's work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward.
1 Corinthians 3:15 If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

You can suffer loss and still be saved so it seems it's not black and white.
You can also reap rewards for more noble things.

I don't see any disagreement with anything you said.
Please point out exactly what you disagree with.

 

[RJ]

What would we be disagreeing on?

OK, my apologies.

I agree with you but I would add something.I can see an initial repentance by changing our mind and believing.

When you said this, I took it as a work of man! Sorry!

 

[Thiscrosshurts]

When you said this, I took it as a work of man! Sorry!

I was trying to describe what I see as different types of repentance.
Believing in the one whom God sent is the big "R" repentance that saves.
I am not doing anything but synchronizing with what was already done by the Lamb.
Acts 2:38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.”
I feel that what Peter was referring to turning in a different direction by believing on the one whom God sent.

I added that because someone might be talking about daily repenting of sins and see Peter's statements as a "works in progress type saving".
Every time the Holy Spirit shows me a better way I have an option to turn to that new way of thinking so there is an ongoing repentance but our salvation does not depend on it.
Some seem to confuse that kind of repentance with the big"R" which is accepting the grace of God
and calling God your father by the faith given by God to call him your father.

 

[RJ]

Believing in the one whom God sent is the big "R" repentance that saves

Do you have scripture to support the big "R"?:glasses:

I am not doing anything but synchronizing with what was already done by the Lamb.

That is a new one on me, a process of synchronizing! Can you offer some scripture describes this Biblical method?

Every time the Holy Spirit shows me a better way I have an option to turn to that new way of thinking so there is an ongoing repentance but our salvation does not depend on it.

A better way other than what is already written!

Some seem to confuse that kind of repentance with the big"R" which is accepting the grace of God

Well, you got me!....Did you just say that repentance is accepting grace? Again, do you have scripture?

 

[Thiscrosshurts]

Do you have scripture to support the big "R"?

Acts 2:38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.”
When it is revealed to us by Faith that Jesus is Lord we have the option to believe and change based on that belief.
3340 metanoéō (from 3326 /metá, "changed after being with" and 3539 /noiéō, "think") – properly, "think differently after," "after a change of mind"; to repent (literally, "think differently afterwards").
Believing in the one whom God sent is thinking differently after being confronted with an option.
I called it the big R to differentiate this one time repenting from repenting of individual acts after you are saved.
I could call it something else if that would make you feel more comfortable.

That is a new one on me, a process of synchronizing! Can you offer some scripture describes this Biblical method?

In other words coming into compliance with a spiritual mindset.
2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

A better way other than what is already written!

It's called learning.
I don't fully understand everything that is written,thats why I search and ask questions.
I can always find a better way to walk in love.

 

[Cturtle]

:Many understand the term repentance to mean “turning from sin.” This is not the biblical definition of repentance. In the Bible, the word repent means “to change one’s mind.” The Bible also tells us that true repentance will result in a change of actions Luke 3:8-14 ; Acts 3:19. Acts 26:20 declares, “I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.” The full biblical definition of repentance is a change of mind that results in a change of action.

What, then, is the connection between repentance and salvation? The Book of Acts seems to especially focus on repentance in regards to salvation Acts 2:38;3:19;11:18;17:30;20:21;26:20. To repent, in relation to salvation, is to change your mind in regard to Jesus Christ. In Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost Acts chapter 2 , he concludes with a call for the people to repent Acts 2:38. Repent from what? Peter is calling the people who rejected Jesus (Acts 2:36) to change their minds about Him, to recognize that He is indeed “Lord and Christ” Acts 2:36. Peter is calling the people to change their minds from rejection of Christ as the Messiah to faith in Him as both Messiah and Savior.

Repentance and faith can be understood as “two sides of the same coin.” It is impossible to place your faith in Jesus Christ as the Savior without first changing your mind about who He is and what He has done. Whether it is repentance from willful rejection or repentance from ignorance or disinterest, it is a change of mind. Biblical repentance, in relation to salvation, is changing your mind from rejection of Christ to faith in Christ.

It is crucially important that we understand repentance is not a work we do to earn salvation. No one can repent and come to God unless God pulls that person to Himself John 6:44 . Acts 5:31and11:18 indicate that repentance is something God gives—it is only possible because of His grace. No one can repent unless God grants repentance
Repentance is a gift and a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Who knows how fast, but probably instantly, repentance follows faith and is one of many fruits or works of the Holy Spirit through you, that without it is one of the first indications that your faith is indeed dead!,

Might be silly, but in reading your post, i realize that a pastor that i was listening to the other day, talked about how every time we hear a message preached, we are in a sense repenting. And every time we read the Word of God, we are repenting. We are constantly changing our minds to think about Jesus, and to think about how He would handle things. Kind of goes along with Romans 12:2, we are allowing our minds to be renewed by the Word of God which therefore transforms our actions. And the more we behave and walk like Jesus, the more the love of Jesus and for Jesus is within us.

Blessings of peace and joy be yours in abundance.

 

[Wired 4 Fishen]

Might be silly, but in reading your post, i realize that a pastor that i was listening to the other day, talked about how every time we hear a message preached, we are in a sense repenting. And every time we read the Word of God, we are repenting. We are constantly changing our minds to think about Jesus, and to think about how He would handle things. Kind of goes along with Romans 12:2, we are allowing our minds to be renewed by the Word of God which therefore transforms our actions. And the more we behave and walk like Jesus, the more the love of Jesus and for Jesus is within us.

Blessings of peace and joy be yours in abundance.

:thumbsup:Amen Cturtle:thumbsup:
I heard this very same thing and I can testify it is so
Blerssings
Jim

 

[RJ]

I called it the big R to differentiate this one time repenting from repenting of individual acts after you are saved.

OK, so the "Big R" is a term you made up. So, to you, continued repenting is necessary for salvation?

In other words coming into compliance with a spiritual mindset.
2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

This is your "synchronizing" verse!

It's called learning.
I don't fully understand everything that is written,thats why I search and ask questions.
I can always find a better way to walk in love.

OK, I always thought that was the Holy Spirits purpose in you to give discernment about scripture.

 

[RJ]

Might be silly, but in reading your post, i realize that a pastor that i was listening to the other day, talked about how every time we hear a message preached, we are in a sense repenting. And every time we read the Word of God, we are repenting. We are constantly changing our minds to think about Jesus, and to think about how He would handle things. Kind of goes along with Romans 12:2, we are allowing our minds to be renewed by the Word of God which therefore transforms our actions. And the more we behave and walk like Jesus, the more the love of Jesus and for Jesus is within us.

Yes , I also believe that. Paul refereed it to renewing the mind and not renewed, indicating it is an on going process. It is not so much a continued repenting, how is one to be aware of all the ways we mess up, but a continued and improving repentant heart is a sign that God loves.

 

[Thiscrosshurts]

OK, so the "Big R" is a term you made up. So, to you, continued repenting is necessary for salvation?

No,thats not what I said and if my terms are not churchy enough for you I can use different words.

This is your "synchronizing" verse!

Yes,if my terms are not churchy enough for you I can use different words.

OK, I always thought that was the Holy Spirits purpose in you to give discernment about scripture.

Yes,The Holy spirit teaches many ways.
Not all of us knew everything the moment we were saved.

 

[RJ]

No,thats not what I said and if my terms are not churchy enough for you I can use different words.

• What does "Churchy" mean...can't find that one!
• My apologies, I didn't mean that you said that, I was just asking if you meant that.
• I was wondering about how you felt about continued repentance, I think we may differ there. I actually like your "Big R", the first time is so important. It is the "Little R's" I was wondering about? I think these are this way: I believe Jesus died once, for all, and for all sin. If anything that would otherwise separate us from God, is surely a sin, then we can't be or be made aware of each sin we commit. When we have these particular sins in our life, Jesus died for those too! With regard to continued repentance, it isn't a must that we are aware of each sin, but that we have an ever increasing "repentant heart" and conscience toward sin......sanctification!

Yes,The Holy spirit teaches many ways.
Not all of us knew everything the moment we were saved.

No, definitely a process of sanctification.

 

[Thiscrosshurts]

I believe Jesus died once, for all, and for all sin. If anything that would otherwise separate us from God, is surely a sin, then we can't be or be made aware of each sin we commit. When we have these particular sins in our life, Jesus died for those too! With regard to continued repentance, it isn't a must that we are aware of each sin, but that we have an ever increasing "repentant heart" and conscience toward sin......sanctification!

I agree,thats what I was trying to define without making it salvation dependant.

Yes , I also believe that. Paul refereed it to renewing the mind and not renewed, indicating it is an on going process. It is not so much a continued repenting, how is one to be aware of all the ways we mess up, but a continued and improving repentant heart is a sign that God loves.

I agree with that,like the washing of water with the word and spirit.