Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
What It Means to Repent
Repentance is the act of acknowledging and turning away from sin. It is a heartfelt response to sin. It is a Christian experience known as being “born again.” Whenever I hear the word repent, my mind instantly jumps to sin and its consequences. As Christians, we should want to turn away from sin. More importantly, we should change how we perceive our loving God. Is it possible that the true nature of repentance is more about our relationship with God? Is it more than just a response to sin?
As I delved into the scriptures, I discovered a profound truth: Repentance is not merely about turning away from sin. It signifies a profound transformation. Repentance involves a change of heart, mind, purpose, and conduct. When we repent, it’s not just about feeling sorry for and avoiding our sins. The true nature of repentance should inspire us, fill us with hope, and motivate us to strive for this transformation.
Examples of Repentance in the Bible
In the New Testament, there are three Greek words used to denote repentance:
- Metamelomai, denoting a change of mind, produces remorse because of sin but not necessarily a change of heart.
- Metanoeo, characterizing a change of mind on purpose as a result of after-knowledge.
- Metanoia signifies true repentance, denoting a change of mind and life.
“Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders.”
— Matthew 27:3 [NKJV]
Judas had a change of mind but not a change of heart. His remorse led him to take his life. He chose this rather than receiving forgiveness for his sin. It would have resulted in salvation and eternal life if he had accepted forgiveness.
In the Parable of the Lost Son, the younger son purposely changes his mind after learning his mistake. He acknowledges his mistake, returns home, and asks his father to forgive him. He is willing to lower his status and become a servant if his father will forgive him.
“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’”
— Luke 15:17-19 [NIV]
True Repentance
An encounter with Jesus leads to genuine repentance. Saul of Tarsus honestly thought he was doing God a service by persecuting Christians. But that all changed when he met the risen Savior on the road to Damascus.
“As he journeyed, he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”
— Acts 9:3-4
The man once murdered Christians. As a result of his encounter with Christ, he was converted to Christianity. He became chief among believers. God changed his name to Paul, who would become the Apostle to the Gentiles.
The Transformation Process
The true nature of repentance brings about a unique transformation. When we repent, God gives us a new nature, and we no longer desire to sin. But how are we transformed? The Bible states that a conversion occurs when we renew our minds.
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
— Romans 12:2
Change Your Mind About God
One must change one’s view of God to know God’s will. Often, we perceive our heavenly Father as an angry God eagerly waiting to punish us for our sins. We imagine Him as the Supreme Judge seated in a distant place called heaven. But our God is not a distant deity but a personal God present in every aspect of our lives. Our Heavenly Father is not just a ruler in heaven. He is also a resident in our hearts. He guides us and calls us to repentance. Understanding God’s nature can bring us closer to Him and deepen our understanding of repentance.
People perceive God in different ways. Some believe God punishes us with sickness and death. John the Baptist preached to people, telling them to repent. Jesus did not come to tell us about the true nature of repentance. He came to reveal the true character of God.
The message of John the Baptist aligns with the message of Jesus: Repent; change your view of God. How do you see God? If you see an angry God, you will fear – be afraid of – Him. But if you see a loving and compassionate God, you will reverence Him. This understanding should reassure us of God’s love and care for us.
Fear God, But Don’t Be Afraid of Him
Our perception of God significantly influences our worship, faith, and love for Him. The scriptures unequivocally declare that God is love (1 John 4:16). Love and fear cannot coexist. Indeed, God does not want us to be afraid of Him. He wants us to love Him. But we must remember that we only love God because He loved us first (1 John 4:19). This truth should bring comfort and a sense of security in our relationship with God.
The Bible teaches that we should fear God, and the Old Testament mentions fear 106 times. Everyone is acquainted with fear. Fear can come from the sound of thunder or from the apprehension that keeps us from pursuing our dreams. Fear means to be afraid.
Proverbs 1:7 tells us that our knowledge begins when we fear the Lord. In the New Testament Book, 2 Timothy, we read, “God has not given us a spirit of fear.” This is found in 2 Timothy 1:7. It may not sound very clear at first. Why would God tell us to fear Him? Then He tells us that the spirit of fear is not from Him. Should we be afraid of God, or does the expression “fear God” have another meaning? It is doubtful that God would use fear to get us to love Him. God does not force Himself on anyone. God is kind to everyone, even those who do not love Him.
Turn to God
The love that God has for us is beyond our understanding. God loves us so much that He sent His own Son to be the ultimate sacrifice for sin. We see the expression of that love when Adam and Eve sinned in the opening chapters of the Bible. They had exposed their nakedness. God would no longer be their covering. God sacrificed an innocent lamb to cover their nakedness. That lamb represented Christ – the Lamb of God, slain before the earth’s foundation (Revelation 13:8).
The next time you hear the word “repent,” shift your focus from sin to God’s goodness. What you believe about God is essential. Do not fear God in the sense of being afraid of Him. Don’t think of a God who wants to punish or teach you a lesson. Think of a loving God who wants to love and supply your needs. Consider the times you felt God’s love and provision in your life. Think about His mercy and grace. We should focus on these aspects of God’s nature. When you consider repentance, remember that we are deeply loved and cared for by Him.
When you have an encounter with God, you will never be the same again. Thanks for sharing.
Amen, Beverly. Thanks for stopping by.