------------------------------------------------------- **Cross Reference**: #theology, #Christian_identity, #Gods_grace, #repentance, #faith, #salvation, #sanctification, #Holy_Spirit, #Roman_Catholic_theology, #Protestant_Reformation # Repentance: Turning from Sin and Returning to God ## What is Repentance? Repentanceis more than feeling sorry for [[Sin]]; it is an active decision to turn away from sin and seek restoration in relationship with [[God]]. It involves a complete reorientation of one’s life, leaving behind rebellion and embracing obedience to [[God]]. In theological terms, Repentanceis often paired with [[Faith]]—both are essential responses to the grace of [[God]] in [[Salvation]]. ## Repentance in the Old Testament In the [[Old Testament]], the Hebrew term for repentance often conveys the idea of "turning" or "returning." This act of turning was central to [[Israel]]’s relationship with [[God]]. When [[Israel]] strayed from [[God]], prophets repeatedly called them to repent and return to their Creator. - [2 Kings 23:1-25](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Kings+23.1-25&version=AMP) recounts how King [[Josiah]], upon discovering the [[Book of the Law]], led the people in national [[Repentance]], tearing down idols and recommitting to [[God]]’s covenant. - [Isaiah 1:27](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+1.27&version=AMP) captures this call: “Zion shall be redeemed by justice, and those in her who repent, by righteousness.” Repentance in the [[Old Testament]] often carried both a **national** and **individual** aspect, with people called to forsake idolatry, injustice, and disobedience, and return to the covenant promises of [[God]]. ## Repentance in the New Testament: A Central Message In the [[00.New Testament]], Repentancetakes on a more personal and immediate sense, seen in the ministries of [[John the Baptist]] and [[Jesus Christ]]. [[John the Baptist]]’s first message was simple: “Repent, for the [[Kingdom of Heaven]] has come near” ([Matthew 3:1-2](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+3.1-2&version=AMP)). [[Jesus Christ]] echoed this call in [Mark 1:14-15](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+1.14-15&version=AMP), proclaiming, “Repent and believe the gospel.” Repentance is also essential in the teaching of the apostles. [Acts 2:38](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+2.38&version=AMP) records [[Peter the Apostle]]’s message on the day of [[Pentecost]]: “Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of [[Jesus Christ]] so that your sins may be forgiven.” This invitation was not only for Jews but was extended to the Gentiles as well ([Acts 20:21](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+20.21&version=AMP)). The [[00.New Testament]] term for [[Repentance]], *metanoia*, literally means "a change of mind." It implies a shift in thinking that leads to a change in behavior—turning from sin to [[God]]. ## Repentanceand Faith: Two Sides of the Same Coin Theologically, repentance is closely tied to [[Faith]]. [Mark 1:15](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+1.15&version=AMP) shows that [[Jesus Christ]] called people to “repent and believe the gospel,” indicating that Repentanceand [[Faith]] are inseparable. - **[[Faith]]** is trusting in [[Jesus Christ]] for [[Salvation]], while **[[Repentance]]** is turning from sin and acknowledging the need for that salvation. - Some traditions view repentance as a prerequisite for [[Faith]], while others argue that both occur simultaneously at conversion. In the **[[Reformed]] tradition**, repentance and faith are seen as fruits of [[Regeneration]], or the new birth. [[Regeneration]] enables the will to turn toward [[God]] in repentance, affirming the principle of **sola gratia** (grace alone) in [[Salvation]]. The **[[Wesleyan-Arminian]] tradition**, on the other hand, teaches that repentance and faith are made possible by [[prevenient grace]], extended to all but not automatically effectual unless accepted. ## The Role of Repentancein the Christian Life While repentance marks the beginning of the Christian life, it is also an ongoing reality. [[Martin Luther]], in the first of his Ninety-Five Theses, wrote: “When our Lord and Master [[Jesus Christ]] said, ‘Repent,’ he willed the entire life of believers to be one of repentance.” Even after [[Justification]], believers are called to continually repent as they grow in [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]]. Although Christians are declared righteous in [[Christ]], they still struggle with the desires of the flesh. [Romans 8:13](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8.13&version=AMP) calls believers to “put to death the deeds of the body” and live by the Spirit. This ongoing process involves repentance as believers daily choose to turn from sin and live in obedience to [[God]]. Repentance, then, is not a one-time act but a daily, lifelong pursuit of holiness and growth in [[Faith]]. This ongoing repentance is linked to the **sacrament of [[Baptism]]**, symbolizing death to sin and new life in [[Christ]]. ## Different Traditions on Repentance ### [[Roman Catholic]] Understanding In [[Roman Catholic theology]], repentance is deeply connected to the sacrament of **[[penance]]**. After a believer confesses sins, a priest offers absolution in the name of [[Christ]] and assigns acts of penance, such as prayer or fasting, to express repentance. This system emphasizes the continuing need for repentance, even after [[Baptism]]. ### Protestant Understanding The [[Protestant Reformers]], especially [[Martin Luther]], challenged the [[Roman Catholic]] understanding of penance, arguing that repentance and the assurance of forgiveness are based on **faith alone**. Repentance, while essential, does not involve meritorious acts to secure forgiveness but is a response to [[God]]’s grace, which has already been made effective through [[Christ]]’s atoning work. ## Repentanceas an Ongoing Practice As [[Luther]] stated, the **Christian life is one of continual repentance**. This is not to be confused with constant guilt or despair, but rather a hopeful turning to [[God]] in recognition of our need for His grace. While repentance begins at conversion, it continues as part of the Christian’s **[[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]]**—the ongoing process of becoming more like [[Jesus Christ]]. Believers are called to constantly repent of sin as they **walk by the [[Holy Spirit]]** ([Galatians 5:16-18](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+5.16-18&version=AMP)), putting to death the deeds of the flesh and seeking to live in greater conformity to the will of [[God]]. This repentance is not a work to earn [[Salvation]], but a **fruit** of the Spirit’s work in the believer’s life. ### Call to Action: - Where do you need to turn away from sin and turn back to [[God]] today? - Reflect on how repentance plays a role in your daily walk with [[Jesus Christ]]. - Seek the [[Holy Spirit]]’s help in identifying areas of your life that need transformation through genuine repentance. ---