Repentance
There are two essential responses to the gospel which we must make in order to be saved, namely repentance and faith. God has placed this responsibility fully upon us and without both there is no salvation.
Repentance is to be distinguished from remorse which involves hopelessness and self-pity for the pain and consequences of wrong action, without any prospect of restoration. e.g. Judas. Matt 27:3-5
Contrition may be thought of as genuine sorrow for wrong action. Zech 12:10
Repentance includes contrition but goes further. It involves:
- a complete change of mind, purpose and course of action,
- a turning from sin to God,
- a change for the better leading to forgiveness and restoration.
see Ezekiel 18:30-32 Isaiah 55:7 1 Thes 1:9
There is joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. Luke 15:7-10 and Luke 15:11-32
Jesus began earthly His ministry with the command, "Repent and believe the gospel " Mark 1:15
He came to call sinners to repentance. Matt 9:13
It is God’s command. Acts 17:30
During His earthly ministry His disciples preached repentance. Mark 6:12.
In His last words to them before His ascension, He reminded them that it was God’s eternal purpose, as a result of His death and resurrection,
"that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations." Luke 24:47
The apostles preached repentance and remission of sins. Acts 3:19 Acts 2:38
It is God’s purpose that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
God commands all men everywhere to repent. Acts 17:30 Ez 18:32
There is a tendency to place the greater emphasis on faith, but the gospel gives equal emphasis to both repentance and faith. Paul preached
"repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ." Acts 20:21
Both are a gift from God and at the same time fully our responsibility. Acts 11:18 Eph 2:8 2 Tim 2:25
Repentance is brought about by the Holy Spirit. John 16:8
It results in life and salvation. Acts 11:18 2 Cor 7:10
It begins at conversion but there is a sense in which it is part of sanctification and continues throughout the Christian life e.g. Eph 4:22-32 Heb 12:5-11
The goodness of God leads us to repentance. Rom 2:4
Repentance is manifested by:
- Actions worthy of repentance. Acts 26:20 Matt 3:8
- Baptism. Acts 2:38 Mark 16:16
- Confession of and forsaking sin. Prov 28:13 Prov 32:5
- Restitution for wrong done in the past. Luke 19:8,9
The repentance commanded in the gospel leads to salvation and will never be regretted. 2 Cor 7:9,10