A Definition of Repentance!

A Definition of Repentance

Is repentance necessary for biblical salvation? Some say it is only the Jews God requires to repent while others claim all we need to do is believe. They claim that repentance is not a part of genuine salvation or conversion. Like many of you, my habit regarding Bible disputes is to research the Bible for answers. The following is what the Bible declares on the subject of repentance and its relationship to a genuine conversion experience. Consider Luke’s record of the words of the Apostle Paul,

Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: 20, And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, 21, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 20:19-21)

Evidently Paul emphasized repentance and faith as he preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ to both Jews and Gentiles. Actually the Lord Jesus roundly expected this emphasis to be maintained as the Gospel is preached around the world (Luke 24:44-49). Repentance is necessary for salvation, but repentance alone does not save.  A good definition for repentance based on the Word is a change of mind and heart about God and sin that leads to a change of direction (Matt. 21:28, 29; Luke 15:11-24; 2 Cor. 7:9, 10). It results in a change of actions or course/direction.  Repentance involves turning away from the life of sin and turning to Jesus Christ in faith for salvation/forgiveness (Acts 20:19-21). Repentance is the other side of faith, and faith is the other side of repentance. It is not cleaning up our lives so that God can finally accept us. It is not working hard at doing right to become good enough for God to accept us. With regards to the “coin of salvation” faith is on one side and repentance is on the other. One without the other is a “slug.” Genuine conversion requires both emphasis and both conditions must reside in the soul to experience the new birth. Salvation involves coming to Jesus Christ as God and the supreme Authority over our lives to graciously rescue us from the penalty of our sin. God's law and authority have been broken and rebelled against by every sinner--repentance acknowledges this violent offence before God. It is impossible for Him to save anybody who is not willing to acknowledge their sinfulness in a spirit of repentance. God can only save us when the right conditions exist in the human soul—repentance and faith. Bible examples of conversions present evidence of clear righteous changes in new Believer’s beliefs and behavior (Acts 2:39-47; 9:1-22; 16:25-34). The changes alone do not save us from sin, but THEY ARE certainly the FRUIT of Bible salvation. Such is an authentic conversion, which involves both repentance and faith (Acts 20:21; Rom. 2:4; 10:9, 10; 2 Cor. 7:10). Both repentance and faith will evidence themselves in new converts Christian expression and lives. Finally, consider how the Lord Jesus described the ministry He was calling the Apostle Paul to when he saved him. Notice carefully the clear words of our Lord Jesus,

To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. 19, Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: 20, But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. (Acts 26:18-20)

The Lord Jesus and the Apostle Paul preached the Gospel and required sinners to repent turning to God in faith. As a result of genuine conversions these new converts were expected to live and do works that are in keeping with someone who has truly repented to believe God. This launches a lifelong adventure of faith and repentance as the Believer grows in grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1).

I am 1000% convinced that many professing “Christians” are not Christians at all because they have never humbled themselves before God in repentance and faith. This is principally why there is such little or no evidence of spiritual progress in so many “Christian’s” lives. It gives me no pleasure at all to raise this point or to highlight these frustrations in churches and among Christians. My singular hope; however, is to help those who are deceived to genuinely come to Christ God’s way to truly be saved. If you require further instruction about these matters, the following posts will greatly assist you. Each of them can be found at MaxEvangel.blogspot.com:
 http://maxevangel.blogspot.com/2014/03/what-must-i-do-to-be-saved.html

http://maxevangel.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-philippian-jailers-salvation-ii.html

http://maxevangel.blogspot.com/2014/04/born-of-spirit-experiencing-new-birth.html

My sincere prayer is that no deceived soul will be finally lost. Think seriously about these matters and if necessary repent and believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ.