THE DOCTRINE OF REPENTANCE
THE DOCTRINE OF REPENTANCE
Mark 1: 14, 15
Repentance occupies an important place in the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is the central theme of the gospel.
The doctrine and teaching of repentance is fundamental to the propagation of the gospel. Repentance is the foundation stone in the cardinal doctrines of the New Testament Church.
It is so vital that it occurs over 60 times in the New Testament alone used as “repentance” “repent” or “repenting.” The gospel therefore, is the gospel of repentance calling all men and women to turn away from sins and to turn to God to serve Him in righteousness, Luke 10: 13, 1: 1—5, John 3: 3.
The Meaning of Repentance
The Hebrew word for repentance is “nacham & shub” which means ‘to be sorry’ & ‘to turn’.
The Greek word ‘metanoeo’ also expresses the same meaning ‘ to be sorry, ‘I change my mind, or change the inner man. Job 42: 6; Isaiah 55: 7, Ezekiel 18: 21—23, Acts 2: 38. 3: 19, 20: 20, 21.
Repentance implies a complete turning away from all known sin. It means a change of one’s mind, a change of purpose, a change of action. Jonah 3: 8—10. Repentance is a radical change about sin, satan, self, the world and its pleasure.
Reason for repentance; because man descended into darkness at the fall and sin dominated his life, Genesis 6: 5, Romans 1: 21, 29—32, 1 Corinthians 6: 9, 10, Galatians 5: 19–21.
The People for Repentance
All men, women, youths and children who are of age are commanded to repent. Acts 17:30; John 3:16, Ezekiel 14; 6, 18; 1—4, 19—22, 33: 11.
Repentance must be preached to all men in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Luke 24; 47. Sinners must be made to know that no one is excluded from the challenge of the gospel to repent.
- Jesus Christ emphasis repentance. Matthew 4: 7, Luke 13: 3, 5, 24: 47, Rev. 3: 19, 20 Jesus Christ stressed the need of repentance by all men
- God commands all men everywhere to repent. Acts 17:30, John 3:16, Ezekiel 14; 6, 18; 1—4, 19—22, 33: 11.
- All men, women, youths and children who are of age are commanded to repent.
- The Apostles preached repentance from sin. Acts 2: 38, 3: 19, 20: 21, 26: 20, 2 Peter 3:9, Romans 2: 4. We must preach and maintain everywhere that repentance and faith in Christ is the only door of escape from the soon coming judgement, Luke 13: 3, 5.
The Evidence and Results of true Repentance
Repentance does not exist in isolation of faith. Faith is necessary for true repentance, Acts 20: 21. We are not saved by works but by faith. 2 Timothy 1: 9, Romans 3: 27, 28; 4: 1—8, Ephesians 2:8. But our repentance must produce necessary works (changes in our life) otherwise, it is not real. Heart repentance will produce change in our life, but head repentance will make a person remain in his or her old nature. Matthew 3: 1—10, Titus 2: 11—14, 2 Corinthians 5: 17; Isaiah 55: 7, Proverbs 28: 13, LK 24: 47, Acts 2:12, 13: 19, 1 John 1: 12, 13, Romans 8:1, 5: 12.
Repentance opens the way and makes us to receive the grace of God. It provides pardon and remission of sins.
- Pardon and Remission of sins, our sins are blotted out.
Isaiah 55:7, Proverbs 28: 13; Luke 24: 47; Acts 2: 38, 3: 19. - Justification, John 1: 12, 13; Romans 8:1; 5: 12, Galatians 3: 8; 2: 16.
- Reconciliation, Acts 3: 19—21; 2 Corinthians 6: 14—18; Acts 3: 26; 1 Thessalonians 1: 9, 2 Chronicles 7: 14, Revelation 2: 4, 5, 3: 19, 20.
- Joy in Heaven, Luke 15: 7, 10, 11—24.