Foundation 6: Repentance
The foundation of the Christian life begins with repentance. Hebrews 6:1-2 names six foundations upon which we are to build in our growth as Christians. These are called “principles of the doctrine of Christ,” and repentance comes first.
** To help you understand repentance, look for the scriptural answers to these questions. **
WHAT IS REPENTANCE?
“Repentance” is normally translated from the Greek word metanioa, which means “a change of mind.”
However, repentance always leads to a change of life; it is never used for a mere change of intellectual opinions.
Thus, we can define “repentance” as “a change of mind that results in a change of life.”
This is illustrated in these Scripture references where “change of mind” is substituted for repentance:
In Matthew 3:8, John the Baptist demands, “Bring forth therefore
In Acts 26:20, Paul describes his preaching to the Jews and Gentiles “that they should change their minds and
The test of true repentance is always a change of life. As we have already seen, John the Baptist commanded his hearers to “bring forth fruits meet for repentance” (Matthew 3:8). Paul preached that they should “do works meet for repentance” (Acts 26:20).
Repentance is sometimes confused with either penance or weeping. Penance refers to religious deeds done to absolve; it is unscriptural and has nothing to do with repentance.
Weeping may accompany the godly sorrow that leads to repentance (2 Corinthians 7:9-10), but the test of repentance is whether it produces a changed life, not whether it produces tears.
WHY IS REPENTANCE FOUNDATIONAL?
Repentance is foundational for two reasons:
- Repentance is necessary for salvation.
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your
- Repentance is necessary for Christians who have erred.
What is the correct answer?
In Revelation 2:5, 16, 22; 3:3, 19, Christ gives a command to repent to:
- Unbelieving Jews
- People who have never been saved
- Churches
James 5:19-20 is speaking of Christians –“
CAN A PERSON BE SAVED WITHOUT REPENTANCE?
No. Some scriptures may seem to promise salvation without repentance (for example, John 3:16; Acts 16:31). However, repentance is always included in saving faith, whether it is mentioned or not.
Underline which comes first in Mark 1:15; Acts 20:21; and Hebrews 6:1- faith or repentance.
The relationship between repentance and faith is illustrated in Matthew 21:32, where Jesus says to the Pharisees, “For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not; but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it,
It is impossible to have saving faith until you have repented of your sins. Mere intellectual belief will not save you; you must make a personal commitment to Christ, and this requires repentance. The commitment involved in saving faith is illustrated in these verses:
James 2:14 – “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not
1 John 5:5 – “Who is he that
IS REPENTANCE STILL NECESSARY TODAY?
YES!
Some so-called dispensationalists teach that repentance was for another dispensation (age), and it is no longer required. The Bible does not teach this. This age began with the teaching of Jesus (Luke 16:16), and he taught repentance. Repentance is also commanded repeatedly in scriptures pertaining to this age. *In addition to the scriptures already given in this lesson, look up Acts 17:31: “The times of this ignorance God winked at (overlooked); but
This verse, and many others, commands repentance after the death of Christ and after the revelation of salvation through faith in Christ (John 3:16; Acts 16:31, etc.). In fact, the last book of the Bible commands repentance (Revelation 2:5, 16; 3:3, 19).
DOES THE REQUIREMENT OF REPENTANCE MEAN SALVATION IS BY GOOD WORKS?
No, repentance is not a good work although it produces good works. Repentance is a change of mind within; it results in good works without.
WHAT ARE SOME REASONS FOR REPENTANCE?
Luke 13:3 – “I tell you, Nay: but except ye repent, ye shall all likewise
Acts 3:19 – “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that
Romans 2:4 – “The
2 Corinthians 7:10 – “
Revelation 3:19 – “As many as I love I