THE TRUTH ABOUT REPENTANCE

I. RETURN

The most common term in the Old Testament for repentance is sub; the verbal forms appear well over 1, 050 times, although translated "repent" only 13 times, and the substantive "repentance" occurs only once in the New International Version. More commonly the translation is "turn" or "return." A related term is naham, which is translated three times as "repent" in the New International Version. In the New Testament, the most common verb is metanoeo  (33 times) and the noun metanoia  (20 times). A synonym metamelomai is once translated "repent" ( Matt 21:32 ).

First usage of the word: Exodus 13:17, “And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt.”

Acts 26:20, “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.”

II. REDIRECTION

"Many mourn for their sins that do not truly repent of them, weep bitterly for them, and yet continue in love and league with them.“ (Matthew Henry)

Jer. 26:13, “Therefore now amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of the LORD your God; and the LORD will repent him of the evil that he hath pronounced against you.” Eze. 14:6, “Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Repent, and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations.”

Psa. 34:14, “Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it 2 Tim. 2:19, “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”

III. REDEDICATION

We note that first time believers were told to repent on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:37, 38). What about the person who has been a Christian, and has erred from the way. His repentance is not only a return, but a rededication.

How often does one repent, and yet the zeal has left them? Good advice is to keep new and energetic Christians from the bitter and bruised Christians.

Acts 8:22-24, “Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.   For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.   Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.” 

Revelation 2:5 (the Church at Ephesus), “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.”

IV. REPAYMENT

RESTITUTION Exodus 22:1, “If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.”  Luke 19:8, “And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.”