What Is Repentance?

by Douglas Hoff

Acts 2:38 is a verse that rightly deserves serious study. This verse states, “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” When studying this verse baptism is often stressed as a condition of salvation because many religions deny its essentiality. Baptism is indeed important but a person will only get wet if he did not truly repent. Once people understand what repentance truly is, they will be in a good position to become a Christian and remain faithful. A proper baptism is performed only once in a Christian’s life but repentance is needful whenever sin occurs. Simon the ex-sorcerer had been baptized but shortly after fell into a grievous sin. Peter told him he needed to repent and pray for God’s forgiveness (Acts 5:12-23).

Repentance is the universal duty of mankind. God has commanded all people to repent (Acts 17:30, 31). God is patiently waiting for men to repent (2 Peter 3:9). Without repenting, people will perish (Luke 13:3). Since repentance is essential to obtaining and maintaining one’s salvation, it is important to know exactly what it is. Repentance is NOT just being sorry for sins. Godly sorrow brings about repentance: “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death” (2 Corinthians 7:10). The cause of repentance (godly sorrow) should not be confused with repentance itself (the effect). The saints also should not confuse repentance with reporting sins. Merely admitting that one has committed sin is not the same as repenting of it! Pharaoh said, “I have sinned” but the sacred record indicates he never repented (Exodus 9:27). In fact, he continued to harden his heart until he was finally destroyed in the Red Sea with the rest of his army (Exodus 6:15; Psalms 136:13-15). Likewise, King Saul admitted, “I have sinned” (1 Samuel 15:24), but he too died in his sin. The passage of time is not equal to repentance. Sins must be taken care of, not ignored “for God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:14). Though men may forget their sins given enough time, be assured that God does not forget.

Repentance occurs when a person experiences godly sorrow and then has a change of mind. This sorrow is in contrast to the sorrow of the world (2 Corinthians 7:10). Godly sorrow occurs in a person’s heart when he recognizes that his actions are contrary to the will of God. Worldly sorrow is nothing but regret for being caught. Jesus illustrated repentance by referring to a father and his two sons (Matthew 21:28, 29). The first son defied his father’s will but later obeyed. This change in attitude is called repentance.

God’s word is sufficient to induce repentance. Proof for this is found in Luke 16:27-31. Abraham told the rich man that his five brothers who were still alive would not repent even if one were to arise from the dead! Jesus taught that the miraculous is not sufficient to produce repentance; it must arise from a knowledge of God’s word and one’s obedience to it.

John the Baptist taught that repentance bears fruit (Luke 3:8, 9). The Old Testament taught the necessity of restitution. The Law of Moses taught the restoration of stolen things (Leviticus 6:2-5). Zacchaeus offered to restore fourfold (Luke 19:8). Granted, there are some sins for which restitution is impossible. Murder is one such example. However, the exception does not mean that the rule should be thrown out! In today’s world too many people want to do away with the idea of restitution (unless if affects them!). If a man was guilty of stealing cars would his repentance be questioned if he refused to return the stolen car? Certainly! Yet, there are people who “steal” another person’s spouse and refuse to make things right in the sight of God. Long ago John the Baptist confronted Herod regarding Herodias and told him, “It is not lawful for thee to have her” (Matthew 14:4). God still considered her to be the wife of Herod’s brother (Matthew 14:3). Unscriptural divorce and remarriage results in spouse swapping contrary to the will of God (Matthew 19:6-9). It is not lawful for them to have their current companion. Such requires repentance and restitution.

Having considered the preceding information, repentance can be defined as a change of will caused by godly sorrow which leads to reformation of one’s life. Repentance can and should occur quickly. Jesus taught that a man can repent seven times in one day (Luke 17:3, 4). When Peter told his hearers to “repent and be baptized,” they did so the very same day (Acts 2:38, 41). Repentance can occur as soon as a person is willing to turn away from sin and live according to God’s law. It is never wise to remain in sin (Hebrews 3:12, 13).

Repentance is perhaps one of the most difficult commands God has ever given mankind. It requires the admission of guilt and the determination to do better. During the dawn of Creation God told Cain, “If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him” (Genesis 4:7). Since sin entered the world, it has been man’s responsibility to fight temptation and sin. Unfortunately, not enough people take this charge seriously. As a result, they let sin gain the mastery over them. Do not let this happen to you!

Douglas Hoff, preacher

Flat Rock Church of Christ

(734) 782-2886 (office)

P.O. Box 12

Flat Rock, Ml 48134-0012

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