NO REPENTING OF SIN

Thursday 3 October

I did not come to call the [self-proclaimed] righteous [who see no need to repent], but sinners to repentance [to change their old way of thinking, to turn from sin and to seek God and His righteousness].”

Luke 5:32 (AMPC)

Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out,

Acts 3:19 (ESV)

It seems there are some fundamental confusion in the minds of Christians today in regard to the subject of repentance. Let’s see what the Bible has to say in an attempt to clear up some of the contradictions.

A lot of folks seem to equate repent as in repent from sin. Does the Bible actually say this? In Hebrew teshuva means to turn back again. This was more for the Jewish mindset that Acts 3 was addressing. Metanoia in Greek means to change one’s mind. This is the most accurate meaning for the word ‘repent.’ We see it in the gospels and New Testament writings.

In Luke 5:32 Jesus says “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” Notice what it doesn’t say. It doesn’t say anyone needs to repent from sin. In Matthew 3:2 John the Baptist said ‘repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Jesus said in Mark 1:15 ‘Repent and believe in the gospel’. Neither one said repent of your sins.

Jesus said on a couple of occasions ‘go and sin no more’ but again He never said repent of your sins. ‘Don’t have a sin consciousness’ was the message He was conveying.

In Acts 3:19 Peter said, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,”

Changing your mind about God and receiving Jesus as the Christ results in the removal of sin. This is what Peter was referring to. He was not telling anyone to repent of their sins.

Even the salvation prayer in Romans 10:9 has no mention of having to repent of sin(s).

‘If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.’

Notice there is nothing written there about having to repent of your sins to be born again. So why are people told that they must do it?

One of the reasons is many equate an emotional response such as crying to be indicative of repentance. This is simply not the case. Feelings in have nothing to do with making a decision.

God is not concerned about what mistakes you have made in the past. All He cares about is that you

accept His free gift of salvation today.

Apostle Paul says it best.

“Or are you [so blind as to] trifle with and presume upon and despise and underestimate the wealth of His kindness and forbearance and long-suffering patience? Are you unmindful or actually ignorant [of the fact] that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repent (to change your mind and inner man to accept God’s will)?”

APPLICATION

If you want to live a life of true repentance, always be willing to let the teaching of the word ‘change your mind’ and be ready to let go of any thought that is inconsistent with the message of Christ.