# Repentance According To The Bible  ## Introduction - The topic of [[Repentance | repentance]] was chosen due to its relevance and the frequency of inquiries about it at the church, with Pastor Roxxor requesting it to be taught during his absence [(00:00:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=14s). - A common misconception is that faith in [[Jesus | Jesus Christ]] must include turning from sin, resolving to sin less, and working harder to be obedient, which transforms the gospel into a message of faith plus works equaling eternal salvation [(00:01:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=70s). - This confusion is evident in various online resources, which often define repentance as experiencing sorrow and conviction over past sins, turning away from future sins, and taking multiple steps towards salvation [(00:02:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=126s). - These definitions focus on sin and do not mention Jesus Christ, implying that repentance is about turning from sin and then turning to [[God]] for salvation [(00:02:33)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=153s). - One website outlines a multi-step process for repentance, including realizing one's mistake, regretting it, resolving to change, confessing sin, making restitution, releasing forgiveness, and receiving God's forgiveness and peace [(00:03:02)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=182s). - The question arises whether repentance really involves these various steps, and the answer from the Word of God is that it does not [(00:03:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=217s). - A book titled "[[Repentance]]" with the subtitle "The Most Misunderstood Word in [[Bible | the Bible]]" highlights the confusion surrounding this concept [(00:03:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=226s). - The author's statement is not an overstatement, as repentance is indeed one of the most misunderstood words in the Bible, along with concepts like grace, faith, and salvation [(00:04:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=241s). - The focus of the study will be on defining repentance and answering two questions: what does repentance really mean, and what is its definition [(00:04:33)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=273s). ## Historical Roman Catholic View on Repentance - There are four main types of views on repentance, and one of them is the historical [[Catholic Church | Roman Catholic]] view, which states that repentance is a condition for salvation and means to do penance, literally from the [[Latin]] word "poenitentiae" [(00:05:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=310s). - The Roman Catholic view originated from the [[Vulgate | Latin Vulgate]], a translation of [[Bible | the Bible]] by [[Jerome | St. Jerome]] around 400 AD, where the [[Greek language | Greek]] word "Metanoia" was translated to "poenitentiae", which means doing penance, rather than a change of mind [(00:05:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=317s). - In the Roman Catholic Church, repenting means feeling sorry for one's sins, confessing to a priest, and performing a prescribed penance, such as praying a certain number of times, to receive forgiveness from [[God]] [(00:07:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=432s). - The concept of penance in the Roman Catholic Church is rooted in the Latin word "poenitentiae", which is also the origin of the word "penitentiaries", implying punishment for one's crimes [(00:08:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=511s). - The Roman Catholic view of [[Repentance | repentance]] emphasizes the need to perform certain actions, such as praying, to make amends for one's sins, which can be seen as a works-oriented approach to salvation [(00:08:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=528s). ## Lordship Salvation View on Repentance - The [[Catholic Church | Roman Catholic]] view of repentance involves a change of mind, sorrow for sin, and a change of lifestyle or behavior, which is also a common view among many evangelical [[Protestantism | Protestants]] who hold to lordship salvation [(00:09:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=555s). - Lordship salvation teaches that repentance is necessary for salvation and involves not only a change of mind but also sorrow for sin and a change of lifestyle or behavior, although some technically say the change of lifestyle is not inherent to repentance itself [(00:09:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=576s). - [[John MacArthur (American pastor) | John MacArthur]], a popular lordship salvation teacher, defines repentance as a complete surrender of one's will and an inevitable change of behavior, a new way of life, and not just a different opinion [(00:10:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=627s). - According to MacArthur, true [[Repentance | repentance]] will begin to produce a change in conduct, and a sincere change in one's lifestyle is necessary, where one who is genuinely repented will stop doing evil and begin to live righteously [(00:11:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=671s). - The lordship salvation view emphasizes that if one does not have a change in their life, they have never truly repented and never truly been saved, and do not have what is called saving faith [(00:11:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=713s). ## Free Grace Movement View on Repentance - A third view, called the free grace movement, reacts to the lordship salvation view and understands repentance as regret or remorse for sin, not just a change of mind, but also with a volitional element of turning from sin [(00:12:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=751s). - The free grace movement views repentance as not a condition for salvation, but necessary for a [[Christianity | Christian]] to have fellowship with [[God]] on an ongoing basis, and emphasizes that repentance is by grace alone, through faith alone, in [[Jesus | Christ]] alone [(00:13:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=794s). - In the Christian life, an agreement with God is necessary to walk with Him, which involves acknowledging sin and being of the same mind as God [(00:13:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=816s). ## Biblical View of Repentance - [[Repentance]] is a condition for eternal salvation, referring to the change of mind inherent to believing in Jesus Christ, and it occurs when one believes in Jesus Christ for salvation [(00:13:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=834s). - This change of mind is a result of yielding to the Lord and is inherent to a walk of faith [(00:13:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=822s). ## Repentance in 2nd Corinthians 7 - The biblical view of repentance will be explored through various passages in [[Bible | the Bible]], starting with 2nd [[First Epistle to the Corinthians | Corinthians]] chapter 7, to clarify the concept and dispel confusion [(00:14:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=860s). - In 2nd Corinthians 7, the term repentance is distinguished from sorrow, with the Corinthians experiencing a change of mind and sorrow after receiving Paul's first epistle [(00:15:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=920s). - The passage highlights that godly sorrow produces [[Repentance | repentance]] leading to salvation, whereas the sorrow of the world produces death [(00:16:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=1005s). ## Meaning of Metanoia - The [[Greek language | Greek]] word for repentance, Metanoia, literally means a change of mind and is different from the Greek word for regret or remorse, meta Melo my [(00:17:19)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=1039s). - The word Metanoia is a compound word, consisting of "meta" meaning after or change of course, and "neue" meaning mind, and it signifies a change in one's mind or thinking [(00:17:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=1065s). - The root word "Melo" means to feel, and "metamelomai" means to feel afterwards or to have a change in feeling, which is different from having a change in mind [(00:18:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=1120s). - A person can have a change of mind without necessarily having a change in feeling, and the two are different [(00:19:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=1188s). ## Repentance and Feeling - [[Bible | The Bible]] does not require a person to feel a certain way in order to truly believe in [[Jesus | Jesus Christ]] and be saved [(00:20:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=1200s). - The condition for salvation is to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and that alone [(00:20:19)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=1219s). ## Examples of Esau and Judas - The example of [[Esau]] from the book of Genesis, as mentioned in [[Hebrews]] 12, shows that he had sorrow but did not have [[Repentance | repentance]], despite seeking it diligently with tears [(00:20:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=1250s). - Esau's tears and sorrow were a result of his regret over exchanging his birthright for a little food, but he did not find a place for repentance [(00:21:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=1283s). - The example of [[Judas Iscariot]] in [[Matthew 28 | Matthew]] 27 shows that he repented in the sense that he had a change of mind and feeling over his sin, but he did not have a change of mind with respect to [[Jesus | Jesus Christ]] as the [[Messiah]] and did not get saved [(00:22:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=1329s). - Judas was remorseful and admitted that he sinned by betraying innocent blood, but he did not believe in Jesus Christ as his Savior or the true Messiah of [[Israel]] [(00:23:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=1383s). - Despite having a change of heart and feeling, and a change of mind about his sin, Judas did not believe in Jesus Christ and ultimately took his own life [(00:23:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=1405s). ## Remorse and Salvation - Many people, regardless of their faith, believe that feeling remorse or regret for their sins is enough to appease a holy [[God]] and gain eternal salvation, but [[Bible | the Bible]] clearly states that this is not the case [(00:23:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=1431s). - This way of thinking is common among various religious groups, including [[Jews]], [[Muslims]], [[Hindus]], and even some professing [[Christianity | Christians]], who believe that their contrition or regret can save them from eternal damnation [(00:23:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=1438s). - As a child, the individual had a plaque above their bed with a prayer to recite every night, which was supposed to bring comfort but was actually terrifying, as it implied that forgetting to pray could result in not being saved [(00:24:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=1483s). - The individual was also taught to say the [[Act of Contrition]] daily, which included a prayer expressing sorrow for offending God and a firm resolve to sin no more, but this was seen as a cooperative effort between the individual and God [(00:25:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=1537s). - The [[Catholic Church]] teaches that salvation can be lost if a mortal sin is committed, and that only through prayer, firm resolve, and avoiding sin can one maintain saving grace [(00:26:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=1571s). - However, this way of thinking is different from what saints of the past understood, as reflected in the song "Rock of Ages," which states that no amount of human effort or tears can atone for sin, and that only God can save [(00:26:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=1614s). ## Repentance as a Change of Mind - The ancient writer [[Plutarch]] used the word "Metanoia" to describe a change of mind, but in the context of two murderers who decided to spare a child, only to later repent, showing that [[Repentance | repentance]] does not necessarily mean a change of feeling or resolve to sin less [(00:28:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=1680s). - True repentance, as understood by [[Bible | the Bible]], does not mean a change of feeling or resolve, but rather a recognition of one's sin and a turning to [[God]] for salvation through the work of [[Jesus | Jesus Christ]] [(00:27:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=1671s). - The concept of repentance is often misunderstood, and it simply means a change of mind, as seen in the example of a person deciding to go back and harm a child after initially sparing them, which is a change from doing something good to doing something evil [(00:28:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=1703s). - Pastor Leonard Radke explained that repentance means a change of mind, which can be applied to various contexts, such as buying a different car brand, but the key is understanding how it's used in a particular context [(00:28:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=1727s). - The biblical term "Metanoia" or "Metanoia" truly means a change of mind, which is essential to understand the concept of repentance in the Bible [(00:29:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=1751s). ## Repentance in Luke 16 - In the story of [[Lazarus of Bethany | Lazarus]] and the rich man in [[Luke 16]], the rich man in Hades asks [[Abraham]] to send Lazarus to his father's house to warn his five brothers about the place of torment, showing that those in Hades don't want their loved ones to end up there [(00:29:56)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=1796s). - Abraham responds that the rich man's brothers have the Word of [[God]], the [[Old Testament]], and should listen to it, but the rich man says that if someone rises from the dead, they will repent [(00:30:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=1842s). - However, Abraham says that if they don't listen to the Word of God, they won't be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead, highlighting the importance of believing the Word of God [(00:30:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=1853s). - The word "repent" in verse 30 is interpreted as "to have a change of mind" or "to be persuaded" in verse 31, as seen in the Lord [[Jesus]] Christ's teaching [(00:31:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=1889s). ## Repentance and Forgiveness in Luke 17 - In [[Luke 17]]:3-4, Jesus teaches on [[Repentance | repentance]], saying that if a brother sins against you, you should rebuke him, and if he repents, you should forgive him, even if he sins against you seven times in a day [(00:31:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=1912s). - Forgiveness has a vertical component, and if someone has done something wrong towards you, you should forgive them if they repent, as seen in Jesus' teaching [(00:32:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=1954s). - When a fellow believer sins against you, you have the right to point out their wrongdoing, and if they acknowledge and repent, fellowship can be restored [(00:32:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=1969s). - Similarly, when a believer sins against [[God]], they must acknowledge and confess their sin to restore fellowship, as stated in 1 John 1 [(00:33:19)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=1999s). - Acknowledging sin is essential for restoring fellowship, just like a child must acknowledge not completing a task to have a truthful relationship with their parent [(00:33:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=2017s). - If someone repents, you should forgive them and restore fellowship, but if they don't repent, you should still release the situation to God and not harbor ill will [(00:34:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=2089s). - Forgiveness can be vertical, where you forgive someone without them acknowledging their wrongdoing, as described in [[Mark 11]]:24-26, but horizontal forgiveness in fellowship requires acknowledgment and [[Repentance | repentance]] [(00:35:24)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=2124s). - [[Jesus]] teaches that even if someone sins against you multiple times and repents each time, you should still forgive them, emphasizing that repentance is a change of mind, not necessarily a change in behavior [(00:35:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=2152s). - The context determines the meaning of repentance, and it's essential to understand that repentance is a change of mind, not necessarily a change in behavior or proof of a changed heart [(00:36:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=2201s). ## Repentance and Faith - Repentance is a change of mind, not inherently related to any specific object or action, and it is necessary for people to change their mind about their sinful state and their need for salvation in order to place their faith in Jesus Christ [(00:37:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=2227s). - Some people may need to change their mind about the fact that they are sinners, and this realization can come through understanding the [[Ten Commandments]] and recognizing their own sinful actions [(00:37:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=2235s). - [[Repentance]] involves transferring trust from whatever one was previously trusting in to [[Jesus | Jesus Christ]] alone, and it is not just a change of mind, but also a change of heart and a decision to believe in Jesus Christ [(00:37:56)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=2276s). - In order to repent, one must acknowledge their sinful state before [[God]] and recognize their need for salvation, and this can involve a change of mind about sin and one's own moral lifestyle [(00:38:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=2290s). - Some people may need to change their mind about who Christ is and what He has done for them in order to place their faith in Him as their Savior, and this can involve a rejection of previous beliefs or lifestyles [(00:39:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=2363s). - Repentance is a change of mind, not a change of feeling, and it occurs simultaneously with believing in Jesus Christ, although the will is involved in the sense that one chooses to believe in Jesus Christ of their own volition [(00:39:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=2377s). ## Repentance in Acts - [[Bible | The Bible]] teaches that [[Repentance | repentance]] is a necessary condition for salvation, and it is closely tied to believing in [[Jesus | Jesus Christ]], as seen in passages such as [[Acts of the Apostles | Acts]] 16:30-31, where the Philippian jailer is told to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ in order to be saved [(00:40:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=2441s). - Repentance is simultaneous with faith, as seen in Acts chapter 2, where Peter preaches to an audience of unsaved [[Jews]] in [[Jerusalem]] on the day of Pentecost [(00:41:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=2492s). - Peter describes Jesus Christ, His death, and resurrection, and the people are convicted, being "cut to the heart" in verse 37 [(00:42:33)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=2553s). - The people ask Peter and the rest of the [[Apostles in the New Testament | Apostles]] what they should do, and Peter responds by telling them to repent, be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and receive the gift of the [[Holy Spirit]] [(00:43:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=2598s). - Being convicted of sin is not the same as having a change of mind about who Jesus Christ is, which is necessary for salvation [(00:43:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=2621s). - Repentance is required, as seen in verse 38, where Peter tells the people to repent, and then be baptized [(00:43:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=2638s). - Water baptism is not necessary for receiving the Holy Spirit and the remission of sins, but rather it is a public identification with [[Jesus | Jesus Christ]], as instructed in the [[Great Commission]] [(00:44:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=2652s). - The Great Commission, as seen in [[Mark 16]]:15-16 and [[Matthew 28]], instructs disciples to preach the gospel, baptize those who believe, and this pattern is followed in [[Acts of the Apostles | Acts 2]] [(00:44:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=2666s). - The Philippian jailer's question in Acts 16:30, "What must I do to be saved?" is different from the question in Acts 2:37, "What shall we do?" which is broader and more open-ended [(00:45:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=2715s). - Peter's response in Acts 2:38 is based on the Great Commission, instructing the people to publicly identify with Jesus Christ by way of baptism [(00:45:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=2741s). - To publicly identify with Jesus Christ, one must first repent, and then be baptized, as stated in the context of Jesus Christ's death and crucifixion [(00:46:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=2765s). - [[Repentance]] is required to receive the remission of sins and the gift of the [[Holy Spirit]], which are attached to repentance, not baptism [(00:46:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=2780s). - The preposition "epi" in Acts 2:38 means "depending upon" or "relying upon," indicating that one must depend on [[Jesus | Jesus Christ]] for the remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit [(00:46:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=2810s). - To repent upon the name of Jesus Christ means to depend on His person and work for the remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit [(00:47:13)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=2833s). - In [[Luke 24]]:46-47, repentance is tied to the remission of sins, which should be proclaimed to all nations [(00:47:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=2864s). - In [[Acts of the Apostles | Acts]] 10, Cornelius, a [[Gentile]], responds in faith to Peter's preaching and receives the remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit before being baptized [(00:48:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=2902s). - The order of events in [[Acts 10]] is that Cornelius believes, receives the Holy Spirit, and is then baptized [(00:48:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=2938s). - Comparing Acts 2 and Acts 10, both passages have baptism, but one has [[Repentance | repentance]] and the other has believing, with the two blessings of remission of sins and the gift of the [[Holy Spirit]] attached to repentance or believing [(00:49:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=2970s). - In Acts 11, Peter shares with the [[Jews]] in [[Jerusalem]] what happened to the Gentiles in Acts 10, and recalls the word of the Lord that the Gentiles would be baptized with the Holy Spirit, just like the Jews [(00:50:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=3040s). - Peter notes that [[God]] gave the Gentiles the same gift as He gave the Jews, which is the gift of the Holy Spirit [(00:51:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=3067s). - In Jerusalem, people believed in the Lord [[Jesus | Jesus Christ]], and their believing was interpreted as repentance unto life, indicating that believing and repenting are one in the same turning [(00:51:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=3088s). ## Repentance in Acts 17 and other passages - In [[Acts of the Apostles | Acts]] chapter 17, Paul preached in Athens, commanding all men everywhere to repent because God has appointed a day to judge the world in righteousness by the man whom He has ordained, Jesus Christ [(00:52:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=3136s). - The command to repent is to have a change of mind in the context of Jesus Christ, who He is, and the resurrection from the dead, and this is interpreted as some men joining Paul and believing [(00:52:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=3168s). - [[Repentance]] is defined as having another mind or changing one's mind, especially in respect to sin, [[God]], and self, and is used in the New Testament to indicate a change of mind [(00:53:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=3212s). - Saving faith includes and implies a change of mind, which is called repentance, and repentance is not an act separate from faith [(00:54:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=3241s). - In Acts 19, Paul encountered disciples of [[John the Baptist]] who had not heard the Gospel message yet, and John's message of repentance was about having a change of mind to believe in [[Jesus | Jesus Christ]] [(00:54:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=3275s). - Repenting is inherent to believing in Jesus Christ, and John's baptism of repentance was saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, Jesus Christ [(00:54:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=3290s). - In [[Acts of the Apostles | Acts]] chapter 20, Paul summarized his ministry, proclaiming and teaching repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ, which are technically distinct but inseparable [(00:55:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=3329s). - The [[Greek language | Greek]] construction in Acts 20:21 shows that repentance and faith must go together, and one cannot believe in Jesus Christ without having repented at the same time [(00:55:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=3347s). - [[Repentance]], or the change of mind, is inherent to faith in Jesus Christ, and it is part of believing in the gospel of the kingdom [(00:56:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=3364s). - Jesus Christ's message in Mark chapter 1, verses 14 and 15, and the parallel account in [[Matthew 28 | Matthew]] chapter 4, verse 17, emphasize the importance of repentance in believing the gospel [(00:56:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=3371s). ## Repentance in the Gospel of John - The Gospel of John, which was written to lead people to receive eternal life by believing in [[Jesus | Christ]], does not mention the word "repent" explicitly, but the concept of a change of mind is clearly there, indicating that repentance is inherent to believing [(00:56:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=3411s). - Believing in Jesus Christ is the condition for salvation, and repentance is not a separate step or condition, but rather an inherent part of believing [(00:57:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=3420s). - Some people may think that they need to do more than just believe, but [[Bible | the Bible]] teaches that if you have believed, you have repented [(00:57:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=3469s). ## Repentance and its Fruits - [[Repentance]] is necessary for salvation, as seen in [[Acts of the Apostles | Acts]] 17:30, where Paul says that [[God]] commands all men to repent, and in 2 Peter 3:9, which states that God is not willing that any should perish but that all men should come to repentance [(00:58:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=3512s). - Repentance means a change of mind about being a sinner separated from God who needs salvation, and it involves putting trust in [[Jesus | Jesus Christ]] [(00:59:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=3547s). - Repentance must be distinguished from its fruits, and it is not the same as the outward actions that result from it [(00:59:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=3574s). - The relationship between repentance and its fruits can be seen in Acts chapter 26, where Paul recounts his testimony of how he was saved on the Damascus Road and was sent to preach the gospel to [[Jews]] and [[Gentile | Gentiles]] [(00:59:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=3582s). - Repentance involves turning from darkness to light, from the power of [[Satan]] to God, to receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Jesus Christ [(01:00:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=3638s). - Paul shared his testimony with King Agrippa, declaring that people should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance, which are not the same as repentance itself [(01:01:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=3663s). - The works befitting [[Repentance | repentance]] are like clothes that fit a person, representing a changed lifestyle that is suitable to the person who has repented [(01:01:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=3691s). - If a person has truly repented, they should do the works that fit with that repentance, showing that the works are separate from the repentance [(01:01:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=3718s). - It would be inconsistent for a believer to say they have repented but continue to sin against [[God]] and others, causing damage [(01:02:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=3731s). - The NIV translation of verse 20 is inaccurate, as it adds the word "prove" which is not present in the [[Greek language | Greek]] text, and instead should be translated as "to be fit" or "what is commensurate with" [(01:02:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=3743s). - Salvation occurs at a point in time through simple faith in [[Jesus | Jesus Christ]], and thereafter, believers are to walk by faith in sanctification, with good works being a result of walking by faith [(01:03:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=3781s). - Good works in the [[Christianity | Christian]] life are not proof of initial faith, but rather proof of a claim to be walking by faith and in fellowship with God as a believer in Jesus Christ [(01:03:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=3830s). - It is essential to distinguish the fruit from the [[Repentance | repentance]], as some people may confuse the two [(01:04:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=3846s). - While good works are desired in the Christian life, they do not necessarily flow from initial faith, but rather from a walk of faith [(01:04:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=3868s). ## Repentance and Willingness to Stop Sinning - Being willing to stop sinning is not the same as repentance, and repentance does not require a willingness to change, but rather a turning to [[God]] [(01:04:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=3883s). - [[Bible | The Bible]] does not teach that a person must be willing to give up a particular sin, such as lying or pride, in order to be saved, but rather emphasizes the importance of believing in [[Jesus | Jesus Christ]] [(01:05:24)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=3924s). - The condition for salvation is not to believe and stop sinning, or be willing to stop sinning, but rather to believe in Jesus Christ and what He has already done to resolve the sin problem [(01:05:56)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=3956s). - God already knows whether a person will still sin after believing in Jesus Christ and being born again, and this knowledge does not affect His plan of salvation [(01:06:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=3985s). - Two people, one who believes in Jesus Christ but does not will to stop sinning, and another who does will to stop sinning but still sins, are both still saved because God knew they would still sin and has already paid for their sins through Jesus Christ [(01:06:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=4000s). - The real issue is not what a person must do regarding their sin problem, but what God has already done to resolve it through Jesus Christ by paying for sin on the cross [(01:07:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=4046s). - [[God]] is not asking people to put away their sins in order to be saved, but rather to believe in what He has already done regarding sin, as Jesus Christ was punished for sin on the cross [(01:07:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=4065s). - God is not asking people to atone for their sins, as this was fully provided for in the atonement of [[Jesus | Jesus Christ]], and is instead asking people to believe in what He has already done [(01:07:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=4072s). - Many people mistakenly believe that they must work themselves up to be sorry enough for their sins in order for God to be satisfied, but the only thing that will save is putting trust in Jesus Christ, who paid for sins [(01:08:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=4094s). - The gospel message is one of what God has done for people, from God to man, rather than what man must do to appease God, from man to God [(01:08:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=4138s). - Salvation is a free gift, and God's grace covers all sin, and people are encouraged to keep the gospel clear and to understand the clarity of God's word on this subject [(01:09:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKVo50RM7G4&t=4167s).