Expert: Rev C.Brian Ross - 1/14/2012

Question
Hello again Rev. Ross,

I have a question regarding repenting. Several times in the new testament you find verses commanding the sinner to "repent and believe!" Now that repent part has a lot of different interpretation. Some say that repenting is have sorrow for one's sin and then to confess, hate and forsake those sins. Others say that this repentance is to "change one's mind" about sin, to agree with God that yes, sin is sin and it is a crime against God. This change of mind results in action: the person will not stay in their sins by choice. They will choose to believe in the only Person that can save them from the sin problem: Jesus Christ.

Now I looked up one of the verses (Mark 1:15) that says believe and repent. The original word translated repent is metanoeō, which does mean to change one's mind for the better.

So am I confused. Just was exactly is the repentance necessary for salvation along with belief? It is indeed a forsaking and hatred of past sins or is to acknowledge that those past sins are indeed a problem (a crime as a matter of affect) and as a result change?

Thanks,
Tressa

Answer
Hi Tressa!

My, they certainly breed some deep thinkers up Montana way!!!

The Greek word, metanoeo ('short' o at the end, as in omicron, not omega!)), means "to think differently or afterwards, i.e. reconsider (morally, feel compunction)."  (Strong's)

This means that all of what you seem to be saying is true.  Repentance for past sin is a necessity for the receiving of the free gift of salvation, by grace, through faith (Eph.2:8).  It is also "doing a U-turn" with regard to those sins.  However, it is also true that you and I (and everyone else) is a sinner and, at the point of conversion, we do not suddenly become sinlessly perfect.  We are accounted righteous in the sight of Father God, as we approach Him, clothed in the blood and righteousness of Jesus.  But we can only do so as we are "hidden" in Him. (Col.3:3)

Having been justified (i.e. accepted, by Father God "just-as-if-I'd" never sinned), and having been found righteous in His sight (through the righteousness of the Lord Jesus), I am sanctified by the work of God the Holy Spirit within me - making me more and more like Jesus: "being changed into His likeness from one degree of glory to another;" (II Cor.3:18).  However, I am ever aware of my sin (and if I should ever cease to be, in this life, then I am in trouble!), and so must come before God, on a daily basis, confessing my sin; not trying to hide my sin, or cover it up; and seeking, again, His help in turning away from it.  I then rejoice in His assurance that "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.", but not forgetting that "If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us." (I John 1:9-10).

So, to try to sum up something that, since there is so much more that I would wish to say, I would much rather discuss with you, seated  face-to-face (sadly, the bus service between Montana and Motherwell is not very regular!!!), I repent of my past sins when I come to Christ for full salvation.  I continue to repent as I live out my life of discipleship - so poorly.  However, the Lord keeps working on me, and in me, that He might work through me and, on that Day, I will stand before Him, fully sanctified, a trophy of His grace.  At that point, I will no longer need to hide behind the righteousness of Jesus, but will stand beside my Elder Brother as He owns me as His.  Hallelujah!

I trust that what I have shared will be of some help but, as always, if you require any further clarification, please do not hesitate to ask.

Blessings, and shalom.

C.Brian Ross (Rev)