Confusion about the Biblical Meaning of Repentance

Satan works overtime to complicate and confuse people's understanding of repentance.

I’ve heard people claim that repentance isn’t necessary for salvation because it’s a “work.” And I’ve heard people claim that repentance isn’t necessary for our walk with the Lord because we’re already forgiven. 

Let's examine these claims.

The literal definition of the Greek word for repentance means changing our mind and our purposes. 

It must happen at salvation. 

⮞ Salvation involves changing our minds about our need—realizing we need a Savior and a Lord. 

⮞ It involves changing our minds about sin—realizing we'll go to Hell if we don't turn to Christ for forgiveness. 

⮞ It involves changing our minds about truth—letting God define right and wrong. 

⮞ It involves changing our minds about the meaning of genuine love—realizing it calls for purity, self-control, and sacrifice.

And repentance doesn’t stop at salvation. It becomes a way of life for the genuine believer.

Repentance is a non-negotiable aspect of our salvation and a non-negotiable aspect of our walk with the Lord (1 John 1:8-10). 

Because God loves us, He rebukes and disciplines us. Because we love God, we repent:

"Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent" (Revelation 3:19).

For additional insights see:

6 Characteristics of Sincere Repentance and Rock Your World.

If you own Wisdom for Life, you'll find additional insights by reading or re-reading Day 19.

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