Repentance
Repent (metanoeo) means a change of mind. Repentance is essential in salvation and the Greek the word repent means a change of mind — from any idea of religion that man may have, to an acceptance of God’s way of salvation in Jesus Christ alone. Repentance does not in any sense include a demand for a change of conduct or “turning from sin” to gain or keep salvation as that would entail a works salvation message. A perceived change of life habits is not necessarily a proof of salvation. The best assurance is found in the fact that one trusts Christ’s alone for salvation and that God can keep those who trust in His Son. One of the counterfeits Satan is using today is the misuse of the word “repent”. To insist upon repentance that in any sense includes a demand for a change of conduct either toward God or man is to add an element of works or human merit to faith. Penance is payment for sin. Penitence is sorrow for sin. Nowhere does Scripture use the phrase “repent of sin” to be saved. (Acts 20:21; 2 Corinthians 7:8-10; Matthew 21:32)
Repent (metanoeo) means a change of mind. Repentance is essential in salvation and the Greek the word repent means a change of mind — from any idea of religion that man may have, to an acceptance of God’s way of salvation in Jesus Christ alone. Repentance does not in any sense include a demand for a change of conduct or “turning from sin” to gain or keep salvation as that would entail a works salvation message. A perceived change of life habits is not necessarily a proof of salvation. The best assurance is found in the fact that one trusts Christ’s alone for salvation and that God can keep those who trust in His Son. One of the counterfeits Satan is using today is the misuse of the word “repent”. To insist upon repentance that in any sense includes a demand for a change of conduct either toward God or man is to add an element of works or human merit to faith. Penance is payment for sin. Penitence is sorrow for sin. Nowhere does Scripture use the phrase “repent of sin” to be saved. (Acts 20:21; 2 Corinthians 7:8-10; Matthew 21:32)
Repentance: What Does the Bible Teach? By Curtis Hutson
