SavedByGrace
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Easton Bible Dictionary
"There are three Greek words used in the New Testament to denote repentance. (1.) The verb _metamelomai_ is used of a change of mind, such as to produce regret or even remorse on account of sin, but not necessarily a change of heart. This word is used with reference to the repentance of Judas (Matt. 27:3).
(2.) Metanoeo, meaning to change one's mind and purpose, as the result of after knowledge. This verb, with (3) the cognate noun _metanoia_, is used of true repentance, a change of mind and purpose and life, to which remission of sin is promised.
Evangelical repentance consists of (1) a true sense of one's own guilt and sinfulness; (2) an apprehension of God's mercy in Christ; (3) an actual hatred of sin (Ps. 119:128; Job 42:5, 6; 2 Cor. 7:10) and turning from it to God; and (4) a persistent endeavour after a holy life in a walking with God in the way of his commandments.
The true penitent is conscious of guilt (Ps. 51:4, 9), of pollution (51:5, 7, 10), and of helplessness (51:11; 109:21, 22). Thus he apprehends himself to be just what God has always See n him to be and declares him to be. But repentance comprehends not only such a sense of sin, but also an apprehension of mercy, without which there can be no true repentance (Ps. 51:1; 130:4)."
American Tract Society
"REPENTANCE
A change of mind, accompanied with regret and sorrow for something done, and an earnest wish that it was undone. Such was the repentance of Juda, Mt 27:3; and so it is said that Esau found "no place of repentance" in his father Isaac, although he sought it with tears, Heb 12:17; that is, Isaac would not change what he had done, and revoke the blessing given to Jacob, Ge 27:1-46. God is sometimes said to "repent" of something he had done, Ge 6:6 Jon 3:9, 10; not that he could wish it undone, but that in his providence such a change of course took place as among men would be ascribed to a change of mind. But the true gospel repentance, or "repentance unto life," is sorrow for sin, grief for having committed it, and a turning away from it with abhorrence, accompanied with sincere endeavors, in reliance on God’s grace and the influences of the Holy Spirit, to live in humble and holy obedience to the commands and will of God. This is that repentance which always accompanies true faith, and to which is promised the free forgiveness of sin through the merits of Jesus Christ, Mt 4:17 Ac 3:19; 11:18; 20:12.
C Buck Theological Dictionary
"In general, is sorrow for any thing past. In theology it signifies that sorrow for sin which produces newness of life. The Greek word most frequently used in the New Testament for repentance properly denotes an afterthought, or the soul recollecting its own actings; and that in such a manner as to produce sorrow in the review, and a desire of amendment. Another word also is used which signifies anxiety or uneasiness upon the consideration of what is done. There are, however, various kinds or repentance; as,
1. A natural repentance, or what is merely the effect of natural conscience.
2. A national repentance, such as the Jews in Babylon were called unto; to which temporal blessings were promised, Eze 18:1-32; Eze 19:1-14; Eze 20:1-49; Eze 21:1-32; Eze 22:1-31; Eze 23:1-49; Eze 24:1-27; Eze 25:1-17; Eze 26:1-21; Eze 27:1-36; Eze 28:1-26; Eze 29:1-21; Eze 30:1-26; Eze 31:1-18; Eze 32:1-30.
3. An External repentance, or an outward humiliation for sin, as in the case of Ahab.
4. A hypocritical repentance, as represented in Ephraim, Hos 7:16.
5. A legal repentance, which is a mere work of the law, and the effect of convictions of sin by it which in time wear off, and come to nothing.
6. an evangelical repentance, which consists in conviction of sin; sorrow for it; confession of it; hatred to it; and renunciation of it. A legal and evangelical repentance are distinguished thus:
1. A legal repentance flows only from a sense of danger and fear of wrath; but an evangelical repentance is a true mourning for sin, and an earnest desire of deliverance from it.
2. A legal repentance flows from unbelief, but evangelical is always the fruit and consequence of a saving faith.
3. A legal repentance flows from an aversion to God and to his holy law, but an evangelical from love to both.
4. A legal repentance ordinarily flows from discouragement and despondency, but evangelical from encouraging hope.
5. A legal repentance is temporary, but evangelical is the daily exercise of the true Christian.
6. A legal repentance does at most produce only a partial and external reformation, but an evangelical is a total change of heart and life. The author of true repentance is God, Act 5:31. The subjects of it are sinners, since none but those who have sinned can repent. The means of repentance is the word, and the ministers of it; yet sometimes consideration, sanctified afflictions, conversation, &c. have been the instruments of repentance. The blessings connected with repentance are, pardon, peace, and everlasting life, Act 11:18.
The time of repentance is the present life, Isa 55:6. Ecc 9:5. the evidences of repentance are, faith, humility, prayer, and obedience, Zec 12:10. The necessity of repentance appears evident from the evil of sin; the misery it involves us in here; the commands given us to repent in God's word; the promises made to the penitent; and the absolute incapability of enjoying God here or hereafter without it.
See Dickinson's Letters, let. 9; Dr. Owen on the 130th Psalm; Gill'sBody of Divinity, article Repentance; Ridgley's Body of Divinity, question 76; Davies's Sermons, ser. 44. vol. 3:; Case's Sermons, ser. 4; Whitefield's Sermons; Saurin's Sermons, ser. 9. vol. 3: Robinson's translation; Scott's Treatise on Repentance.
Bridgeway Bible Dictionary
"Repentance is a turning from sin to God (Deu 30:1-2; 2Ch 6:26-27; 2Ch 7:14; Neh 1:9; Psa 78:34; Isa 55:7; Jer 8:6; Jer 31:18-19; Eze 18:21; Mal 3:7; Mat 11:20-21; Luk 15:7; Luk 16:30; Act 3:19; Act 8:22; Act 14:15; Act 26:19-20; Rev 9:20-21). The open demonstration of this turning to God is sometimes called conversion (Act 15:3; cf. Act 26:17-18; 1Th 1:9-10). Jesus and the New Testament preachers commanded people to repent, because without repentance there can be no salvation (Mat 3:2; Mat 4:17; Mar 6:12; Luk 5:32; Luk 13:3; Luk 24:47; Act 2:38; Act 11:18; Act 17:30).
It is true that faith is the means by which people receive salvation (Rom 3:22-25; Eph 2:8), but faith that does not involve repentance is not true faith. It is not a faith that leads to salvation. Faith means complete trust in Jesus Christ and his atoning death. It means that people must have total dependence on Christ for their entire salvation (see FAITH). But such trust is impossible so long as they cling to anything of themselves. They cannot rely upon the work of Christ for the forgiveness of sin unless they turn from that sin (Mar 1:15; Act 11:21; Act 20:21; Act 26:18; 1Th 1:9).
Because faith involves repentance and repentance involves faith, the Bible in some places speaks of forgiveness as depending on faith (Act 10:43; Act 13:38-39), in others as depending on repentance (Luk 24:47; Act 3:19; Act 3:26). But the preaching of repentance, like the preaching of faith, must be related to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Luk 24:46-47).
Although it is true that people must exercise faith and repentance if they are to be saved, it is also true that neither faith nor repentance would be possible in the heart of self-centred human beings apart from the gracious work of God. God is the one who brings conviction of sin within people and gives them the readiness to repent and believe (Act 5:31; Act 11:18; cf. Joh 6:65; Joh 16:7-11).
Repentance involves a complete change in the mind and will of the believer. It is more than mere sorrow for sin; it is surrender to God. People may be sorry for their sin because of its consequences, but still have no thought for God. True repentance recognizes the character of sin as deserving God’s judgment, and turns from that sin to ask God’s forgiveness. Sorrow for sin that ignores God leads only to self-pity and despair. Godly sorrow leads to repentance and new life (2Co 7:9-10; cf. Job 42:5-6; Psa 51:1-17; Luk 18:13). It proves its genuineness in a complete change of behaviour (Luk 3:8-14; Luk 19:8; 2Co 5:17; 1Jn 2:4-6).
A different usage of the word ‘repent’ is found in the Old Testament, where writers sometimes use it in relation to God. The word simply has to do with a change in God’s dealings with people. It has nothing to do with any divine sin or failure (Gen 6:6; 1Sa 15:11; Jer 18:7-10; Jon 3:8-9; cf. Psa 110:4; Jer 4:28).
"There are three Greek words used in the New Testament to denote repentance. (1.) The verb _metamelomai_ is used of a change of mind, such as to produce regret or even remorse on account of sin, but not necessarily a change of heart. This word is used with reference to the repentance of Judas (Matt. 27:3).
(2.) Metanoeo, meaning to change one's mind and purpose, as the result of after knowledge. This verb, with (3) the cognate noun _metanoia_, is used of true repentance, a change of mind and purpose and life, to which remission of sin is promised.
Evangelical repentance consists of (1) a true sense of one's own guilt and sinfulness; (2) an apprehension of God's mercy in Christ; (3) an actual hatred of sin (Ps. 119:128; Job 42:5, 6; 2 Cor. 7:10) and turning from it to God; and (4) a persistent endeavour after a holy life in a walking with God in the way of his commandments.
The true penitent is conscious of guilt (Ps. 51:4, 9), of pollution (51:5, 7, 10), and of helplessness (51:11; 109:21, 22). Thus he apprehends himself to be just what God has always See n him to be and declares him to be. But repentance comprehends not only such a sense of sin, but also an apprehension of mercy, without which there can be no true repentance (Ps. 51:1; 130:4)."
American Tract Society
"REPENTANCE
A change of mind, accompanied with regret and sorrow for something done, and an earnest wish that it was undone. Such was the repentance of Juda, Mt 27:3; and so it is said that Esau found "no place of repentance" in his father Isaac, although he sought it with tears, Heb 12:17; that is, Isaac would not change what he had done, and revoke the blessing given to Jacob, Ge 27:1-46. God is sometimes said to "repent" of something he had done, Ge 6:6 Jon 3:9, 10; not that he could wish it undone, but that in his providence such a change of course took place as among men would be ascribed to a change of mind. But the true gospel repentance, or "repentance unto life," is sorrow for sin, grief for having committed it, and a turning away from it with abhorrence, accompanied with sincere endeavors, in reliance on God’s grace and the influences of the Holy Spirit, to live in humble and holy obedience to the commands and will of God. This is that repentance which always accompanies true faith, and to which is promised the free forgiveness of sin through the merits of Jesus Christ, Mt 4:17 Ac 3:19; 11:18; 20:12.
C Buck Theological Dictionary
"In general, is sorrow for any thing past. In theology it signifies that sorrow for sin which produces newness of life. The Greek word most frequently used in the New Testament for repentance properly denotes an afterthought, or the soul recollecting its own actings; and that in such a manner as to produce sorrow in the review, and a desire of amendment. Another word also is used which signifies anxiety or uneasiness upon the consideration of what is done. There are, however, various kinds or repentance; as,
1. A natural repentance, or what is merely the effect of natural conscience.
2. A national repentance, such as the Jews in Babylon were called unto; to which temporal blessings were promised, Eze 18:1-32; Eze 19:1-14; Eze 20:1-49; Eze 21:1-32; Eze 22:1-31; Eze 23:1-49; Eze 24:1-27; Eze 25:1-17; Eze 26:1-21; Eze 27:1-36; Eze 28:1-26; Eze 29:1-21; Eze 30:1-26; Eze 31:1-18; Eze 32:1-30.
3. An External repentance, or an outward humiliation for sin, as in the case of Ahab.
4. A hypocritical repentance, as represented in Ephraim, Hos 7:16.
5. A legal repentance, which is a mere work of the law, and the effect of convictions of sin by it which in time wear off, and come to nothing.
6. an evangelical repentance, which consists in conviction of sin; sorrow for it; confession of it; hatred to it; and renunciation of it. A legal and evangelical repentance are distinguished thus:
1. A legal repentance flows only from a sense of danger and fear of wrath; but an evangelical repentance is a true mourning for sin, and an earnest desire of deliverance from it.
2. A legal repentance flows from unbelief, but evangelical is always the fruit and consequence of a saving faith.
3. A legal repentance flows from an aversion to God and to his holy law, but an evangelical from love to both.
4. A legal repentance ordinarily flows from discouragement and despondency, but evangelical from encouraging hope.
5. A legal repentance is temporary, but evangelical is the daily exercise of the true Christian.
6. A legal repentance does at most produce only a partial and external reformation, but an evangelical is a total change of heart and life. The author of true repentance is God, Act 5:31. The subjects of it are sinners, since none but those who have sinned can repent. The means of repentance is the word, and the ministers of it; yet sometimes consideration, sanctified afflictions, conversation, &c. have been the instruments of repentance. The blessings connected with repentance are, pardon, peace, and everlasting life, Act 11:18.
The time of repentance is the present life, Isa 55:6. Ecc 9:5. the evidences of repentance are, faith, humility, prayer, and obedience, Zec 12:10. The necessity of repentance appears evident from the evil of sin; the misery it involves us in here; the commands given us to repent in God's word; the promises made to the penitent; and the absolute incapability of enjoying God here or hereafter without it.
See Dickinson's Letters, let. 9; Dr. Owen on the 130th Psalm; Gill'sBody of Divinity, article Repentance; Ridgley's Body of Divinity, question 76; Davies's Sermons, ser. 44. vol. 3:; Case's Sermons, ser. 4; Whitefield's Sermons; Saurin's Sermons, ser. 9. vol. 3: Robinson's translation; Scott's Treatise on Repentance.
Bridgeway Bible Dictionary
"Repentance is a turning from sin to God (Deu 30:1-2; 2Ch 6:26-27; 2Ch 7:14; Neh 1:9; Psa 78:34; Isa 55:7; Jer 8:6; Jer 31:18-19; Eze 18:21; Mal 3:7; Mat 11:20-21; Luk 15:7; Luk 16:30; Act 3:19; Act 8:22; Act 14:15; Act 26:19-20; Rev 9:20-21). The open demonstration of this turning to God is sometimes called conversion (Act 15:3; cf. Act 26:17-18; 1Th 1:9-10). Jesus and the New Testament preachers commanded people to repent, because without repentance there can be no salvation (Mat 3:2; Mat 4:17; Mar 6:12; Luk 5:32; Luk 13:3; Luk 24:47; Act 2:38; Act 11:18; Act 17:30).
It is true that faith is the means by which people receive salvation (Rom 3:22-25; Eph 2:8), but faith that does not involve repentance is not true faith. It is not a faith that leads to salvation. Faith means complete trust in Jesus Christ and his atoning death. It means that people must have total dependence on Christ for their entire salvation (see FAITH). But such trust is impossible so long as they cling to anything of themselves. They cannot rely upon the work of Christ for the forgiveness of sin unless they turn from that sin (Mar 1:15; Act 11:21; Act 20:21; Act 26:18; 1Th 1:9).
Because faith involves repentance and repentance involves faith, the Bible in some places speaks of forgiveness as depending on faith (Act 10:43; Act 13:38-39), in others as depending on repentance (Luk 24:47; Act 3:19; Act 3:26). But the preaching of repentance, like the preaching of faith, must be related to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Luk 24:46-47).
Although it is true that people must exercise faith and repentance if they are to be saved, it is also true that neither faith nor repentance would be possible in the heart of self-centred human beings apart from the gracious work of God. God is the one who brings conviction of sin within people and gives them the readiness to repent and believe (Act 5:31; Act 11:18; cf. Joh 6:65; Joh 16:7-11).
Repentance involves a complete change in the mind and will of the believer. It is more than mere sorrow for sin; it is surrender to God. People may be sorry for their sin because of its consequences, but still have no thought for God. True repentance recognizes the character of sin as deserving God’s judgment, and turns from that sin to ask God’s forgiveness. Sorrow for sin that ignores God leads only to self-pity and despair. Godly sorrow leads to repentance and new life (2Co 7:9-10; cf. Job 42:5-6; Psa 51:1-17; Luk 18:13). It proves its genuineness in a complete change of behaviour (Luk 3:8-14; Luk 19:8; 2Co 5:17; 1Jn 2:4-6).
A different usage of the word ‘repent’ is found in the Old Testament, where writers sometimes use it in relation to God. The word simply has to do with a change in God’s dealings with people. It has nothing to do with any divine sin or failure (Gen 6:6; 1Sa 15:11; Jer 18:7-10; Jon 3:8-9; cf. Psa 110:4; Jer 4:28).
