What is repentance?
Repentance is the Greek word metanoia which means to change your mind or thinking. One of the first principles of doctrine of Christ is repentance.
1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, 2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.— Matthew 3:1-2
14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand repent ye, and believe the gospel. —-Mark 1:14-15
John the Baptist began his ministry before Christ did. His message was simple it was all about repentance, that is baptism unto repentance. It was John’s job to prepare people for the earthly appearing of the Christ the Jewish Messiah.
1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; 2 As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. 5 And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. —- Mark 1:1-5
The Baptist had one main calling and he was completely faithful to it. He was called to prepared the way for Jesus to make entrance were He could proclaim the good message of the kingdom. His main mission was to get mankind to recognize the need for change. Jesus was to bring a doctrine so radically different and contrary to way men had be taught that their was a need for a messenger who could present the case that the old system of way men were living was failing to bring them into union with their Creator. It was the Baptist job to convince men that they were programmed and conditioned in their minds and hearts to be the opposite of were they were created to be. Therefore the very first place they needed to start with was repentance. Before they could be change they had to admit their need for change. How could they receive what they needed until they were willing to accept that they need the offer.
Change can be one of the most intimidating things we can do. The most difficult type of change is the kind that is not known. The fear of the unknown is always challenging. John’s calling was convince men of their sinfulness so that they would welcome the message of the Messiah no matter how radical it was. All who would be willing to see their darkness would also be willing to see the light that Christ would offer. God gave John water baptism for a symbol of repentance. As they were baptized, they would confess their sins which to a great extent was confessing both their need for and openness to God.
The word confessing is the Greek word exomologue which means to acknowledge the same the same thing in words. When we confess our sins, we are to acknowledge the same thing about sin that God says. Repentance closes one door and opens another. It closes the door to dead works. Dead works are works that produce death rather than life. Death is alienation or separation from God. Anything done not in harmony with God is sin. Jesus came to restore harmony with God, John was sent to prepare way. No one can be brought back into harmony with God and His creation unless they are willingly to acknowledge their disharmony confessing it.
The Fruits of Repentance
1 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Phillip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis,and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene, 2 Annas and Caiphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John thee son of Zacharias in the wilderness. 3 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission sins; 4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make His paths straight. 5 Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; 6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God. 7 Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. 9 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees; every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 10 And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then? 11 He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise. 12 Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? 13 And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you. 14 And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages, — Luke 3:1-14
John the Baptist came in the wilderness came preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. There were multitudes who responded to his message as they went out unto him. There were two important aspects of his message of repentance, one that they should repent and be baptized and two that they should bring forth fruit unto repentance. The people therefore enquired of him what could they do to bring forth fruit to repentance. Luke wrote concerning three of his replies. To the everyday person he responded that they should share their food and clothing with those who were less fortunate. To the tax collectors he replied that should deal justly with all who had to report to them and not take advantage of anyone nor defraud anyone. To the soldiers he declared that they should not use their authority to do hurt or violence to anyone and that they should be content with pay to avoid the potential for corruption.Repentance is the first thing anyone must do when coming to God. It is first step of the believes, if one believes he will repent and he will also bring forth fruit unto that repentance.
Repentance is the first thing anyone must do when coming to God. It is first step of the believes, if one believes he will repent and he will also bring forth fruit unto that repentance.