The definition of true repentance in Christianity

[alaric]

Repentance is to change your mind with regards to the worldly way to obtain salvation. What is the worldly way to obtain salvation? The worldly way of salvation is to stop sinning and do more good works to be qualify for God's acceptance. But according to God, no sinner can enter heaven. That includes sinner who by their own definition has stopped sinning (in reality, no sinner can stop sinning in action or thought). A sinner who is able to sin less and do a lot of good works, is just a well behaved sinner. A sinner is still a sinner regardless whether he is sinning less and did a lot of good works. No amount of good works or committing less sin will change the status of a sinner into a saint. True repentance is to understand that a sinner cannot save himself because nobody can change their sinner status through good works or committing less sins. The only way to change the sinner status is to accept Jesus' payment for our sins and to be BORN AGAIN (made into a new creation).

 

[alaric]

Repentance is to change your mind with regards to the worldly way to obtain salvation. What is the worldly way to obtain salvation? The worldly way of salvation is to stop sinning and do more good works to be qualify for God's acceptance. But according to God, no sinner can enter heaven.

Revelation 21:27 Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

That includes sinner who by their own definition has stopped sinning (in reality, no sinner can stop sinning in action or thought). A sinner who is able to sin less and do a lot of good works, is just a well behaved sinner. A sinner is still a sinner regardless whether he is sinning less and did a lot of good works. No amount of good works or committing less sin will change the status of a sinner into a saint. True repentance is to understand that a sinner cannot save himself because nobody can change their sinner status through good works or committing less sins. The only way to change the sinner status is to accept Jesus' payment for our sins and to be BORN AGAIN (made into a new creation).

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

 

[Hopeful]

Repentance is to change your mind with regards to the worldly way to obtain salvation. What is the worldly way to obtain salvation? The worldly way of salvation is to stop sinning and do more good works to be qualify for God's acceptance. But according to God, no sinner can enter heaven. That includes sinner who by their own definition has stopped sinning (in reality, no sinner can stop sinning in action or thought). A sinner who is able to sin less and do a lot of good works, is just a well behaved sinner. A sinner is still a sinner regardless whether he is sinning less and did a lot of good works. No amount of good works or committing less sin will change the status of a sinner into a saint. True repentance is to understand that a sinner cannot save himself because nobody can change their sinner status through good works or committing less sins. The only way to change the sinner status is to accept Jesus' payment for our sins and to be BORN AGAIN (made into a new creation).

Got some good news for you.
You can "turn from " sin.
Your "repentance" above was a repentance from a way of salvation, but disregarded repentance from sin entirely.
BTW, those reborn of God's seed cannot commit sin. (1 John 3:9)
Welcome to the site !

 

[for_his_glory]

Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God



REPENT - change, transform, transfigure, reconsider

Repentance gives us that opportunity to receive a new beginning in our life as God wipes away all our past sins and remembers them no more. Repentance allows the door to be opened for Christ to come into our lives so we may receive his Holy Spirit to help guide us in our walk with the Lord and to show us a life that is pleasing to the Father. It’s through the Holy Spirit that we come into a better understanding of Gods word by allowing His Spirit to teach us all things we need to know for the purpose and time of ministry to ourselves and to others.

There is only one way for God to recognize who are his and that is by us opening our heart and confessing we are sinners and knowing that we need to make a change in our lives in order for us to have eternal life with the Father. It’s not our will anymore to make decisions in our lives, but is now we allowing Gods will to make a betterment in our lives. As we follow in the footsteps of Christ we are now dead to self and alive now through the grace of God who wants nothing more than to shower us with his blessings as we surrender all to him through the transfiguration of our heart through repentance of our sins.

When we ask for our sins to be forgiven they are not only forgiven, but they are also forgotten. Our hearts become renewed again and we are given the Holy Spirit, which is the that Spirit of God made flesh in Jesus and given to us for comfort and learning. We receive the Holy Spirit at the time of repentance by asking Jesus into our hearts. Some like to be baptized in actual water, which there is nothing wrong with that as it is an outward appearance to others that you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior.

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 2:39 for the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Now that we have been transformed from the old man to the spiritual man of God we now become as a newborn baby and our spirit needs nourishment from the word of God and the only way to get the nourishment we need is to get into the word and study it by allowing the Holy Spirit teach it to us for truth and understanding. The way I study is to take a verse at a time and allow the Holy Spirit to give me understanding of that verse before I move on to the next one. This helps me to understand the whole of whatever chapter I am studying.

Through repentance which brings transformation and renewal of mind, body and soul through Gods Spirit we now have to learn that we also have Gods power and authority to be able to stand against Satan who wants nothing more than to destroy our relationship with Jesus who is our mediator to God. That power and authority comes by Gods grace that has brought salvation to our renewed spirit man.​

 

[Hopeful]

Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God



REPENT - change, transform, transfigure, reconsider

Repentance gives us that opportunity to receive a new beginning in our life as God wipes away all our past sins and remembers them no more. Repentance allows the door to be opened for Christ to come into our lives so we may receive his Holy Spirit to help guide us in our walk with the Lord and to show us a life that is pleasing to the Father. It’s through the Holy Spirit that we come into a better understanding of Gods word by allowing His Spirit to teach us all things we need to know for the purpose and time of ministry to ourselves and to others.

There is only one way for God to recognize who are his and that is by us opening our heart and confessing we are sinners and knowing that we need to make a change in our lives in order for us to have eternal life with the Father. It’s not our will anymore to make decisions in our lives, but is now we allowing Gods will to make a betterment in our lives. As we follow in the footsteps of Christ we are now dead to self and alive now through the grace of God who wants nothing more than to shower us with his blessings as we surrender all to him through the transfiguration of our heart through repentance of our sins.

When we ask for our sins to be forgiven they are not only forgiven, but they are also forgotten. Our hearts become renewed again and we are given the Holy Spirit, which is the that Spirit of God made flesh in Jesus and given to us for comfort and learning. We receive the Holy Spirit at the time of repentance by asking Jesus into our hearts. Some like to be baptized in actual water, which there is nothing wrong with that as it is an outward appearance to others that you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior.

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 2:39 for the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Now that we have been transformed from the old man to the spiritual man of God we now become as a newborn baby and our spirit needs nourishment from the word of God and the only way to get the nourishment we need is to get into the word and study it by allowing the Holy Spirit teach it to us for truth and understanding. The way I study is to take a verse at a time and allow the Holy Spirit to give me understanding of that verse before I move on to the next one. This helps me to understand the whole of whatever chapter I am studying.

Through repentance which brings transformation and renewal of mind, body and soul through Gods Spirit we now have to learn that we also have Gods power and authority to be able to stand against Satan who wants nothing more than to destroy our relationship with Jesus who is our mediator to God. That power and authority comes by Gods grace that has brought salvation to our renewed spirit man.​

Thank God for providing a way to serve a new Lord !

 

[Who Me]

True repentance is seen in changed behaviour.

 

[D-D-W]

Derek Prince (of blessed memory) used to put Repentance like this: The NT Greek word is metanoia which means to change your mind. The OT Hebrew word is teshuva which means a turning and a change of direction.

SO when you put them together you get a change in the way of thinking followed by a distinct change of actions.

 

[Hopeful]

Derek Prince (of blessed memory) used to put Repentance like this: The NT Greek word is metanoia which means to change your mind. The OT Hebrew word is teshuva which means a turning and a change of direction.

SO when you put them together you get a change in the way of thinking followed by a distinct change of actions.

Some thought has to be put into what exactly one is "repenting" of.
For me, it was all sin.

 

[Dorothy Mae]

Repentance is to change your mind with regards to the worldly way to obtain salvation. What is the worldly way to obtain salvation? The worldly way of salvation is to stop sinning and do more good works to be qualify for God's acceptance. But according to God, no sinner can enter heaven. That includes sinner who by their own definition has stopped sinning (in reality, no sinner can stop sinning in action or thought). A sinner who is able to sin less and do a lot of good works, is just a well behaved sinner. A sinner is still a sinner regardless whether he is sinning less and did a lot of good works. No amount of good works or committing less sin will change the status of a sinner into a saint. True repentance is to understand that a sinner cannot save himself because nobody can change their sinner status through good works or committing less sins. The only way to change the sinner status is to accept Jesus' payment for our sins and to be BORN AGAIN (made into a new creation).

I guess the sin you engage in and enjoy is left totally unchanged in this view. One can see why this is appealing. Repentance doesn't mean you experience deep regret for the sin you have done to others, you just see that you needn't bother yourself about doing anything good for anyone ever because God does not care about you loving others, just that you realize those good deeds will not change your eternal destiny. You just need to understand a theological position, condescend to "accept Jesus' payment" so you can continue to live as you do. Oh, yes, the vague "born again" experience needs to be a part but do not bother to curb any wrong desire and do not bother yourself to do good for anyone. Just enjoy!

I lay it out with some sarcasm so that it is clear that this is definitely NOT what anyone in the New Testament taught. Jesus' definition of repentance is "neither do I condemn you, go and sin NO MORE." (He was speaking of a particular sin (adultery) which is not all that difficult to refrain from doing as it is not done in a momentary burst of emotion but takes some real planning, but in general, repenting of a sin means you do not do it.)

 

[D-D-W]

Some thought has to be put into what exactly one is "repenting" of.
For me, it was all sin.

That works for the initial start, but after that it has to be repentance from each thing individually.

 

[gordon777]

Repentance is to believe the Gospel ( of the Kingdom of God) to repent in the name of Jesus Christ, ( believing in the name of the only begotten Son of God) for the remission of sins, to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. To repent to be converted, for the sins to be blotted out, not to be repented of ( not to be repeated) with godly sorrow, to have carefulness, clearing, indignation ( against pride and selfishness and all evil) to have fear ( of the Lord not man, as he that fears is not made perfect in love) desire and zeal in the knowledge of Christ ( love, kindness and humility) in meekness, to acknowledge the truth if God grants us repentance, our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience ( of unbelief) to a good conscience by the resurrection of Jesus Christ....





Mark 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

2 Timothy 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

Hebrews 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

1 Peter 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

 

[emtor]

BTW, those reborn of God's seed cannot commit sin. (1 John 3:9)

1st John 1:8
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

-Is 1st John contradicting itself? -That's not very likely, so there must be an explanation to this.
What does it say in the greek,-and how would christians living in the age it was written understand it?
Maybe someone here has an explanation or the explanation may be found here:

https://christianity.stackexchange....hapter-1-3-is-there-an-apparent-contradiction

 

[daninthelionsden]

Derek Prince (of blessed memory) used to put Repentance like this: The NT Greek word is metanoia which means to change your mind. The OT Hebrew word is teshuva which means a turning and a change of direction.

SO when you put them together you get a change in the way of thinking followed by a distinct change of actions.

I believe thoughts are like rivers running through one's mind. If that flow or train of thought is sinful, then it is incumbant to change that flow. Once the Lord shows us what is displeasing to Him, then He is more than willing and able to help us divert that flow. We must have obedient hearts and harken to His voice as He walks with us through the garden of thoughts in our mind. "Prune this, trim that, uproot here, water there." Trust Him to help you grow and allow Him to mold you into His.

 

[Hopeful]

1st John 1:8
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

-Is 1st John contradicting itself? -That's not very likely, so there must be an explanation to this.
What does it say in the greek,-and how would christians living in the age it was written understand it?
Maybe someone here has an explanation or the explanation may be found here:

https://christianity.stackexchange....hapter-1-3-is-there-an-apparent-contradiction

John is presenting two POVs in a juxtaposing manner.
The two POVs are; those walking in darkness, sin, versus those walking in the light, God.
Verse 8, and 6 and 10, address those walking in darkness, sin.
Sinners cant say they have no sin.
Those walking in God can say they have no sin, as there is no sin in God.

 

[WIP]

John is presenting two POVs in a juxtaposing manner.
The two POVs are; those walking in darkness, sin, versus those walking in the light, God.
Verse 8, and 6 and 10, address those walking in darkness, sin.
Sinners cant say they have no sin.
Those walking in God can say they have no sin, as there is no sin in God.

Is there now or has there ever been, aside from Jesus of course, anyone in this world that can in all honesty say they have no sin?

17 Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?”
18 So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God."
Mark 10:17-18 NKJV

12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—
Romans 5:12 NKJV

 

[Hopeful]

Is there now or has there ever been, aside from Jesus of course, anyone in this world that can in all honesty say they have no sin?

17 Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?”
18 So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God."
Mark 10:17-18 NKJV

12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—
Romans 5:12 NKJV

Absolutely yes.
Everyone who serves the Lord Jesus Christ has turned permanently from sin.
It's called repentance from sin.
Sins can be remitted, right?
Washed away by the blood of Christ, in 1 John 1:7.
Anyone whose sins were remitted can say they have no sin.
They must, however, continue walking in the light-God to stay that way.
His commandments are not grievous. (1 John 5:3)

 

[Christ_empowered]

Jesus imparts His sinless nature to the faithful. This applies with prayer sanctification and ultimately judgment.

Human beings are not sinless until glorification which is the end stage of sanctification.

 

[WIP]

Absolutely yes.
Everyone who serves the Lord Jesus Christ has turned permanently from sin.
It's called repentance from sin.
Sins can be remitted, right?
Washed away by the blood of Christ, in 1 John 1:7.
Anyone whose sins were remitted can say they have no sin.
They must, however, continue walking in the light-God to stay that way.
His commandments are not grievous. (1 John 5:3)

Let's hope that in the day of judgment, Jesus will be able to say to you, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" I, for one, still need and look to my Lord, Jesus.

 

[Hopeful]

Let's hope that in the day of judgment, Jesus will be able to say to you, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" I, for one, still need and look to my Lord, Jesus.

So do I, but I guess for different reasons.
If He is your Lord, shouldn't you be doing what He commands?

 

[Hopeful]

Jesus imparts His sinless nature to the faithful. This applies with prayer sanctification and ultimately judgment.

Human beings are not sinless until glorification which is the end stage of sanctification.

Sanctification is done with the application of our Lord's atoning blood. (Heb 9:22)
That happens at our baptism into Him and into His death. (Rom 6:3-4)
There are no "faithful" sinners.