A word in season – Paul on repentance


Brothers and sisters, I’m not trying to bait anyone but to finish a discussion. Thank you!

2 Corinthians 7:8-10

NKJV

8 For though I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it—for I see that that letter caused you sorrow, though only for a while— 9 I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance; for you were made sorrowful according to the will of God, so that you might not suffer loss in anything through us. 10 For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.

..

HT: Thanks for the reminder, Sherry!

“Why Repentance Is Needed For Salvation”

Easton’s Bible Dictionary

Repentance

Biblestudytools.com

There are three Greek words used in the New Testament to denote repentance.

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 ( Matthew 27:3).

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 ( Psalms 119:128 ; Job 42:5 Job 42:6 ; 2 co 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 ( Psalms 51:4 Psalms 51:9 ), of pollution ( Psalms 51:5 Psalms 51:7 Psalms 51:10 ), and of helplessness ( 51:11 ; Psalms 109:21 Psalms 109:22 ). Thus he apprehends himself to be just what God has always seen 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 ( Psalms 51:1 ; 130:4 ).

11 thoughts on “A word in season – Paul on repentance”

  1. I’ve learned the importance of repentance in salvation in a real-life situation with an abuser who would demand forgiveness, while never admitting to wrong-doing, making the breach in our relationship all about my lack of forgiveness. Truly, I have forgiven him but that isn’t enough to heal our relationship. He needs to do his part, repent: described just as you’ve laid out. He wanted me to overlook his abuses and pretend nothing happened. He wanted to have his cake and eat it too but he didn’t want true forgiveness from me enough to do his part. I know people who treat Jesus in just the same way. Hi Maria.:0)

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    • Hi, Pam!:0) This truly is a real life example of wanting forgiveness – that is, to make the bad stuff “go away” – without wanting to change. There is no contrition, no sorrow for doing wrong, for hurting you.

      I hope you’re well in every way, sister! Are you doing better?

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

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