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Repentance and Faith

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And when they came to him, he said to them:
“You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ
(Acts 20:18-21)

Repentance and faith go hand in hand. Where one is found, so is the other. To turn from sin and trust in Jesus is to exercise repentance and faith, respectively.

What is repentance?

Repentance, or μετάνοια (metanoia), means a change of mind, as it appears to one who repents, of a purpose he has formed or of something he has done. In other words, it is to turn around and change directions. When we repent from sin, we turn away from it. As I’ve heard it once said, the things we once loved we now begin to hate and the God we once hated we now begin to love.

Repentance is more than just turning from something; it is also turning to something else. It’s about having a new nature which draws you in the opposite direction. Scripture speaks of turning from Satan, sin, and darkness. But repentance also involves turning toward God, life, and holiness. Furthermore, the Christian does not only experience a single moment of repentance, he lives a continuous life of repentance from sin and toward God (Acts 26:18).

What is faith?

Faith is closely tied to repentance. When we turn from sin and toward God, we have faith that God is better than sin and that Christ is to be supremely treasured above all. When we exercise faith, we trust in God and in the finished work of Jesus Christ—his death, resurrection, ascension on high.

In the life of faith and repentance, the Christian places his faith in Jesus, not in himself—man and his works. It is a gift of God:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
(Ephesians 2:8-10)

Real faith is a gift. It is not mustered up; it is given. And as Ephesians 2 implies, this gift of faith has two effects: 1) humility, and 2) walking in good works. A life of faith leads to turning from any and all boasting. It also leads to walking in a life of holiness and service. In Jesus, we now live for God and the supremacy of His glory. This life of repentance is lived in faith—faith in the secured victory that we have been given in Jesus Christ, our great God and Savior.

Comments

  1. Sometimes repentance is hard to do, especially when the sin is deeply rooted, like one of those really ugly weeds in your backyard that springs up like a tree and has thorns and sticky fur on the leaves, and a pretty little purple flower at the top. But deep inside the ground, it has a root like a bad carrot that burrows deep into the ground and holds there like cement.

    That kind of sin is sometimes hidden even to ourselves. The sin of pride comes to mind. The sin of criticizing others because they are different than you. The sin of expecting others to agree with you. The sin of wanting someone to shut up because their pride is shining like a gold star, like a know-it-all and they want attention, and your pride isn’t that strong. Ha!

    That kind of sin is the hardest to repent of because it means having to turn to God in faith and say, “I repent of my behavior and my attitude because it’s not about what I think or feel, Lord. It is about you and what you have done for me in my life. Work on that other person, Lord, yes, but work on me and please remove this deep root of dissatisfaction and criticism. Please take the log out of my own eye. Please work on me, Lord. I turn to you and please, build my faith for it is really, really weak. Amen”.

    That is the kind of repentance I am talking about. Repentance isn’t easy.

    Signed, Debi (who discovered that deep root this morning while weeding the heart)

    • hi teresa, thanks for the nice prayer. .i am praying that prayer because i do that toward my own spouse because i am a christian an we r uneaqually yoked. thanks and god bless

  2. This article brought to mind a conversation I had with my husband the other day about whether Judas Iscariot was actually repentant unto salvation. Scripture says that he “repented himself” (KJV) or “was remorseful” (NKJV). He returned the blood money, which seems a sign of repentance. Goodness, he killed himself – which also seems to be a sign, but was it a sign of true repentance, or just despair and hopelessness (definitely not results of interaction with God!)

    This article reminded me to look into the matter. Matthew Henry’s commentary was the most thorough and clearly presented of the ones that I read, and helped me a lot. (See BLB’s M. Henry Commentary on Matthew 27:3.)

    In brief, Henry points out that because Judas confessed not to God but to the religious leaders, who offered him no guidance, no comfort – because of course they had none to offer, having rejected Christ’s new covenant of grace, Judas remained hopeless of forgiveness and salvation. He threw himself on the mercy of Satan, rather than humbling himself before the Lord.

    What if he had gone instead to the disciples? Wouldn’t they have offered him the hope of God’s mercy and grace, guiding him possibly to truly repent? He certainly would’ve been told that even this egregious a sin would be covered by God’s provision if he would throw himself on God’s mercy. His outcome would’ve been a much different one indeed!

    This ministered to me a basic truth that, when repentance is needed, I must first go to my Lord and Savior for forgiveness, restoration, and hope. All other avenues will render me hopeless and despairing.

    • Theresa,
      I had to smile because my wife and I talked about the same thing. I also went to the scriptures on this matter. One interesting thing came to me right away; the difference between Godly sorrow and worldly sorrow.I took a look at 2 Corinthians 7:8-11
      “Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it. I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while,yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.”
      Godly sorrow brings about repentance (metanoia) and if we are really His children our sin should cause us to grieve, repent and seek forgiveness. Did Judas throw Himself before the mercies of God? No, he went back to the men he made the deal with and tried to take it back. Quite a parallel isn’t it? How many times do we try to take back our own sin or wish we could. The fact is we know we can’t and the only thing we can do is go before the Lord and seek His mercy and forgiveness. In Matthew 27, Judas clearly was sorry that He betrayed Christ, but I find it interesting that nowhere in Matthew 27 up to the point he took his own life did he profess Christ as Lord, nor acknowledge that His sin was against God. Also something to note is that word we are discussing here, metanoia, is not the same as the word used for Judas repenting which is metamelomai. The difference seems to be that metamelomai is talking about self sorrow, a feeling bad emotionally. This same word metamelomai is used in 2 Corinthians 7:8. Paul is not repenting as one sins against God, no, I’m sure Paul felt remorse because the letter caused those in the church to feel hurt. Latter however he experiences joy because of the fruit that the letter caused. He goes on to define the difference in Godly sorrow versus worldly sorrow. My understanding is that Judas felt worldly sorrow, but not Godly sorrow. If he felt Godly sorrow, he would have cast Himself before God seeking forgiveness. Thank you for bringing that up, as I often wondered am I the only one who thought that?:) Jesus Bless.

      • Thank you so much for sharing that Scripture, Ryan…can’t wait to bring your “findings” to my husband. Your explanation is beautifully expressed. God bless you!

  3. Some say that you need to repent before you are saved, or that it is part of the salvation process along with baptism. But, salvation comes by grace through faith. To repent and believe means to come to Y’shua with a repentant heart, willing to turn. You can’t repent truly without the power of the Holy Spirit and you can’t receive the Holy Spirit without believing in Y’shua. Romans 10.8-14. But, I learned the repentance is the “result” of genuine faith. You will turn from the old to the new, Y’shua and your fruits will show it. Doesn’t mean that somewhere along the line you might not stumble, as most do, but it means that if you do stumble, you get up and confess your sin to y’shua and G-d will forgive us of our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. So, in the end, true faith will result in true repentance/works/fruits. shalom

    • yitzhakbenavi,

      I thoroughly appreciate your response to this matter. You nailed it head on about repentance. I have recently had some questions in regard to what part(if any) repentance plays in becoming a child of God. I think that there is too much weight placed on it. It is a gift from God, but, this is because it is a result of a gift. And without the initial gift of faith, there would be no repentance. I do not see repentance as an act that is necessary in order for one to be saved. Is it an indicator that someone is saved? ABSOLUTELY! Yet, it is not what saves, it is by faith alone.

      Teresa,

      Your response helped me as well. I always knew there was something not quite right about Judas’ repentance and I am an admirer of MH as well. That is a great point, that Judas went to the priests not to God.

      Debi,

      Well put, we all need to look at the “little” stuff. Our “little” stuff(in the eyes of the world) was never committed by our Lord and Savior. And we need to “work” very hard at becoming more like Him.

  4. Let us not forget 2Cr 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

    I actually cherrish these moments when the worship begins and God moves within my heart as I praise Him for (his) goodness and mercy. All at once I feel that incredible sorrow that drops me to my knees. My weeping begins as I experience Godly sorrow. For the seperation from my Father due to indwelling sin grieves Him so much more than it does me. The truth that sets me free is how much he loves me. It’s amazing how much love pours into my heart at that moment, I can turn to anyone and fall in thier arms to share in the comfort. I have no predjudices or conditions to thier status in life. Rich or poor black or white I fall into thier embrace and share that comfort. I would that I were constantly filled with Godly sorrow..

  5. I often think about St. Peter too when it comes to repentenance. Imagine how he felt when he did deny Jesus three times as Jesus said he would. That haunting sound of the rooster crowing. Simon Peter wept bitterly.

    Previous to that Jesus told him get behind me Satan when Peter lamented please don’t leave us. Don’t fulfil prophesy stay with us.

    Think how very frightened all of the remaining Apostles, Disciples who had previously been dispatched, and the women were those days between Christ’s death and his subsequent resurrection then asked to wait 50 days until Pentecost.

    Even though Mary and the two Apostles were reassured seeing Jesus at the tomb their fear still must have been tremedous. Their prayers even more fervent and unceasing awaiting Jesus.

    None of the eleven could step out openly until Jesus came to stay with them those precious days after Pentecost.

    Such a difference the gift of the Holy Spirit Jesus left for them as he made his ascension to rejoin God the Father.

    Peter was able to convert 500 men plus women and children that day he stood boldly at the Temple proclaiming our Lord is the gift of grace to all if they repent and then follow the Lord. Turn, atone and be baptized by water.

    The Holy Spirit baptizes our soul with fire!

    Saint Stephen also made a stand and taught before he suffered a martyr’s death at the hands of none other the zealot Pharisees and the “Jew of Jews” Saul. St. Stephen although being stoned asked God to forgive his tormenters. Jesus came to Stephen and Stephen joyfully declared I see Jesus!

    And of course let us not forget the complete turn around Saul renamed Paul by Jesus on the confrontation on Damascus Road. Saul why do you persecute me?

    Paul most likely carried the remorse with him as he evangelized Asia Minor, Greece, and Rome he had killed so many Christians. Even though he was forgiven by grace alone surely the legacy of his sin worked to keep him humble.

    If such a big sinner such as Paul could be saved and forgiven such a comfort it is we too may be saved by grace alone.

    Jesus knocks at our door. Do we respond with repentance and turn to him?

    One person in the Old Testament I think of as to repentance. King David who killed Bathseba’s husband by sending him to the frontlines.

    When Jesus knocked at my door I was convicted of my sins by the Holy Spirit. My walk began with the repentant response of the sinner David’s Psalm 51.

    An important element of our turning is to make peace with those we have sinned against. Atonement must be made. Pray for forgiveness each time we sin we need the Holy Spirit’s help to guide us to an ever increasing righteousness and sanctification by hating our sin. Striving for more of the Spirit’s correction so we may show the fruits of self-control.

    Sin is sin. Jesus pointed out lying is as bad a sin as murder in the sight of the Lord.

    Shall we humble ourselves each day. Ask for forgiveness of every thought and deed we most likely commit either by omission or commission. Jesus knows our heart. He is our love, our bridegroom.

    I hate my sin! I know that when I sin against others I am sinning against my Lord.

    Thank you Alpha and Omega for blotting out my sin.

  6. See the excellent resource on The Blue Letter Bible Site FAQs Search. I oft consult it along with my word and scripture searches, Strong’s, Lexicon, Commentaries, and the many, many gifts on BBL. I too am a very very big fan of Matthew Henry!

    FAQ keyword = repentance

    http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/faq_search.cfm?gCriteria=repentance&x=8&y=13

    What Is Repentance?
    How Do We Treat Someone Who Sins against Us?
    Can God Forgive Anybody?
    What Happened on the Day of Pentecost?
    What Are the Results of Being Filled with the Spirit?
    What Happened When the Gentiles First Received the Holy Spirit?
    What Is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?
    Is God a Personal God?

    • I muffed the Pentecost reference I made. Thank God literally for BBL!

      BBL FAQ Search

      “… What Happened on the Day of Pentecost?

      One of the most significant events recorded in the Bible happened on the Day of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit came down to permanently indwell the disciples, and the church age began.

      New Testament Explanation

      The New Testament gives the description of the events:

      Now when the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:1-4).

      Several significant things happened on the Day of Pentecost. They include:

      Fulfillment Of Prophecy

      On the Day of Pentecost prophecy was fulfilled. Acts 2:1 literally reads, “As the Day of Pentecost was being fulfilled.” What was fulfilled was the prophecy given by both Jesus and John the Baptist concerning the coming of the Holy Spirit. John had earlier said of Jesus:

      I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after Me is mightier than I . . . He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire (Matthew 3:11).

      Ten days before Pentecost Jesus reiterated the prediction.

      For John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now (Acts 1:5).

      The coming of the Holy Spirit was also to give power to the believers:

      But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth (Acts 1:8).

      When Pentecost occurred, the Holy Spirit came as promised, baptizing the believers into Christ and giving them power to be His witnesses.

      Beginning Of The Church Age

      Pentecost was also the birthday of the church. The Old Testament period of law was concluded and a new era began. Those who believe in Jesus as Messiah during this present age become part of the body (or bride) of Christ known as the church. The church age began at Pentecost and will conclude when Christ comes back for His own…”

      Blessings to all on this most wonderful resource our BBL Blog.

  7. It absolutely breaks my heart to tears that man thinks he can turn our HOLY HOLY HOLY GOD into someone they want him to be rather than revering who he is

    1st Corinthians 15:34 Awake to righteousness and sin not for some have not the knowledge of GOD I speak this to your shame`

    Titus 2:11&12 For the grace of GOD that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men (12) Teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts we should live soberly righteously and godly in this present world

    Psalm 119:172 My tongue shall speak of thy word for all thy commandments are righteousness

    Proverbs 8:8 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness there is nothing froward or perverse in them

    Psalm 50:23 Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I show the salvation of GOD

    Mark 8:35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it but whosoever shall lose his life for MY sake and the gospels the same shall save it

    Mark 1:14&15 Now after that John was put in prison JESUS came into Galilee preachlng 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

    Proverbs 6:18 These six things doth the LORD hate yea seven are an abomination unto HIM

    Proverbs 6:19 A false that speaketh lies and he that soweth discord among brethren

    James 3:1 My brethren be not many masters knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation

    James 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluityof naughtiness and receive with meekness the ingrafted word which is able to save your souls

    Revelation 2:21-23 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication and she repented not (22)Behold I will cast her into a bed and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation except they repent of their deeds (23) And I will kill her children with death and all the churches shall know that I am HE which searcheth the reins and hearts and I will give unto everyone of you according to your works

    Hebrews 2:1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard lest at any time we should let them slip

    LOVING THE LORD

    • psalms 107
      Oh that men would praise the Lord for (he) is good and for (his) wonderful works to the children of men.

  8. One more thing and I shall leave all alone. I’m sorry if I offend anyone with length of posts and frequency. I am very excited reading these fine author’s posts and others responses.

    All are awesome! Many thoughts I do ponder you fine posters bring to the fore.

    As posters above pointed out above Judas most likely only confessed to the Temple Priests.

    Prior to the Apostles being given the Holy Spirit, just how likely would it have been that they would have forgiven Judas?

    Read in Matt 24 of the account. Interestingly enough the 30 pieces of silver Judas threw down the Priests used it to purchase the potter’s field.

    Peter talking about “this man” was Judas.

    Act 1:18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.

    Not only was Judas found hung, he was split open.
    Who did that?
    The Temple Guards?
    Satan?

    Or did Judas not only hang himself but before hand cut himself
    open the length of which made all of his organs spill out?

    Act 1:19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.

    This tree was the cursed tree of death.

    re: more about hanging

    Deu 21:22 And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be to be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree:

    Gal 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that hangeth on a tree:

    1Pe 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

    Jesus died on a tree taking upon Himself all of our sins.
    This is the tree of death.

    Through his redeeming act our sins are dead. We have been grafted to the Tree of Life.

    The choice is here in the present world as it was in the Garden. Will we choose the Tree of Life or Tree of Death?

  9. Quote from What is faith ‘A life of faith leads to turning from any and all boasting. It also leads to walking in a life of holiness and service. In Jesus, we now live for God and the supremacy of His glory.’
    Well spoken. This is so true. It is written somewhere in scripture to “Seek you first the Kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you.”
    Jesus Christ is to be supremely treasured above all. Matt 6:21 ” For your heart will always be where your riches are”
    In the Lord Jesus Christ all spiritual riches (blessings) in the heavenly places are found in Him. In Jesus Christ is God’s Kingdom, in Him are we to seek for all and place our faith.
    As is written by Paul in Colossians 1:13 “He (God) rescued us from the power of darkness and brought us safe into the Kingdom of His dear Son, by whom we are set free, that is our sins are forgiven.”
    A heart that always seeks the Lord Jesus first will know true repentance.
    In Luke 17:11-18 As Selwyn Hughes writes in his daily devotions ‘we see the Lord Jesus heal 10 lepers. Yet only one returned vs 15 “praising God with a loud voice” vs16 “throwing himself to the ground at Jesus’ feet and thanking Him.”
    This is a repentant heart. Again from Selwyn ‘Worship is really regular repentance (& praise)’ ‘We can be cleansed, healed, restored, forgiven but it is not until we return in praising and glorifying God that we are made whole.’ God is glorified by glorifying his Son Jesus Christ.
    As Paul writes, we are not to boast, but should we boast it will be of the Lord Jesus Christ alone. Praise God. Mark H.

  10. In the Eph2:10 NLT, workmanship is translated “masterpiece.” We are God’s masterpiece. Therefore, what ever gifts and talents He put in us, we can assume that He created us to be a masterpiece in these gifts and talents. “God doesn’t make junk,” (SkitGuys). Aspire to be what you know in your heart the talents God gave you and trust in Him that He will complete the work He started in you to glorify His name thru what He put in you! He IS for you…nothing can stand against what God created you to do for Him! =) Praise be to God =)

  11. Wow! Thank both of you Mark and Danny for your precious reminders of our Scripture what is repentence, atonement, and the basis of true forgiveness and eternal life.

    It is my fondest and highest wish in this life to see Jesus at the mercy throne. To finally see His face.

    I seek His face daily through prayer. He is my Rock of Salvation.

    Mark and Danny you have described the worship service of our little local church. It is a church capable of the love of Philadelphia marching forward to be perfected by conforming and praising God for our talents. I am so blessed was directed to them by the Spirit.

    One must first confess to God within our little closets. Come to Him and praise Him. Even our trials in our lives are meant to come together for the good. Submit to Him.

    Corporate prayer is a very great blessing. The multiplied power of the Spirit to sustain us.

    I love the poster who said we must have our personal sorrow before the Lord. Surely Paul is a model of that Godly sorrow and Godly joy.

    * ‘We can be cleansed, healed, restored, forgiven but it is not until we return in praising and glorifying God that we are made whole.’ God is glorified by glorifying his Son Jesus Christ.
    As Paul writes, we are not to boast, but should we boast it will be of the Lord Jesus Christ alone. Praise God. *

    Indeed!

    * Eph2:10 NLT, workmanship is translated “masterpiece.” *

    Indeed!

    Have all noticed in their personal walks ever looking ahead with JOY that our thoughts are more and more in line with what it is we were given life.

    I am daily asking to bring all my thoughts, actions, and use of my unique talents praising God always.

    Although I have many failings and a condition that works against me in my fleshly. God loves me more. It is through my weaknesses that God works to give me strength. His love is all commanding, healing, and joyful. All humble submission to Him.

    * Eph2:10 NLT, workmanship is translated “masterpiece.” *

    All glory to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit!

    Praise God!

    Amen.

  12. Our minister reminds us weekly we are not a gathering of perfect people but rather a hospital for sinners.

  13. My sister in Christ across the street opened her door to me literally in the middle of the night shortly after I received a literal knock at my door.

    Her gift of a Bible in the middle of the night began my new journey.

    Latter on when I was endangered of falling she gave me this book which greatly helps me in my Godly sorrow as a sinner. It points me to Scripture in the Bible.

    _A Perfect Mess: Why you don’t have worry about being good enough for God_
    by Lisa Harper

  14. _A Perfect Mess_
    Introduction
    1. Walk this Way Psalm 1
    2. Leaping over Legalism Psalm 62
    3. Tumbling Toward Approval Psalm 139
    4. The Love Story Means Having to Say “I’m Sorry” Psalm 51
    5. When God’s People Lose Their Groove Psalm 42
    6. Faithful Fury Psalm 83
    7. We’re in Great Hands Psalm 110
    8. Project of a Lifetime Psalm 8
    9. The Art of Appreciation Psalm 34
    10. Frantic Isn’t a Spiritual Fruit Psalm 23
    11. God Doesn’t Stutter Psalm 119
    12. Stop Watching Your Feet; Just Dance Psalm 149 and Psalm 150
    One Final Thought
    Notes: Chapters one by one long list of supporting Scriptures

    • Thanks Deb,

      But only God is good.

      I am a very silly child. Paul says to be a fool for God. (In the best sense of the word). We are counted as a peculiar people. I am very peculiar. But God made me that way.

      God has a sense of humor.

      Boast in God alone.

      I love you God!