Repentance

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 (Matthew 27:3).
2. Metanoeo, meaning to change one's mind and purpose, as the result of after knowledge.
3. This verb, with 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 42:5-6; 2 Corinthians 7:10) and turning from it to God; and
4. a persistent endeavor 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 (Psalms 51:11; Psalms 109:21-22). 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; Psalms 130:4).



24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. —Galatians 5:24 (KJV)

Reference

• Source: Easton's Bible Dictionary, M. G. Easton
• Bible Word Search: Repent, Repentance