Why Do I Find 'Repent' Such A Repulsive Word?

Hmm, well, i dont know.
Its biblical, and really only used by christians i suppose.
Like theres never a call to repent in other religions that I know of. What other word or translation would you rather use instead?

Here is a quote from something sensible.

"A horrible dread." That was how the young man described his deep fear that God had rejected him because of his repeated sins.

"I thought I had repented, but I did it again," he explained. "I don’t even know if I really have faith, because I’m afraid God might not forgive me again. No matter how sincere I think my repentance is, it never seems to be enough."

Let’s talk about what the gospel means by repentance toward God.

The first mistake in trying to understand what it means is to go to an English dictionary for a definition of the word repent. Contemporary dictionaries tell us how words have come to be understood at the time the dictionary was compiled. But a modern English dictionary does not tell us what was in the mind of a person who was writing 2,000 years ago in Greek about things that were first spoken in Aramaic, for example.

Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary says this of the word repent: 1) to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one’s life; 2a) to feel regret or contrition; 2b) to change one’s mind.

Webster’s first definition is exactly what most religious people believe Jesus was talking about when he said, "Repent and believe." They believe that Jesus means that only people who repent, that is, stop sinning and change their ways, will be in the kingdom of God. But the fact is, that is precisely what Jesus was not saying.

Common mistake

It is a common mistake for Christians to think of repentance as ceasing to sin. "If you had really repented, you wouldn’t have done it again" is a refrain many tormented souls have heard from well-meaning, law-upholding spiritual counselors. We are told that repentance is to "turn around and go the other way," and it is explained in the context of turning away from sin and turning toward a life of obedience to God’s law.

With that idea firmly in mind, Christians set out with the best of intentions to change their ways. But along the way, some ways change, and some ways seem to stick like super-glue. And even the ways that change have a nasty way of cropping up again.

Is God satisfied with such mediocrity, such hit-and-miss obedience? "No, he is not!" the preacher exhorts, and the vicious, gospel-crippling cycle of commitment, failure and despair takes another spin around the going-nowhere rat-racetrack of futility.

And just when we are feeling frustrated and depressed about our failure to measure up to the high standards of God, we hear another sermon or read another article about "real repentance" and "deep repentance" and how such repentance results in a complete turning away from sin.

So, we crank up the commitment jalopy and go at it again, with the same, miserable, predictable results. And our frustration and despair deepens, because we realize that our turning away from sin is anything but "complete."

John
NZ

Luk 13:1-5 KJV
(1) There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.
(2) And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?
(3) I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
(4) Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?
(5) I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

'repent' as used in the Bible is often thought to mean 'stop that sinning' which means 'stop transgressing God's laws'; but that interpretation falters when applied to these scriptures. Jesus plainly says it was NOT the 'excess' of sins (transgressions of God's laws) that caused the Galileans and those who died when the tower of Siloam fell to suffer and perish. so when He says 'unless ye repent', He obviously isn't talking about 'sin' in it's definition of 'transgression of God's laws'. John the Baptist also preached repentance; but repentance from what? 'sinning'?

when you try to 'stop that sinning', what you'll find is that this is impossible; the more you try to obey God's laws perfectly (and perfect performance is required by God's law), the more you'll prove that you can't; if we could, no Savior would be necessary to begin with. after all, 'sin' as in 'transgression of God's laws' is not a problem with God because Jesus is the propitiation or payment for the 'sins' (transgressions of God's laws) of the WHOLE world; lost and saved alike, for all time (1John 2:2). indeed, the strength of sin IS the law (1Cor 15:56); so to focus on the law is to strengthen sin.

Psa 37:23 KJV
(23) The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

Jer 10:23 KJV
(23) O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.

Rom 8:1-14 KJV
(1) There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
(2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
(3) For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
(4) That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
(5) For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
(6) For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
(7) Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
(8) So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
(9) But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
(10) And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
(11) But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
(12) Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
(13) For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
(14) For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

here is the Bible meaning of repent - stop trying to 'direct your own steps' and 'be led by God'. the more you are led by God, the less you will sin - effortlessly - because God will never lead you to sin (transgress His laws). i think what is bothering you about the word 'repent' is your reborn spirit within you knows that a reduction in sins (transgressions of God's laws) is a byproduct of repentance, not the target. in this light, God's laws become the 'second witness' of His leading, rather than the 10,000 or so rules we must follow perfectly according to our own limited strength and understanding.

but yet John the Baptist preached repentance of sins - or did he?

Mar_1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

those under the Law of Moses looked to ritual sacrifice for the remission (payment) of sins; this is what John the Baptist was telling them to repent of - not to 'stop all that sinning' - they were trying to be their own saviors through ritual sacrifice as atonement or payment for their sins; they needed to put faith in God's grace to seek remission (payment) for their sins instead - and Jesus was to be the one and only payment for the sins of the whole world for all time, not ritual sacrifice.

Luk 24:44-47 KJV
(44) And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
(45) Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
(46) And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
(47) And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

think about this; every false religion puts the burden of remission (payment) of sins on the sinner; but Christianity puts that burden on Jesus. every nation of the world is to repent of trying to pay for their sins, not repent as in 'stop all that sinning' on their own. another way to look at verse 47 is:

'And that being led by God (repentance) and remission (payment) of sins by the blood of the Lamb should be preached in Christ's name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.'

so the meaning of 'repentance' to the Christian should be to stop striving to 'direct the steps of our own paths' (as in 'stop all that sinning') and instead strive to be led by God.

if you've never thought about repentance in this light, the word 'repentance' would certainly be sickening, since you already know that you can't 'stop all that sinning' according to your own strength and understanding - while you're in a flesh body, you will never be able to repent of all transgressions of God's laws - because we aren't smart enough to apply the multitude of God's laws correctly in any given situation to begin with (or even be conscious of the multitude of His laws at any given time) - only He is able to apply the multitude of His laws correctly in any given situation - so we must be led by Him to see a lasting reduction on the transgression of His laws - and that reduction is a by-product of relationship with Him, not the focus of relationship with Him.

I think 2 Tim 2:25 gives us an excellent definition of repentance.

In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peraventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

In Christ
Daniel

nb408 said:

I really don't know why, maybe it's sin in me. I willfully submit to God and want him to change my will into his will. I want him to shape me and mold me into what he truly created me to be. I completely agree with the notion that when you sin, let God know you're sorry. Let him know that you acknowledged that it happened and you want to change. I believe this with all my heart and I have no problem with it. However, when I hear the words repent from your sins it makes me want to throw up. Not even joking it really makes me gag like dude that's disgusting. It makes me think of the pharisees who were hypocrites. I don't know why I really really just don't like that word. I'd rather just say submit to God's will, acknowledge your wrongdoings and let GOD change you. It's really that simple. Do you really think you can change your sin nature on your own? When I hear the word repent that's automatically what I think it implies. Is it bad that I find this word so repulsive?

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If you TRULY have taken Christ as your sin bearer, trusted Saviour, and love him....then forsaking your current worldly lifestyles, motives, choices, thinking, and following our morally degraded American Culture should be something that you strongly desire to do immediately since God and the Worlds philosophies are at odds with each other ; futther...it should be something that you do as an offering of your life back to Jesus as an act of love toward him. Finally, Jesus said you must be born again and not continue to remain in the world as far as how you live , your attitudes, and self centered agenda. God is looking for true Followers and that means SURRENDER of self to his authority . Your life will change for the better when you do. And if you don't , then you will have no place in heaven with God according to the absolute truth of Scripture given by God and penned by holy Men . Its your choice. But remember, God knows the heart of a man and cant be fooled. I pray that you will make the correct choice if you haven't already. I haven't read thru all the many posts you've made in this thread but I hope you have now repented which IS part of your Salvation requirement because salvation is evidence from a CHANGED PERSON. Dave.

nb408 said:

This is right on. I try my hardest not to sin but all it does is make me more conscious of sin. I feel like I'm trying to climb my way up to God but he's unreachable. It's almost as if the only way you can reach him is if he chooses to reach you.

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Which He has but a lot of repentance teaching omits to tell us that. We don't climb up to God. He has reached down and taken our hand in an embrace of devoted love and commitment.

John
NZ

A reason some have for turning away from sin is that they don't want to do it again because they know it's detestable in Gods presence. Leaving yourself open to occasionally repeating the sin just means your not ready to give up the things of this world. This can take decades or a lifetime to correct. But it is possible to do at any time. It's like working out. There is some pain your carnal self will feel if you want to gain the crown of eternal life. you also have to watch your daily routine or friends. If it or they cause you to sin eventually then you have to choose willfully to avoid that which causes you to sin. Or else your technically choosing something else over Jesus. It would be even worse if you didn't ask for forgiveness. When you truly want to give it up for good Jesus will know and he will give you the Holy Spirit boost you need to repent and not look back. It is possible. Good luck.

If you are not prepared to take the first step of repentance, how can you hope for His mercy?

Matthew 3: 7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
8 "Therefore bear fruit in keeping with repentance;
9 and do not suppose that you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham for our father'; for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham.
10 "The axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

nb408 said:

I really don't know why, maybe it's sin in me. I willfully submit to God and want him to change my will into his will. I want him to shape me and mold me into what he truly created me to be. I completely agree with the notion that when you sin, let God know you're sorry. Let him know that you acknowledged that it happened and you want to change. I believe this with all my heart and I have no problem with it. However, when I hear the words repent from your sins it makes me want to throw up. Not even joking it really makes me gag like dude that's disgusting. It makes me think of the pharisees who were hypocrites. I don't know why I really really just don't like that word. I'd rather just say submit to God's will, acknowledge your wrongdoings and let GOD change you. It's really that simple. Do you really think you can change your sin nature on your own? When I hear the word repent that's automatically what I think it implies. Is it bad that I find this word so repulsive?

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Greetings nb408,

Perhaps the word repent distresses you because you do not have a good understanding of the word? Perhaps it is your definition of the word that leaves you struggling.
You say that you 'willfully submit'... perhaps that is the source of your troubles.
To willfully submit implies that you are doing something in your own power, from your own will, when God wants to infuse us with His will, His power.... the power of His Love.
Repentance springs from Love... Love of God.

When we love God so much, when we recognize what He has done for us, then we do not have to engage our wills to obey, or to repent. Our own will can not compel our obedience. It is a thing that comes from Love and a desire not to inflict hurt.

'For what greater love is there than that one would lay down his life for another'?
and who would trample under foot that sacrifice made for us?
'who would trample underfoot the blood of Christ'?

Repentance is sorrow for hurting one who loves us so much.
Repentance is turning away from things that hurt the one we love... the one who loves us.
Repentance springs from great love, not self-will.
What hurts God, hurts ourselves.

Hope that helps.
Peace and blessings to you.

LynnC said:

Greetings nb408,

Perhaps the word repent distresses you because you do not have a good understanding of the word? Perhaps it is your definition of the word that leaves you struggling.
You say that you 'willfully submit'... perhaps that is the source of your troubles.
To willfully submit implies that you are doing something in your own power, from your own will, when God wants to infuse us with His will, His power.... the power of His Love.
Repentance springs from Love... Love of God.

When we love God so much, when we recognize what He has done for us, then we do not have to engage our wills to obey, or to repent. Our own will can not compel our obedience. It is a thing that comes from Love and a desire not to inflict hurt.

'For what greater love is there than that one would lay down his life for another'?
and who would trample under foot that sacrifice made for us?
'who would trample underfoot the blood of Christ'?

Repentance is sorrow for hurting one who loves us so much.
Repentance is turning away from things that hurt the one we love... the one who loves us.
Repentance springs from great love, not self-will.
What hurts God, hurts ourselves.

Hope that helps.
Peace and blessings to you.

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LynnC: Yes, repentance is a Biblical truth, and Romans 2 says the goodness of God leads us to it.

You cannot truly repent for sins on your own. You must have a connection to God through Christ. You must confess your sins to God and really put an attempt to change in your life. I think maybe your definition of repent is what causes your discuss as none can repent by themselves without true faith in God. Thank you.

Repentance is not an act of the will but it is rather a change of the heart, naturally resulting in a change in behavior.

I am able to resolve - i.e. will - to be better; it requires an act of God to change my heart/mind. Defining repentance as resolving to be better leaves me independent of God. Recognizing repentance as a change of heart leaves me helpless and needing God to grant it to me. If God grants me repentance, my behavior will change.

Anticipated objection: "We are commanded to repent, so it must be something we are independently capable of doing"
My response: the scriptures are scattered with commands we are incapable of doing.

nb408 said:

I don't know why I really really just don't like that word......Is it bad that I find this word so repulsive?

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Certainly it is essential for one to profess / confess Jesus as Savior, Romans 10:8-13. You have done that. That puts everything else in place.

Everyone on earth is born with a sinful nature. The rebirth experience equips each one with a Spiritual Nature, igniting the whole armor of God; there is no greater evidence of self-denial. One walks in the Spiritual Nature when one is authentically surrendered to Him.

Repentance in Christian terminology occurs after the confession of Jesus as Savior. It is the result of the conviction by the Holy Spirit. A Christian does not "repent" in order to be saved, but, following conviction by the Holy Spirit, does so out of thankfulness that HE loves YOU enough to caution you about your words, deeds and behaviors that do not reflect His never-ending love. Get that? Then don't get upset, rejoice!!

The way not to sin is not to 'try hard not to sin' its to STOP sinning. Jesus did not tell the woman caught in to adultery, oh BTW next time, try not to sin.

He told her to go, sin no more.
Repentence is complete 180 degree turning around.

I dont know what you doing but dont keep doing it when you know its bad for you. Turn around and go the other way!!!

After seeing the word repent so often in these replies it may have flattened ur button so it can't b pushed so easily anymore! Try replacing the revulsion with the feeling of God's love for u at giving u forgiveness when u mess up..and yes, repent. I balk at the word too if it's something I'd rather hold on to and hard for me to let go even when I know I should! The flesh wants what it wants and will fight u the whole way.

However, when I hear the words repent from your sins it makes me want to throw up.

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Right. Repentance is bitter but necessary medicine for the sinner. So just get over it. If you love your sins more than Christ, you would prefer not to repent. But if you do not repent, you will perish along with all the other unrepentant sinners. It is only when you repent (genuinely turn away from all your sins and idols) and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ that you will become a new creature in Christ, and hate sin. When Jesus began His ministry on earth, His first word was REPENT (Mt 4:17). It was the same for John the Baptizer (Mt 3:2) who preceded and heralded Christ.

Look at repentance through these words.
John 3:17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.NIV
John 10:10 I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.NIV

John
NZ

Throwing up is good.
Why would you wanna keep all that vomit inside you is my question.

Dont you feel better AFTER its gone? If youve had an overdose of sin, it needs to come out and be purged.