Bible -- Theology; Theology, Doctrinal -- Popular works
Matt. 21:29--"He answered and said: I will not; but afterward
he repented, and went". The word here used for "repent" means
to change one's mind, thought, purpose, views regarding a matter;
it is to have another mind about a thing. So we may speak of it
as a revolution touching our attitude and views towards sin and
righteousness. This change is well illustrated in the action of
the Prodigal Son, and of the Publican in the well-known story of
the Pharisee and the Publican (Luke 15 and 18). Thus, when Peter,
on the day of Pentecost, called upon the Jews to repent (Acts
2:14-40), he virtually called upon them to change their minds and
their views regarding Christ. They had considered Christ to be a
mere man, a blasphemer, an impostor. The events of the few preceding
days had proven to them that He was none other than the righteous
Son of God, their Saviour and the Saviour of the world. The result
of their repentance or change of mind would be that they would
receive Jesus Christ as their long promised Messiah.
2. AS TOUCHING THE EMOTIONS.
2 Cor. 7:9--"Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that
ye sorrowed to repentance; for ye were made sorry after a godly
manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing." The context
(vv. 7-11) shows what a large part the feelings played in true Gospel
repentance. See also Luke 10:13; cf. Gen. 6:6. The Greek word for
repentance in this connection means "to be a care to one afterwards,"
to cause one great concern. The Hebrew equivalent is even stronger,
and means to pant, to sigh, to moan. So the publican "beat upon
his breast," indicating sorrow of heart. Just how much emotion is
necessary to true repentance no one can definitely say. But that a
certain amount of heart movement, even though it be not accompanied
with a flood of tears, or even a single tear, accompanies all true
repentance is evident from the use of this word. See also Psa.
38:18.
3. AS TOUCHING THE WILL AND DISPOSITION.
One of the Hebrew words for repent means "to turn." The prodigal
said, "I will arise.... and he arose" (Luke 15:18, 20). He not
only thought upon his ways, and felt sorry because of them, but he
turned his steps in the direction of home. So that in a very real
sense repentance is a crisis with a changed experience in view.
Repentance is not only a heart broken _for_ sin, but _from_
sin also. We must forsake what we would have God remit. In the
writings of Paul repentance is more of an experience than a single
act. The part of the will and disposition in repentance is shown:
a) In the Confession of Sin to God.
Psa. 38:18--"For I will declare mine iniquity: I will be sorry
for my sin." The publican beat upon his breast, and said, "God be
merciful to me a sinner" (Luke 18:13). The prodigal said, "I have
sinned against heaven" (Luke 15:21).
There must be confession to man also in so far as man has been
wronged in and by our sin (Matt. 5:23, 24; James 5:16).
b) In the Forsaking of Sin.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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