Repentance: A Review of Metanoia, Godly Sorrow, and the Fruit of Turning

Digging Deeper

Repentance

Repentance means a change of mind that produces a change in direction.  The Greek term “metanoia” or “change of mind” represents a fundamental transformation that leads to a new way of being and perceiving the world.  Rather than mere sorrow, it signifies a radical reorientation from sin toward God and His righteousness.  The entire heart, mind and life is involved in a deep moral and spiritual turnaround that becomes a continuous, lifelong process.

It is foundational in the beginning and ongoing journey of Christian faith.  Paul urged the crowd after Pentecost to “Repent and be baptized, every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.  And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Acts 2:38   This shows that repentance is vital in receiving both God’s forgiveness and the indwelling Holy Spirit.  As such, it is the necessary precursor to surrendering one’s life to Christ Jesus.

While repentance is the necessary first step into a Christian walk, the resulting surrender allows the Holy Spirit to work within us.  This work convicts us of sin which prompts us to repent again and again as we mature into the image of Christ.  Each cycle of repentance helps us to focus on another aspect of our rebellion against God so we can turn from sin, from false gods, from lustful paths and from darkness and death.

The importance God places on repentance is evident in 2 Peter 3:9: “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.  Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”    Jesus warned us in Luke 13:3 “But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

But do not delay in this matter.  Repentance involves recognizing you’re a sinner before God, acknowledging your sin deserves punishment and turning to Christ Jesus as the only way to salvation.   Acts 17:30-31 urges “In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed.  He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.”  That man is Jesus. 

As you mature in Christ, the continual correction of mind, heart, and action through humble repentance further aligns you with God’s truth and His will for your life.  Martin Luther’s first thesis (of 95) states: “When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, ‘Repent”, he willed the entire life of believers to be one of repentance.”   1 John 1:8-9 notes “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”  The Christian life is characterized by ongoing confession and repentance.  

Keep in mind repentance works hand in hand with surrender.  As you discover an area of your life (ambition, health, money, relationships, control, pride, anger, etc.) that you have not yet surrendered, examine the root posture of your heart underneath each area.  There the Holy Spirit will reveal an unhealthy and sinful motive for which you need to repent.  This can be painful as it often involves deep grief and godly sorrow – not superficial worldly regret. 

2 Corinthians 7:10 states “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”   Yet repentance through godly sorrow will enable the pain to be released.  Control is relinquished to Christ’s care in the resultant surrender. Surrender, in turn, enables yet deeper repentance.  This spiral of growth leads to greater Christ-likeness as we increasingly reflect His character.  Jesus’ first message from Mark 1:15 “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”