When I share the Gospel with people, most understand the problem humanity faces and why we need Saving. Once someone understands they have a problem, they are much more open to the solution! It's what we must do to be saved, that is usually a bit foggy in the minds of most; Faith and Repentance.
The english language is continually evolving. Over time the nuances within the meanings of words can be altered. New words are created, and older words seem to have their definitions expand. Both of the words, "Faith" and "Repentance", now have much wider meaning than they once had.
When sharing my faith, I'll often ask if the person to whom I'm witnessing if they know what repentance is! The most common response I get is "asking for forgiveness". While that is true, it's only a part of what it means to Repent.
The idea of repentance in the old testament is usually represented by the hebrew words, "shuv" (to return), or "nicham" (to feel sorrow). In the new testament, the greek word, "metanoia" (which means to change ones thinking, or to have a change of heart accompanied by regret and change of conduct) is used.
At the beginning of the sermon on the mount, Jesus listed eight statements that are commonly referred to as the Beatitudes. Let's look quickly at the first three, it will help us understand and reaffirm a clear concept of Repentance.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven". Being poor in spirit means that you have realized that you cannot live without God. It is Humility. It means that you realize that you have a problem. You know that you have a sinful nature that can only be oversome fully with strength from the Holy Spirit.
"Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted." The mourning here doesn't just refer to people who are mourning the loss of a loved one, but also a true sense of remorse and regret that comes from knowing how you've treated your Creator.
"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." Once who is meek becomes gentle and kind, and exhibits a docility of spirit, even in the face of adversity and hardship. A person that is meek is one that exhibits self-control.
Within these three first Beatitudes that Jesus outlined, we can clearly see the attributes of repentance. They were probaby stated first since they are imperative to having the payment by Christ on the Cross credited to our account! The reamining five beatitudes deal with the virtues of living a righteous and obedient life that will provide a way of life that promises salvation. They also provide peace in the midst of our trials and tribulations on this earth.
If I were to slap you in the face every ten seconds, what would you want me to do? Ask for forgiveness? Of Course! But wouldn't you also want me to stop doing it? So repentance is not only acknowledging what you've done wrong, and apologizing for it! It's also not doing it again, turning away from doing those things.
Some people find themselves, repenting over and over and over again. While we may slip up again because of our sinful nature, one who has Really Repented, will not return to that particular sin as an on-going lifestyle or regular basis.
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