Repent in Biblical History

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Schaff's Bible Dictionary

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What is Repent?
REPENT' REPENT'ANCE
The Greek word so translated means literally "to perceive afterward," hence "to change one's mind." In the Bible it designates the turning from sin to God, or conversion. It is the beginning of the preaching of John the Baptist and of Christ. Matt 3:2; Matt 4:17; Mark 1:15. It implies, 1. A knowledge of sin and guilt; 2. A deep sorrow for it; and 3. A determination to break with it and to begin a new life of obedience and holiness. This is "repentance unto life." Acts 11:18; Acts 26:20. Dr. A. A. Hodge thus distinguishes between repentance and conversion: "1. Conversion is the more general term, and is used to include the first exercises of faith, as well as all those experiences of love of holiness and hatred of sin, etc., which are consequent upon it. Repentance is more specific, and expresses that hatred and renunciation of sin and that turning unto God which accompanies faith as its consequent. 2. Conversion is generally used to designate only the first actings of the new nature at the commencement of a religious life, or at most the first steps of a return to God after a notable backsliding, Luke 22:32, while repentance is applied to that constant bearing of the cross which is one main characteristic of the believer's life on earth. Ps 19:12-13; Luke 9:23; Gal 6:14; John 5:24. "- Outlines of Theology, enlarged ed., p. 489. God is said to repent. Gen 6:6; Jon 3:9-10. This, however, is merely attributing to God human ideas. He cannot truly repent, since he never does wrong and is unerring wisdom. But God's actions, looked at from earth, may appear to indicate a change of purpose. The "repentance" of Judas, Matt 27:3, shows that one may sorrow over sin and its terrible consequences without thereby gaining spiritual life. This is the sorrow which leads to despair.

Bibliography Information
Schaff, Philip, Dr. "Biblical Definition for 'repent' in Schaffs Bible Dictionary".
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