Since the message of repentance is prominent throughout the entirety of the Scriptures, it’s important to accurately understand the biblical meaning of this term.
In the New Testament, repentance includes recognition of sin, godly sorrow for that sin, and a commitment to change direction. Regret, grief, and remorse accompany repentance but are not evidence of it if there is no change in behavior.
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for repentance is “turn.” When one repents, he turns from his sinful way of life to head in the direction of obedience to God.
Repentance begins with the Holy Spirit’s conviction of wrong-doing. At that point, we become painfully aware of our sin against God and feel the guilt of it. But it doesn’t end there. GENUINE REPENTANCE is literally A CHANGE OF MIND, HEART, DIRECTION, CONDUCT, and ATTITUDE. Instead of tolerating that sin, we now hate it and turn to a life of obedience to almighty God. Repentance is necessary for everyone. For an unbeliever, it’s an essential part of salvation, and for believers, it’s needed for daily cleansing and continuing fellowship with God. When we refuse to repent, sin gains an increasingly stronger hold on our lives.
Repent. Revive. Renew.