If you were to ask the average Sunday morning Bible class, “What is repentance?” I am sure there would be some diversity as far as answers go. Some would say, “Repentance is godly sorrow,” while others would answer, “Repentance is a turning or a conversion.” Though we realize that both of these answers are very closely linked to repentance, neither is an adequate definition alone. Notice what Paul says about this in 2 Corinthians 7:10. “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but sorrow of the world worketh death.” Paul tells us that godly sorrow causes, or brings about repentance. On the other hand notice the words of Peter in Acts 3:19. “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” The A.S.V. says, “Repent ye therefore, and turn again”. The point is the same either way. Repentance leads to conversion or a turning.
In Matthew 21:28-32 Jesus speaks of a father who had two sons. This man told both of his sons to go and work in his vineyard. One son said he would go, but did not go. The other son said, “I will not; but afterward he repented, and went (v. 29). The answer to Jesus’ question concerning who pleased the father is obvious. The son who repented and went. But notice in this we see that repentance is a “change of mind.” Godly sorrow produces a change of mind which produces a turning or a change in actions.
When we understand that the issues of life flow out of the heart of man (Mark 7:14-23) then we will begin to see the power of repentance. In our attempts to bring men unto our Lord, we must realize that the battle is fought in the minds of men (2 Cor. 10:3-5). It is the mind that separated the Ephesian brethren from the Gentiles (Eph. 4:17-23). Men became servants of righteousness rather than servants of sin when they “obeyed from the heart ( the mind) that form of doctrine that was delivered” (Rom. 6:17,18).
The lesson that we are noticing here is shown very well in the prophet Joel’s book. In chapter 2 Jehovah calls for the people to turn to Him. He says, “turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God” (Joel 2:12,13). The “rending of the heart” that Joel speaks of is repentance. It leads to a turning unto the Lord, which subsequently will lead to blessings. In verse 25 of this same chapter we learn what the result will be for those who genuinely repent. “And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten.” Not only would the crops again produce fruit, but Jehovah would also give them that which had been taken away because of their disobedience. There is power in repentance.
It does not matter how low we have gone. Nor does it matter how deep the despair is. If we will genuinely repent and turn to our God, he will comfort us. May we meditate on these trues as we study our Bibles more and more.
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