Re·pent /rəˈpent/ — Verb: To sincerely turn back; to turn away from wrongdoing, and towards God.
The call to repentance is found throughout the Bible. In this context, a sincere repentance is marked by a recognition that our self-centeredness is actually hurting not just others but ourselves as well. Sometimes, even when we have a sincere desire to turn away from them, we may fall back into old, unhealthy habits. One of the beautiful aspects of following Jesus is that there is no need to wallow in self-loathing. Although we are called to act in new, more mature ways, we also know that we are not condemned, nor are we to condemn others. This point comes across clearly when we consider the Gospel story of the woman caught in adultery and brought to Jesus by the scribes and Pharisees.
Select Key Bible Quotes on Repentance
- "They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." – John 8:4-12
- For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. – Romans 3:23
- Therefore if any [one be] in Christ, [they are ] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. – 2 Corinthians 5:17
- Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. – James 4:7
What are WebDefs?
WebDefs – simple definitions of key terms relating to ministry and healing arts – are a regular feature of NHM Ministrants. Offered (where applicable) in conjunction with select key scriptural passages and analysis, WebDefs can be a useful starting place for exploring a topic of interest.