What does repentance mean

the subject repentance is found both in the old and new testament of the bible. the preaching of repentance is one of the major issues of the gospelof jesus christ. A sinner outside the church is commanded to repent, so also is the erring,irresponsible , carnal selfish world believer commanded to repent (Rev: 3:19)

what does repentance mean:

according to oxford advanced  learner dictionary, to repent means to regret or show sorrow for what one has done or left undone. it also mean to change past evilways and doings.

in the old testament , people sometimes repented because of God's afflition on them. such affliction could be identified with worldly sorrow. wordly sorrow is an unrepentant sorrow or pain over lost good or freinds, or lack of pleasure or from poor harvest.

 in Num 14:39-45 God punished isreal when the rebelled against God because of an evil report ten of the spies brought concerning the land of canan.

In the new testament repentance could be seen as human demonstration of true acceptance of jesus work on the cross of calvary, thereby leading to a godly decision to forsake a life of simple and wicked indulgencies. The key that unlock the door of true  N.T repentance is FAITH. Faith in the finished work at calvary (Rm 1:17, Gal 3:11, Heb 10:38).

through this repentance we sorrow with him who suffered and died for our sin in all it color and shades.

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH REPENTANCE

Who should repent: repentance is for all men, especially for people that actually need it.

In his ministry John the baptist preached repentance (luke 3:3) his hearers at that time included the habitant of Jeruselem, people  around jordan, Soldiers (romans), political class, pharisees and the sadducees E.T.C

Jesus and his Apostle also preached that Men should repent or perish (matt 4:17,   Luke 13:3-5 Acts 3:19 ). repentancetherefore include every human beign irrespective of his or her tribe, language, race, or social status.

why should one repent:

 (Rom 3:23, acts 17:30, rom 14:12) This scriptures do with the neccessity of true repentance many of the world religion do not see the need for this doctrine of repentance this is because they do not have have the concept of the "fall of man"therefore the see no need for a stitutionary  death for sin and a resoration for the justification of a repentant sinner. Christianity therefore  is not a mere religion , but a way back to God and christ is that way, the truth and the life.

When should a sinner repent: (2cor 6:2, heb 3:8,)

This has to do withe the urgency of repentance. the answer is now "and "today", The call to repent and be converted is an urgent one and therefore required no procastination (heb 3 : 7)

How can a sinner repent:(1john 1:8-9; Acts 16:30-32;)

Here, one can equally ask, " what must I do to be saved " Therebare significant steps to be taken as to ensure true repentance include:

Confession of  our sins.............

Forsaking of sins................... And

Excersise of faith in the person and finished work of our lord Jesus Christ.

What are the benefit of repentance: (acts 3:19; John 3:36)

when a sinner repent and is converted to God . his sins are forgiven and blotted out.This means that he will not be held accountable for his past sins. He is justified on the basis of his faith in the vicarious death of jesus christ. He also has eternal life.

Christ only forgives, he also cleanses the sinner (1 john 1:8-9)(john 3:16). And he empowers him or her to have a victorious spiritual life over the world, the flesh and the devil (john 1:12). repentance is a must for the achievement of the enternal life. No sinner will inherit eternal life.