Repentance: The Forgotten Command of the Gospel

Repentance: The Forgotten Command of the Gospel

In modern evangelical vocabulary, repentance has been quietly sidelined. While "faith," "grace," and "blessing" dominate contemporary Christian language, repentance—once foundational to Gospel preaching—is often diluted or discarded altogether. Yet, Scripture places repentance at the very threshold of salvation. The Gospel begins with it, the apostles proclaimed it, and the final chapters of Revelation demand it.

The biblical Gospel is not merely an invitation to believe but a call to turn—from sin to God. The church has no authority to edit the conditions Christ Himself established.

Biblical Repentance: More Than a Thought Shift

The New Testament word for repentance is μετάνοια (metanoia, Strong’s G3341), meaning a change of mind. Yet this translation fails to convey its full weight. The Greek word stems from μετά (meta, “after” or “beyond”) and νοῦς (nous, “mind, understanding”)—implying a transformation in perspective that results in a changed life.

The corresponding verb, μετανοέω (metanoeō, Strong’s G3340), is used repeatedly by Jesus, John the Baptist, Peter, and Paul. It always involves turning away from sin and toward righteousness.

This is not simply an internal reflection but an external reorientation. In Luke 3:8, John rebukes the religious elites, saying, “Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God” (NLT). The Greek verb used is ποιήσατε (poiēsate)—“produce” or “make” fruits—confirming repentance must be visible and measurable.

Repentance is Commanded, Not Suggested

The message of Jesus was clear from the outset:“Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near” (Matthew 4:17, NLT).

Peter echoes this in Acts 2:38:“Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ to show that you have received forgiveness for your sins” (NLT).

Paul reinforces this in Acts 17:30–31:

“Therefore although God has overlooked the times of ignorance, he now commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has set a day on which he is going to judge the world in righteousness.” (LEB)

Repentance is not optional. It is the first response God expects when He opens our eyes to truth. It is not legalism—it is obedience.

True vs. False Repentance: A Heart Matter

In 2 Corinthians 7:10, Paul makes a critical distinction:

“For the sorrow that is according to the will of God brings about a repentance that leads to salvation, not to be regretted, but the sorrow of the world brings about death.” (LEB)

Worldly sorrow is regret without change. It is the grief of Cain, Esau, Judas. Godly sorrow, by contrast, compels transformation. It humbles us, turns us from sin, and leads to life.

Theological Reality: God Grants Repentance

Repentance is not merely human effort—it is a divine gift.

“God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.” (2 Timothy 2:25, LEB)

This verse reminds us that repentance isn’t self-generated. It’s the result of God’s mercy. Yet it must be received and acted upon.

Common False Teachings Refuted

1. “Repentance means just ‘changing your mind.’”

This claim neuters the biblical command. While metanoia does involve the mind, every biblical use of repentance also involves moral change. John didn’t tell people to “think differently”; he told them to stop stealing, lying, cheating, and abusing power (Luke 3:10–14).

2. “You don’t need to repent—just believe.”

Faith and repentance are inseparable. Mark 1:15 captures Jesus’ own words:

“Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!” (NLT).Not “or.” And.

3. “Repentance is Old Testament. It’s not grace.”

Tell that to Jesus in Revelation. In chapters 2–3, Christ repeatedly commands entire churches to repent—or face His judgment. Grace and repentance are not enemies; repentance is the response to grace.

The Ongoing Call to Repent

Repentance is not a one-time event but a lifelong posture. Revelation 3:19 records Jesus’ words to the lukewarm church:

“I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.” (NLT)

The verb here, ζήλευε (zēleue, “be zealous”) and μετανόησον (metanoēson, “repent”) show urgency. It’s not just the lost who need repentance—the church does too.

Conclusion: Repentance is the Way Home

Repentance is the door into the Kingdom of God. It is not shame—it is freedom. It is not punitive—it is purifying. It is the turning point of every true conversion and the path of every true disciple.

To withhold repentance from the Gospel is to preach a lie. And to redefine repentance into something soft or symbolic is to make peace with sin. The good news is that God is still granting repentance. The call has not been revoked.

Let the church rise again—not just in belief, but in repentance.

“So now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.”—Acts 3:19, NLT