Repentance Requires A Change of Mind

Repentance may be many things.

In all the years that you’ve been going to church, you have been told that you need to “repent” of your sins. But, do you know what it really means to “repent?” Whenever I ask people what they think repentance is, in a Bible study, or just in casual conversation, I typically get a variety of responses. Some might say that repentance is when you feel sorry for your sins. Others may say that repentance is when you stop sinning and start living right. Still, others say that repentance is when you stop loving sin and start loving the Lord. All of these responses are correct—for repentance is many things and every one of them is an important part of getting on the right path in life.

Repentance requires a change of mind.

The fact that repentance is a change of mind is seen in the definition of the Greek word, which is translated, “repent,” in our Bibles. Metanoew (meta-noeo) appears, in one form or another, scores of times in the New Testament. The root meaning of the word is “to change one’s mind” (according to Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament). It is used as such in the parable of the man with two sons, in Matthew 21:28-30. In the parable, the man asks both of his sons to go and work in his vineyard. One says, “No,” but then reconsiders and goes to do the work. The other says, “Yes,” but then fails to go. Concerning the first son, the Lord used these words, “but afterward he repented, and went.” That young man changed his mind, illustrating perfectly the fact that repentance is a change of mind.

Only understanding of the truth about sin can bring true repentance.

In order to experience the change of mind that is part of true repentance, it is necessary for one to learn the truth about sin. Sin is deceitful (Hebrews 3:13). It promises us satisfaction and fulfillment, but it leaves us empty and burdened with consequences (Galatians 6:7-8). The Word of God tells us everything we need to know about sin, so we may develop a healthy loathing for it. As the psalmist has written: “Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way” (Psalm 119:104). If we will open our hearts and minds to the wisdom of the Lord, we can learn the truth about sin, and about the change that must take place in our minds, in order to repent of it.

God wants every human being to repent (2 Peter 3:9). But, in order for us to do that, we must learn what repentance really is. Let us look to the Word of the Lord for understanding.

…but afterward he repented, and went. – Matthew 21:29

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