What does repentance REALLY mean?

The word 'repentance', in the biblical context, translates simply to, 'a change of mind'. We cannot read any more than that into the word. The change of mind is motivated by God's good news that a person can be reconciled to God. So, if a person believes the good news of God, they ultimately have changed their mind from unbelief, and repented.

Originally, it was Israel that was called to repent. Throughout the Old Testament and the Gospels, the prophets would bring the message of God to the Jews and provide the conditions of repentance. In the Gospels it was John the Baptist, Jesus and later, the 12 apostles, which called Israel to repent, for the King had arrived and the kingdom of heaven was at hand.

Today, repentance is used widely in Christian circles. The problem however is that it is not understood correctly! The word has lost much of its original meaning and most people think it means penance.

What is penance? Penance is defined as any act or a set of actions, generally as a religious observance, done out of repentance for sins committed. Most Christians believe that they must consistently repent of their sins and do some form of sacrificial act as an outward expression of their wrongdoing.

Why is penance incorrect? Firstly, penance cannot be found anywhere in the Bible. It is a man-made doctrine, twisted and reshaped throughout church history to glorify men. Second, penance is meaningless as nobody can EVER earn forgiveness or right standing with God. Third, as a member of the body of Christ, there is no need to constantly repent of your sins. Christ's once-off perfect sacrifice has completely and utterly freed you of your sin debt. God sees you washed and sanctified by the righteousness of Christ imputed to you. If you fall into sin in moments of weakness, pray and tell the Lord you are sorry, and ask for strength to overcome temptations, but there is no need to do penance as your sins are already nailed to the cross of Christ and His resurrection has already justified you wholly.

In this regard, repentance is a one-time choice. Once you have responded in faith to the grace gospel, your repentance is done! Your flesh remains bound to this sinful and cursed world, but your spirit is freed from sin and you are made perfect in the eyes of your Father because of the sacrifice of Christ.

To God be the glory for His grace!