Does the word “repentance” bring to mind something pleasant – or something painful?
In it’s original meaning, the Greek word for repentance (metanoia) means to “change one’s mind.” It is the decision to do differently, not the state of being “sorry,” as is so often the case when someone is caught doing something wrong.
In the big picture, repentance is your response to an invitation! When Jesus invites you into the kingdom, he says you need to get a “new mind” and “bury your old life” (baptism). The watery “grave” of baptism is the choice to change your mind and start over – to accept the invitation of Jesus.
When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:37-38 (NIV)
In this lesson, Mike explores the truth of repentance, and details the difference between Godly sorrow and worldly sorrow.
“Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while— yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”
2 Corinthians 7:8-10 (NIV)