Some time back a Wednesday night children’s class I taught was talking about the subject of repentance. In the course of the lesson I asked what it means to repent. The children gave a predictable definition—“It’s when you have done something wrong and you tell God you’re sorry.” This answer might differ little from one given by many adults. Yet how does the Bible define repentance?

I. Repentance is not just feeling sorry. In Scripture the word translated “repentance” is the Greek word metanoia meaning literally - “A change of mode of thought and feeling, repentance” (Moulton, p. 266). Many people have felt bad about their behavior but have never come to the point that they have a “change of heart.” That being the case they have not repented. In II Corinthians Paul addresses the spiritual rationale behind church discipline. He writes - “For godly sorrow produces repentance to salvation not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death” (7:10 NKJV). Here we note that sorrow leads to repentance but is not itself repentance.

II. Repentance is not just saying you’re sorry. Many a child who has done wrong to another, has been known to turn around and do the same thing even after they have just apologized. In response to this the parents may say - “Don’t just say your sorry, mean it!” The same point relates to our relationship to God. I John 1:9 teaches the importance of the Christian confessing their sins to God. The text reads—“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Yet we can see from the example of Simon the sorcerer that this confession is not the full measure of repentance. After his sin Simon is told - “Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you” (Acts 8:22). We note that the sorcerer is told two things: 1. “Repent of this your wickedness,” and 2. “Pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven.” This shows that repentance is a distinct act that must accompany confession.

III. Repentance Involves Action. While the definition of the word metanoia refers to the mind it would be a mistake to imagine that repentance only involves the mind. Note two examples of repentance and its connection with a change of behavior:

1. The teachings of John. Scripture identifies John’s teaching as a “baptism of repentance” (Acts 19:4). In detailing John’s teaching the gospel of Luke lists specific ways in which the repentant were to modify their behavior. Notice the rich, were to be generous (3:11), the tax collectors were not to collect more than their due (3:13), soldiers were not to intimidate (3:14).

2. The teachings of Paul. As Paul stands before Agrippa he describes the nature of his message in Acts 26:20. He claims that he taught all - “...that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.” This means the repentant must turn from sin. The adulterer must end their adultery, the thief must stop their thievery, the liar must practice honesty.