Topical Encyclopedia
Repentance is a fundamental concept in Christian theology, signifying a profound change of mind and heart that leads to a transformation of life. It involves turning away from sin and turning toward God, seeking His forgiveness and grace. The Greek word for repentance, "metanoia," literally means a change of mind, but it encompasses a broader transformation that includes sorrow for sin, confession, and a commitment to a new way of living.
In the Old Testament, repentance is often associated with the Hebrew word "shuv," meaning to return or turn back. The prophets frequently called the people of Israel to repentance, urging them to return to the Lord and abandon their sinful ways. For example, in
Joel 2:12-13 , the Lord declares, "Even now," declares the LORD, "return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion."
In the New Testament, John the Baptist and Jesus Christ both began their ministries with a call to repentance. John the Baptist proclaimed, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near" (
Matthew 3:2). Similarly, Jesus preached, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near" (
Matthew 4:17). Repentance is presented as an essential response to the gospel message, a necessary step in entering the kingdom of God.
The Apostle Peter, in his sermon on the day of Pentecost, emphasized the importance of repentance for salvation: "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 2:38). Repentance is thus closely linked to faith and baptism, marking the beginning of the Christian life.
Repentance is not merely a one-time event but an ongoing attitude and practice in the believer's life. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often speaks of the need for continual repentance and renewal. In
2 Corinthians 7:10 , he writes, "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death." This godly sorrow is a heartfelt recognition of sin and a desire to align one's life with God's will.
JustificationJustification is a central doctrine in Christian theology, referring to the act by which God declares a sinner to be righteous on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ. It is a legal term, signifying acquittal from guilt and the imputation of Christ's righteousness to the believer. Justification is a gift of God's grace, received through faith, and not based on human works or merit.
The Apostle Paul is the primary expositor of the doctrine of justification in the New Testament. In
Romans 3:23-24 , he writes, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." This passage underscores the universality of sin and the gratuitous nature of justification, which is made possible through the redemptive work of Christ.
Paul further elaborates on justification by faith in
Romans 5:1 : "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Justification results in peace with God, a restored relationship that was broken by sin. It is through faith in Christ's atoning sacrifice that believers are reconciled to God and declared righteous.
The concept of imputed righteousness is central to the doctrine of justification. In
2 Corinthians 5:21 , Paul explains, "God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." This exchange—Christ taking on the sin of humanity and believers receiving His righteousness—is the heart of justification.
James, in his epistle, emphasizes that genuine faith, which justifies, is evidenced by works. In
James 2:24 , he states, "As you can see, a man is justified by his deeds and not by faith alone." This is not a contradiction of Paul's teaching but a complementary perspective that highlights the transformative power of true faith, which naturally results in good works.
Justification is a once-for-all act, yet it initiates a process of sanctification, where the believer grows in holiness and conformity to Christ. It assures the believer of eternal life and the hope of glory, as Paul writes in
Romans 8:30 , "And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified."
