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 striving to live in accordance with His will. The Greek word for repentance, "metanoia," literally means a change of mind, but in the biblical context, it encompasses a complete reorientation of one's life.
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 implores, "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, repentance is central to the message of both John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. John the Baptist's ministry began with the call to repentance, as seen in
Matthew 3:2 : "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." Jesus Himself echoed this call, emphasizing the necessity of repentance for entering the kingdom of God. In
Mark 1:15 , Jesus proclaims, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!"
Repentance is not merely an emotional response but involves a conscious decision to turn from sin and pursue righteousness. It is accompanied by genuine sorrow for sin and a desire to make amends. The Apostle Paul highlights the transformative power of repentance in
2 Corinthians 7:10 : "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death."
Repentance is also linked to the forgiveness of sins. In
Acts 3:19 , Peter exhorts the people, "Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord." This underscores the belief that repentance is a prerequisite for receiving God's grace and forgiveness.
RelationshipIn the Christian faith, the concept of relationship is foundational, encompassing both the believer's relationship with God and with others. The Bible presents God as a relational being who desires a personal and intimate relationship with His creation. This is evident from the very beginning, as God walked with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (
Genesis 3:8).
The relationship between God and humanity is characterized by love, covenant, and communion. God initiates this relationship through His covenants, as seen with figures like Noah, Abraham, and Moses. These covenants reveal God's commitment to His people and His desire for them to live in obedience and fellowship with Him.
The ultimate expression of God's relational nature is found in the person of Jesus Christ. Through His incarnation, death, and resurrection, Jesus reconciles humanity to God, restoring the broken relationship caused by sin. In
John 15:15 , Jesus emphasizes the relational aspect of His mission: "No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you."
The believer's relationship with God is nurtured through prayer, worship, and the study of Scripture. In
James 4:8 , the promise is given, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." This relationship is marked by trust, obedience, and a desire to align one's life with God's purposes.
In addition to the vertical relationship with God, the Bible emphasizes the importance of horizontal relationships with others. Jesus summarizes the law in terms of love for God and love for neighbor (
Matthew 22:37-39). The New Testament epistles further instruct believers to live in harmony, serve one another, and bear each other's burdens (
Galatians 6:2).
The church, as the body of Christ, is a community where believers are called to cultivate relationships that reflect the love and unity of the Trinity. In
Ephesians 4:2-3 , Paul urges, "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."
In summary, the biblical concept of relationship encompasses both the divine-human relationship and interpersonal relationships among believers, all rooted in love, covenant, and community.
