Topical Encyclopedia
Repentance is a central theme throughout the Bible, calling individuals to turn away from sin and return to God. This transformative process involves a sincere change of heart and mind, leading to a reformed life aligned with God's will. The exhortations to repentance are numerous and serve as a divine invitation to experience God's mercy and forgiveness.
Old Testament ExhortationsThe call to repentance is evident in the prophetic writings of the Old Testament. The prophets consistently urged the people of Israel to abandon their sinful ways and return to the Lord. In the book of Isaiah, the prophet implores, "Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. Let the wicked man forsake his own way and the unrighteous man his own thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon" (
Isaiah 55:6-7). This passage highlights the urgency and availability of God's grace to those who repent.
Jeremiah also echoes this call, emphasizing the need for genuine repentance: "Return, O faithless children, declares the LORD, for I am your master, and I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and bring you to Zion" (
Jeremiah 3:14). Here, the Lord's desire for His people to return to Him is evident, promising restoration and relationship.
New Testament ExhortationsIn the New Testament, the message of repentance is central to the ministry of John the Baptist, Jesus Christ, and the apostles. John the Baptist's mission was to prepare the way for the Lord by calling people to repentance: "In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near'" (
Matthew 3:1-2). This call to repentance was foundational for entering the kingdom of God.
Jesus Himself began His public ministry with a similar proclamation: "From that time on Jesus began to preach, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near'" (
Matthew 4:17). Jesus' message underscores the necessity of repentance as a response to the nearness of God's kingdom and His redemptive work.
The apostles continued this exhortation in the early church. On the day of Pentecost, Peter addressed the crowd, saying, "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). This call to repentance was accompanied by the promise of forgiveness and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, marking the beginning of a new life in Christ.
Theological ImplicationsRepentance is not merely an emotional response but involves a decisive turning away from sin and a turning toward God. It is an acknowledgment of one's sinfulness and a plea for divine mercy. The exhortations to repentance throughout Scripture reveal God's desire for all people to come to a knowledge of the truth and be saved (
1 Timothy 2:4). Repentance is both a gift from God and a responsibility of the believer, leading to spiritual renewal and reconciliation with the Creator.
Practical ApplicationBelievers are called to live a life of continual repentance, recognizing the ongoing need for God's grace and guidance. The exhortations to repentance serve as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the boundless mercy available through Jesus Christ. Christians are encouraged to examine their hearts regularly, confess their sins, and seek to align their lives with God's will, trusting in His promise of forgiveness and restoration.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Ezekiel 14:6Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus said the Lord GOD; Repent, and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations.
Torrey's Topical TextbookEzekiel 18:30
Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, said the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Acts 2:38
Then Peter said to them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Acts 3:19
Repent you therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Exhortations to Prayer, Humility, Etc.
... Chapter X."Exhortations to prayer, humility, etc. And pray ye without ceasing in
behalf of other men. For there is in them hope ofrepentance that they may...
OfRepentance, of Pardon, and the Commands of God.
... a harbour of refuge for man, that the medicine ofrepentance might aid... Seneca closed
hisexhortations with an admirable sentiment: "There is," he says, "some...
In the Next Place, Throwing a Slur Upon theExhortations Spoken...
... place, throwing a slur [3622] upon theexhortations spoken and written to those
who have led wicked lives, and which invite them torepentance and reformation...
He Imagines, However, that we Utter TheseExhortations for the...
... He imagines, however, that we utter theseexhortations for the conversion of sinners...
punishment, on account of the hope which is based uponrepentance, they are...
How to Exhort Men to Faith,Repentance, and Advancement.
... How to Exhort Men to Faith,Repentance, and Advancement. If, therefore, we wish
"to rouse and kindle cold and sluggish souls by Christianexhortations to lead...
Secondly, the Motives by which the Christian Religion Enforces the...
... the sudden, wonderful, and total reformation of far greater numbers of wicked men
than ever were brought torepentance by the teaching andexhortations of all...
Regeneration by Faith. OfRepentance.
... with unbelievers, says, "If God per adventure will give themrepentance to the... that
he would have all men to repent, and addressesexhortations in common to all...
The Same Subject Continued.
... in God's fear.'" [860] I pray you, had he who fixes such (exhortations) in our... into
the Church) if they should have entered (the path of)repentance, whom he...
That Love is Exercised in Penitence, and First, that There are...
... his sin is mad; for it is our Saviour's exhortation ofexhortations: Do penance....
all, or several together, or each one apart, may carry us to thisrepentance....
The Preaching of John. Ch. 3:1-20
... 8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy ofrepentance, and begin not to say... 18 With
many otherexhortations therefore preached he good tidings unto the people...
Resources
What is cheap grace? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of sackcloth and ashes? | GotQuestions.orgWhy had the disciples in Ephesus not received the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:1-7)? | GotQuestions.orgRepentance: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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