On Being A Small Group Leader

Repent

When I hear the word "Repent", I think of cartoons like this one. It's the guy who is warning that the end is near ... and usually he's a little bizarre looking.

Still, it's good advice.

In my study of how Jesus dealt with individuals regarding their own spiritual direction and destiny, I came across Mark 1:15, where Jesus said "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel."

I've been struggling over the word repent, wondering just what it was Jesus wanted to communicate. Why is "repent" part of his message ... apparently a central part of the message, because I'm assuming the writer distilled down the message into a quick summary?

In my studies, I learned there are two words typically translated as repent in the New Testament. One is to feel badly about something ... especially feeling bad about the consequences. It reminds me of all the politicians who suddenly feel terrible and just want to be with their families ... after their affair with the secretary becomes public. It's not feeling bad about the action, it's feeling bad about getting caught. That's the kind of repentance that Judas had, based upon the Greek word in the text.

The other word is one that carries with it a change of mind, a change of direction, a change of behavior. It goes beyond feeling bad about sin, or wishing we wouldn't get punished. It's a change of mind that says ... "that was wrong, and I won't do it any more."

The problem is, if we stop at that point, then it looks like salvation is works-oriented. "Sorry I did wrong, God ... I'll do better, and then I'll be a Christian and you'll like me."

I think that repentance is not over sins (plural, the activities of sin), but sin, the condition. And even more so, the self-righteousness that says I can eventually be good enough to work my way into heaven by overcoming the sins. I think that's the part that needs to change, primarily because of the next part of the phrase ... "repent and believe."

Repent ... change your mind about something -- and believe ... think something new.

When we repent of sins, we recognize those actions were wrong. However, we have to take the next step and believe something new. "Those were sins, and I'm walking away from them ... but I need to walk to something new." That "something new" is the gospel message ... that kind of remedy to sin (stopping) is not enough. You need to believe something new, which is that righteousness is something bestowed by God, not earned by stopping sinning.

That's what I think at this point, anyway.


One other thing I learned. Repent is a command. Jesus didn't invite people to follow Him. He commanded them to. We don't invite people to follow Jesus. We tell them that God has commanded it. It's not optional.

Interesting.

Repent - Easton's Bible Dictionary
Repent - International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

posted by Matt @ 11:35 AM