Understanding Repentance: From Thinking to Action

“Hearing and acknowledging the truth only helps when it yields change.”

Repentance is often spoken of as turning from sin and that is certainly true. But, before the act of turning will happen, there must first be a change of mind.

Repent- metanoeō- to think differently or afterwards, that is, reconsider (morally to feel compunction): – repent. Strongs

This is something that we decide in our heart. We are changing our mind about what we believe.  For there to be a change in direction there must first be a change of heart. Jesus told the Apostle Paul, “I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’ Acts 26:17-18

As a result of the instructions Paul received from the LORD, Paul told King Agrippa, “…I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.” Acts 26:19-20

The message of the Gospel was to be heard, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Jesus.

Paul was obedient to the heavenly instructions he received and declared, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works fitting of repentance.

There must be fruit, showing that our changed mind has changed our life. We may have doubts about Jesus, and someone teaches us the truth, and we change our mind about who He is, but that does not necessarily mean that we are going to make a change in our life. In the days of Jesus, there were those who witnessed His miracles and believed. They changed their minds from what they had previously believed. Yet, they would not openly confess Him, because they feared man more than God. John 12:42

Repentance is a two-step process where a change in thinking leads to a change in direction. Let us resolve to allow our changed mind to change our life.