What does "repent" really mean?

   Many have wondered and asked what the word "repent" means in the bible. There are two seperate root words used in the Greek. However, when it comes to salvation the meaning is clear:

(Strong's Concordance)
1. To think differently or afterwards, that is, reconsider (morally to feel compunction): - repent.

Let's apply this to a verse addressed in "What is the gospel?"

"...repent ye, and believe the gospel. " - Mark 1:15b

   The opposite of belief is disbelief. Before I got saved I knew about Christ and yes, I considered what I had been taught to be truth. Yet, I never truly believed. I never placed my faith in Jesus Christ. I hadn't repented. I was stuck in my disbelief and my actions made it clear I was lost. Yet, there was a time when I moved from disbelief to belief. I repented; I had a change of mind. I reconsidered what I had been told as a younger child. I went from trusting in myself and good works in order to please God, to placing my full trust and faith in Jesus Christ in order to save me. I knew that I was a wicked and evil man and nothing but the blood of Jesus Christ could save me from an eternity in hell.

   Many people out there are trusting in their "good" works. Many people tithe, attend church, pray, read their bibles, and so forth... but without Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and saviour, they will spend an eternity in hell. Why? Because they've never repented. They've never stopped trusting in their works. They've never realized nor believed that Jesus Christ paid our debt in full by dying on the cross.

"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out..." Acts 3:19

Matthew 26:28 "For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins."

   By the shedding of Christ's blood, you and I have the opportunity to be found perfect on the day of judgment. When I stand before God he won't look at my sin, but to the blood of his own son, Jesus Christ. God will see Christ's righteousness, not my sin. Why? Because I've placed my faith in Jesus Christ for salvation and have asked him to save me.

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."  Romans 10:13









This website is maintained by "Advertising the Gospel"  www.advertisingthegospel.com