Repentance

A while ago I did a study on repentance. The words repent or repentance occur over 50 times in the New Testament. John the Baptist told people that they should "repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near" in the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus, in the beginning of His public ministry, proclaimed "repent and believe the gospel" (Mark 1:15) When we share the gospel with people (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) we give the exhortation to repent and believe the good news we have just shared. Why do we do this when so many gospel presentations leave out the call for repentance? Because Jesus told people to repent and even said that "repentance for forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed in His name" (Acts 24:46-47), Peter told people to repent (Acts 2:38), and Paul told people to repent (Acts 17:30-31). Peter declares that God is "not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). It is obvious from the above references that if Jesus and His apostles knew what they were talking about (they did), none of us will find forgiveness of sin or a meaningful relationship with the God of the Bible unless we "repent". 


Here is the answer given to the question "what is repentance?" from the Got Questions website - 

Question: "What is repentance and is it necessary for salvation?"
Answer: Many understand the term repentance to mean “turning from sin.” This is not the biblical definition of repentance. In the Bible, the word repent means “to change one’s mind.” The Bible also tells us that true repentance will result in a change of actions (Luke 3:8-14; Acts 3:19). Acts 26:20 declares, “I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.” The full biblical definition of repentance is a change of mind that results in a change of action.


What, then, is the connection between repentance and salvation? The Book of Acts seems to especially focus on repentance in regards to salvation (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 11:18; 17:30; 20:21; 26:20). To repent, in relation to salvation, is to change your mind in regard to Jesus Christ. In Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost (Acts chapter 2), he concludes with a call for the people to repent (Acts 2:38). Repent from what? Peter is calling the people who rejected Jesus (Acts 2:36) to change their minds about Him, to recognize that He is indeed “Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). Peter is calling the people to change their minds from rejection of Christ as the Messiah to faith in Him as both Messiah and Savior.


Repentance and faith can be understood as “two sides of the same coin.” It is impossible to place your faith in Jesus Christ as the Savior without first changing your mind about who He is and what He has done. Whether it is repentance from willful rejection or repentance from ignorance or disinterest, it is a change of mind. Biblical repentance, in relation to salvation, is changing your mind from rejection of Christ to faith in Christ.


It is crucially important that we understand repentance is not a work we do to earn salvation. No one can repent and come to God unless God pulls that person to Himself (John 6:44). Acts 5:31 and 11:18 indicate that repentance is something God gives—it is only possible because of His grace. No one can repent unless God grants repentance. All of salvation, including repentance and faith, is a result of God drawing us, opening our eyes, and changing our hearts. God's long-suffering leads us to repentance (2 Peter 3:9), as does His kindness (Romans 2:4).

While repentance is not a work that earns salvation, repentance unto salvation does result in works. It is impossible to truly and fully change your mind without that causing a change in action. In the Bible, repentance results in a change in behavior. That is why John the Baptist called people to “produce fruit in keeping with repentance” (Matthew 3:8). A person who has truly repented from rejection of Christ to faith in Christ will give evidence of a changed life (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:19-23; James 2:14-26). Repentance, properly defined, is necessary for salvation. Biblical repentance is changing your mind about Jesus Christ and turning to God in faith for salvation (Acts 3:19). Turning from sin is not the definition of repentance, but it is one of the results of genuine, faith-based repentance towards the Lord Jesus Christ.

David Hocking's definition of repentance is that it is a "change of mind, change of heart, and a change of conduct". Hope this helps you with what the topic of repentance. We are to preach Christ crucified for our sins and His resurrection after being buried. The call to repentance remains today.
-Fei