Repentance (Christianity)


Repentance is a stage in Christian salvation where the believer turns away from sin. As a distinct stage in the ordo salutis its position is disputed, with some theological traditions arguing it occurs prior to faith and the Reformed theological tradition arguing it occurs after faith. In Roman Catholic theology repentance is part of the larger theological concept of penance.

Origins

In the Hebrew Bible, only those who have attained the status of sinners are said to “turn away from sin.” Repentance attempts to apply its power for any negative future behavior or atones for sin. Generally in the Sometimes this word group is employed to request a turning from sinful activity.David Lambert strongly believes that, “It is in the writings of rabbinic Judaism and early Christianity that it attains the status of a technical term, a basic item of an emerging religious lexicon”.
In the New Testament, John the Baptist called for repentance during his speeches. Jesus also called for repentance when he proclaimed the Gospel for Salvation.. It was a focal point in the preaching of Peter and Paul of Tarsus.

Characteristics

the term repentance comes from the Hebrew word group that means "turn away from".
In the New Testament the μετανοέω/metanoeo word group can mean remorse but is generally translated as a turning away from sin. Theologically 'repentance', the turning away from sin is linked to a corresponding turn to faith in God.
Emanuel Swedenborg, and Jonathan S. Rose explain how repentance in the church as a whole is used to take away the serious evils that God cannot overlook. Swedenborg and Rose explain how “acts of repentance include any and all actions that result in our not willing, and consequently not doing, evil things that are sins against God.”  For repentance to be achievable one must think of it using their will or real self and the thinking must be done by their will. Swedenborg and Rose refer to John the Baptist to describe how he was performing baptism of repentance. John the Baptist would preach repentance along with the other disciples and the Lord himself along with performing the baptisms. If people repented then their sins were forgiven and they were welcomed into the church.

Theology

Catholicism

In Roman Catholic theology repentance is part of the larger theological concept of penance.

Evangelical Christianity

In evangelical Christianity, repentance is necessary for salvation and new birth.. It is the subject of special invitations during sermons and services. It is also part of Christian life and the process of sanctification.