Acts 17:30-31
Introduction:
1. The Bible discusses repentance pervasively.
2. It also clearly defines and commands repentance in the text.
3. Despite these truths, there is still theological dispute over the meaning and necessity of repentance in God’s plan of salvation.
Discussion:
I. The Centrality of Repentance
A. Central message of prophets (Isaiah 55:7; Ezekiel 18:21-22)
B. Central to John’s ministry (Matthew 3:1-2; Mark 1:4-5)
C. Central to Jesus’ ministry (Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:14-15)
D. Central to the apostle’s ministry (Mark 6:12; Luke 24:47)
E. Central to salvation for all (Luke 13:1-5; Acts 3:19; 11:18; 17:30)
II. Faulty Concepts of Repentance
A. Many define repentance as merely admitting sin and asking forgiveness with no change of thought or action.
B. “Regret for any past action” (Dictionary.com)
C. “Repentance is not ceasing from sinful bad habits, nor even being willing to turn from one's sins; Repentance is turning to the Lord Jesus Christ to be saved from one's sins” (David J. Stewart).
D. “We take the position that a Christian's sins do not damn his soul. The way a Christian lives, what he says, his character, his conduct, or his attitude toward other people have nothing whatever to do with the salvation of his soul. That is settled in Christ and Christ alone…The way a man lives has nothing whatever to do with the salvation of his soul” (Reverend Sam Morris).
E. Morris represents an extreme case, but it is the logical ends of such faulty definitions of repentance.
III. The Biblical Concept of Repentance
A. From a Greek compound verb metanoeo
1. Meta: denotes a change of place or condition
2. Noeo: to exercise the mind, think, comprehend
3. Therefore, a change in the condition of the mind.
B. Changed minds lead to changed actions (2 Corinthians 7:9-11)
1. Sorrow is not repentance; sorrow leads to repentance.
2. Judas is an example of sorrow without repentance.
3. Acts 2:37-38 further proves that repentance is more than sorrow as they were “cut to the heart” prior to the command to repent.
C. The biblical concept assumes productive repentance.
1. Forsaking wicked ways and returning to the Lord (Isaiah 55:7)
2. Turning from sin and observing God’s will (Ezekiel 18:21-22)
3. Bringing forth fruits (product) of repentance (Luke 3:8-14)
4. Turning to God and performing deeds in keeping with repentance (Acts 26:20)
5. God’s goodness is the catalyst (Romans 2:4).
Conclusion:
1. In summary, biblical repentance is a turning to God from sin because God’s word produced faith leading to godly sorrow over sin.
2. Despite some who downplay the necessity of repentance, the Lord clearly said, “…unless you repent you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3).
3. So, we echo Peter and plead with you, “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19).