Lets start by defining biblical repentance…
The Hebrew word, used in the Old Testament for repent is “nä·kham,” directly translated, to have remorse.
There are two Greek words used in the Bible that are translated “repent"
1. Metamellomai - to care afterwards, to regret (Basically the same as the Old Testament word). This word is used only five times in the New Testament [about 10 percent for the word repent)
2. Metánoia - to think differently, to change your mind or afterwards, i.e. reconsider. This is the main word that the NT uses for repentance and is found 57 times in the New Testament. (just over 90%)
When you combine the Greek and Hebrew words it means to regret or to be sorry for what you have done and to CHANGE your way of thinking.
Again, 90% of the times the word REPENT is used in the New Testament it is referring to changing the way we think, or the way we believe… There is power in right believing. Changing how we think will change our lives. Romans 12:2 (NLT) says, ‘Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.’
Transformation depends on a renewed mind and a new way of thinking.Transformation depends on RIGHT BELIEVING.
Many Christians have defined repentance as turning away from sin and changing direction. Even though true Biblical repentance does lead to holy living and a change in direction, those things are the fruit of repentance but not the root… When you change the way that you think, you will change the way that you live, but if you try to change the way that you live without first changing the way that you think and renewing your mind, you will fail!
Biblical repentance has everything to do with rejecting wrong believing and deception, and embracing right believing…
If you attempt to change your direction or turn away from sin without renewing your mind and changing what you think and believe, transformation will be impossible. When Paul addressed the church in Ephesus about walking in newness of life, he focused on them first changing the way they thought andthe way they believed…‘This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind. (Ephesians 4:17)
Repentance includes changing the way you think, but it is more than that… repentance comes with a powerful anointing that ushers out the old and ushers in the new!
The goodness of God leads to repentance, not fear, threats of loosing salvation, judgment and condemnation.
Romans 2:4
Do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?
The Amplified Bible says it this way, “Are you [so blind as to] trifle with andpresume upon and despise and underestimate the wealth of His kindness and forbearance and long-suffering patience? Are you unmindful or actually ignorant [of the fact] that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repent (to change your mind and inner man to accept God’s will)?
