1. Repentance
Its Nature

2. “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth”
John 17:17
“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth”

3. Introduction
This word “repent” with its different forms is mentioned at least 110 times in the Bible
Repentance has been commanded by God in every age in order to be accepted of Him
The world before the flood refused to repent and destroyed
Genesis 7:23
Prophets taught it - Isaiah 1:16; Jonah 3:2, 8-10
John the Baptist taught it to Israel - Matthew 3:1-2
Jesus taught it - Matthew 4:17; Luke 13:3, 5
Required it as a condition of salvation - Luke 24:46-47
No hope for eternal salvation without it - Acts 17:30
God desires all men repent - 2 Peter 3:9
Repent = 46 T-43V; Repentance = 26T-26V; Repented = 32T-32V; Repenting = 1T-1V; Repenteth = 5T-5V
Gen 7:23 - And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark.
Isa. 1:16 - Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;
Jonah 3:2, Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee. 8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands. 9 Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not? 10 And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.
Matt. 3:1-2 -In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, 2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Matt. 4:17 - From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Lk. 13: 3 - I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. 5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
Lk. 24: And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

4. Introduction Repentance is the HARDEST of all God’s commands:
Involves man’s will
Man’s will has always been the greatest hindrance to salvation
Will of man is generally stubborn - repentance challenges the will
The Child of God Sins:
Must repent - 1 John 1:8-10
A child of God must develop and maintain the proper attitude toward repentance
And, must correctly understand the meaning of repentance
1 Jn. 1: If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

5. What We Will Discuss The Meaning of Repentance
What Motivates One to Repent
The Fruits of Repentance
Applications of Repentance

6. Understanding the Meaning

7. Understanding The Meaning
Repentance is NOT just…
Sorrow:
It is not shedding tears on the front pew
Regret:
Many regret they were caught in sin-but do not repent
Reformation:
Godly sorrow produces repentance-repentance produces the change or reform of life! - 2 Corinthians 7:10
Fear:
Fear does not keep the commandments - Ecclesiastes12:13; Jas. 2:19
Praying:
Prayer is of no avail if one is not penitent - Acts 8:22
James 4:3; Proverbs 28:9
Conviction:
Individuals who had conviction were commanded to repent - Acts 2:38
It Is All of These!
What Is It Then?
It Is All of These!
2 Cor. 7: READ
2 Cor. 2:4 - For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.
Eccl. 12:13 - Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man's all.
Jas. 2: Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
Jas. 4:3 - Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
Prov. 28:9 - He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.
Acts 2: Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart (cut to the heart), and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. - ACC - “left them without reply and without excuse; and they plainly saw there was no hope for them, but in the mercy of him whom they had rejected and crucified.”

8. Understanding The Meaning
A mental act of the mind - to determine to stop sinning
Matthew 21:28-29
It is a resolution or a determination of mind to leave sinful living
Luke 15:11-19
One repents when they cease sinning
The decision to “quit your sinfulness”
The course of life is changed for the better
Matt. 21: But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. 29 He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.
Lk. 15: READ - Especially vss Parable of the Lost Son. “repentance is represented as a restoration to sound sense - Clark”

9. “Repentance” Defined Two Greek Words are translated “Repent”:
Metaneo - “to have another mind” - Acts 2:38, 17:30
A change of mind followed by a change of conduct
Metamellomai - “to be careful or concerned with”
Matthew 27:3; 2 Corinthians 7:8
Suggests regret
Source - Young’s Analytical Concordance
Acts 2:38 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 17:30 - And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
Matt. 27:3 - Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders.
2 Cor. 7:8 - For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent (metamelloma), though I did repent (metamellomai): for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season.

10. “Repentance” Defined
“The change of the mind of those who have begun to abhor their errors and misdeeds, and have determined to enter upon a better course of life, so that it embraces both recognition of sin and sorrow for it and hearty amendment, the tokens and effects of which are good deeds...” (Thayer, Greek-English Lexicon, pg. 406)

11. What Leads to Repentance

12. What Motivates One to Repent?
Fear of Death & Judgment of Christ:
Hebrews 9:27; 12:28-29; Matthew 11:20-24
Acts 17:30-31; 2 Corinthians 5:10-11
2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; Proverbs 1:24-33
The Goodness & Longsuffering of God:
Romans 2:4-6; 2 Peter 3:9
God Is both GOOD and SEVERE
Romans 11:21-22
Wise individuals will not remain in impenitence
They will cease their stubbornness and repent
Heb. 9:27 - And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
Heb. 12: Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: 29 For our God is a consuming fire.
Matt. 11: READ
Acts 17: And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
2 Cor. 5: For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.
2 Thess. 1:7-9 - And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
Prov. 1: READ
Rom. 2:4-6 - READ
2 Pet. 3:9 - The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Rom. 11: For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. 22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

13. The Fruits of Repentance

14. The Fruits of Repentance!
Restitution:
If possible
Murder - cannot restore a life - murderer must re-pay with his own blood
Genesis 9:5-6
Restitution was demanded under the Law of Moses:
Leveticus 6:1-6; Numbers 5:5-8
Separation:
From all things associated with sin
2 Corinthians 6:17-18; 1 Peter 4:1-4
Galatians 5:19-21; Acts 19:18-20
Ezra 10:1-12
Confession:
Sin must be admitted
1 John 1:7-10; Luke 18:13-14; Romans 3:23
Gen. 9:5-6 - And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man. 6 Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.
Lev. 6:1-6 - READ
Num. 5: READ
2 Cor. 6: Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
1 Pet. 4:1-4 - READ
Gal. 5: READ
Acts 19: READ
Ezra - 10:1-12
1 Jn. 1: READ
Lk. 18: And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Rom. 3:23 - For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

15. The Fruits of Repentance!
Resolution:
The change or resolve of will to cease sin
The decision to turn away from sin—a change of conduct or course
Acts 14:15; 26:18
2 Peter 2:21-22; Ephesians 4:22-32
Contrition:
Expression of sorrow for sinning against God - Psalms 51:17
Sin is against God
1 John 3:4; Genesis 39:9; Acts 5:1-4
Acts 14:15 - And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:
Acts 26:18 - To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
2 Pet. 2: For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
Eph. 4: READ
Psa. 51:17 - The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
1 Jn. 3:4 - Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
Gen. 39:9 - There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? (Joseph regarding the advance of Potipher’s wife).
Acts 5:1-4 - READ

16. Applications of Repentance

17. Matthew 3:8 & Acts 26:20
Matthew 3:8 - “Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance” Acts “But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance”
Matt. 3:7-8 - But when he (John the baptizer) saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: {meet...: or, answerable to amendment of life}
Acts 26: Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: 20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. 21 For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.

18. “meet for repentance”
“That they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. Paul preached that men should do three things:(1) Repent. This means to determine to quit sinning. (2) Turn to God. The word translated turn is from the word that is translated ‘be converted’ in Acts 3:19….Baptism is the key act in converting (turning) to God. (3) Do works meet for repentance. Repentance naturally results in changes in conduct. The gospel requires that repentance be manifested by the appropriate changes in behavior”
Truth Commentary on Acts 26:20 by Johnny Stringer, p. 505.

19. “meet for repentance”
“Be deeply humbled for their past iniquities, and turn to God as their Judge and Saviour, avoiding all idolatry and all sin; and thus do works meet for repentance; that is, show by their conduct that they had contrite hearts, and that they sincerely sought salvation from God alone….”
Adam Clark Commentary on Acts 26:20

20. “meet for repentance”
“…true repentance is not a barren thing; neither are your leaves of external profession a sufficient indication of it, you must bring forth the fruits of holiness, fruits that may answer the nature of true repentance. The proper products of habits are called their fruits; thus we read of the fruit of sin, and the fruit of righteousness. Fruits meet (answerable to amendment of life) for repentance are works that are the proper product of repentance, or justly answering an external profession of repentance. As faith, so repentance, without works is dead”
Matthew Poole Commentary on Matthew 3:8.

21. “Repent or Perish” (Luke 13:3, 5)
Sin Is Sin Before & After Baptism?
If You Steal A Man's Car Before,
If You Gamble & Drink Alcohol Before,
If You Are Living In Adultery Before,
“Repent or Perish”
(Luke 13:3, 5)
Relationship Is Adulterous After!
Cannot not categorize or rationalize sin.
Jude 4 - For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Can You Keep It After?
Can You Gamble & Drink After?
MUST CEASE THE SINFUL ACTIONS & RELATIONSHIPS!
Romans 6:1-23

22. “Repent or Perish” (Luke 13:3, 5)
How Do You Show Repentance?
If You Steal A Man's Wife
If You Steal A Man's Smart Phone
If You Steal A Man's Radio
“Repent or Perish”
(Luke 13:3, 5)
You Give It Back!
You Give It Back!
Do You Keep Her?
Matt. 5:32 - But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
Matt. 19:9 - And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.
Note: The offended party may concede a radio or a smart phone but can’t give his wife the right to marry another (Matthew 5:32; 19:9)

23. “Repent or Perish” (Luke 13:3, 5) Some Say “No Adultery After Baptism”
If In an Unscriptural Marriage Before,
If You Gamble & Drink Alcohol Before,
If A Homosexual Before,
“Repent or Perish”
(Luke 13:3, 5)
The Marriage Is Scriptural After Baptism!
Can You Gamble & Drink Alcohol After?
What About After Baptism?
Rom. 6:1-23
1 Pet. 4:1-4 - Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 3 For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles--when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. 4 In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you.
1 Cor. 6: Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate (homosexuals) , nor abusers of themselves with mankind (sodomites) , 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
MUST CEASE ALL SINFUL ACTIONS & RELATIONSHIPS!
Romans 6:1-23; 1 Peter 4:1-4;1 Corinthians 6:9-11

24. “Repent or Perish” (Luke 13:3, 5) Some Say “No Adultery After Baptism”
If In an Unscriptural Marriage Before,
If You Are A Thief Before,
If a Polygamist Before,
“Repent or Perish”
(Luke 13:3, 5)
The Marriage Is Scriptural After Baptism!
Can You Be A Thief After?
What About After Baptism?
Rom. 6:1-23
Eph. 4:28 - Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
1 Thess. 4:3 - For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication (porneia):
MUST CEASE ALL SINFUL ACTIONS & RELATIONSHIPS!
Romans 6:1-23; Ephesians 4:28; 1 Thessaloninas 4:3

25. Fornication Defined Adultery Rom. 7:2, 3 Incest Bestiality Lesbianism
Fornication - “Prostitution, unchastity, fornication, of every kind of unlawful intercourse.” (Walter Bauer, A Greek - English Lexicon Of The New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, p. 693)
Thayer says, “prop. of illicit sexual intercourse in general.” (P. 532).
Generally, the word “fornication” refers to unlawful sexual intercourse of the unmarried (in order to avoid fornication, one is to marry - 1 Cor. 7:2-5). However, the term is applied also to illicit sexual conduct of married people (1 Cor. 5:1; Rev. 2:20).
Adultery Rom. 7:2, 3
Incest
Bestiality
Ex. 22:19; Lev. 20:15
Lesbianism
Pedophilia
Prostitution
Homosexuality
Polygamy
Polyamory - the practice or condition of participating simultaneously in more than one serious romantic or sexual relationship with the knowledge and consent of all partners. - Dictionary.com
Concubinage
Polyamory

26. Conclusion! Must Understand the Meaning of Repentance
Must Be Lead by God to Repentance!
Must Bring Forth Fruits Worthy of Repentance!

27. Acts 17:30, 31
“And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead”

28. “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish”
Luke 13:3
“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish”

29. “What Must I Do…?” Acts 2:38 An alien sinner must…
Hear the Gospel - Romans 10:17
Believe - Romans 10:10
Repent – Acts 17:30
Confess Christ - Acts 8:37
Be Baptized in water - Acts 2:38
An erring Child of God must…
Repent and Pray - Acts 8:22
Live “faithful unto death”
Revelation 2:10
Rom. 10:17 - So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Rom. 10:10 - For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Acts. 17: And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
Acts - 8:37 - And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
Acts. 2:38 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 8:22 - Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
Rev. 2:10 - Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.