The Gospel Way CatechismSample

QUESTION 21: What Is Repentance?

ANSWER

Repentance is not merely regret over sin’s consequences or our failure to live up to our standards. Repentance is turning away from evil—seeing sin in light of God’s holiness and experiencing conviction in response to his kindness.

The world loves the idea of a turnaround when it means calling someone else to account for their sins. We get a little squeamish when it’s someone calling us out for something we have done! Because we live in a world that assumes God doesn’t exist or is irrelevant, we have no ultimate standard or moral basis for judging who is right or who is wrong in cultural conflict. We feel the need for restitution to be made and justice to be served, but since everyone makes up their own standards for what is right or wrong, we’re left without resources when a real turn-around is necessary.

The Bible gives us a word—a category, an action—that supplies us with something much more profound than anything our society can offer: repentance. This admittedly churchy word may recall images of the street prophet holding signs that say, “Repent or die!” But, biblically speaking, repentance is a beautiful concept that goes far beyond what we see in the world.

Repentance is not simply saying “my bad” when we mess up. It is not merely a feeling of sorrow or regret over the consequences of sin. True repentance is the response when the human heart is exposed to the light of God’s holiness and awestruck at God’s undeserved kindness. Convicted of sin, we turn from wrongdoing and trade our agendas for the kingdom agenda of Jesus Christ.

The apostle Paul’s testimony before King Agrippa (Acts 26:12-23) shows us how repentance works itself out in our lives. First, repentance is turning from darkness to light (Acts 26:18). Before we came to Jesus, we were moving around in this dark world, unable to see the beauty of the gospel and unwilling to accept the light. Once we repent, we turn from darkness to light.

Second, repentance is turning from Satan to God (Acts 26:18, 20). It’s about switching kingdoms. Just as a person applying for citizenship in one country usually renounces their former citizenship, we pledge allegiance to King Jesus and renounce Satan and his power.

Third, repentance bears fruit in works of righteousness (Acts 26:18, 20, 23). We don’t just turn from sin; we turn toward righteousness. It’s not just about stopping what’s bad, but starting what’s good. Seen in this light, repentance as a turn-around may begin in a moment, but its effects are lifelong.

Some people think living a life of repentance means being sin-free and totally victorious over our sins and struggles. The biblical picture is different: the battle is ongoing, so repentance is not something we do just once, but a way of life. The first of Martin Luther’s 95 Theses put it this way: “When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, ‘Repent,’ he willed the entire life of believers to be one of repentance.”

In a world bereft of forgiveness, with moralistic judgments issued in every direction based on movable standards, the Christian understanding of repentance feels refreshing, giving us hope of renewal, cleansing, and life transformation.

Reflection Questions

Describe the signs of genuine repentance. How is repentance different from feeling regret or sorrow? Reflect on your understanding of repentance. Consider specific instances where you may have felt regret or grief but didn’t experience true repentance. How can you differentiate between these emotions and genuine repentance?

How does the holiness of God influence your understanding and experience of repentance? Think about the nature of God’s holiness and how it highlights the severity of sin. How does this understanding lead you to a more profound conviction and a genuine turning away from sin?