What is repentance and is it necessary for salvation?

The Biblical Meaning of Repentance

What is repentance and is it necessary for salvation? Many understand the term repentance from the Greek word metanoia to mean turning from sin. This is not the Biblical definition of repentance. In the Bible, the word repent means to change one's mind.

The Bible also tells us that true repentance will also result in a change of actions. Acts 26 20 declares, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.

The full Biblical definition of repentance is a change of mind that results in a change.

Of action.

Repentance and Salvation in the Book of Acts

What then is the connection between repentance and salvation? The book of Acts seems to especially focus on repentance in regards to salvation. To repent in relation to salvation is to change your mind in regard to Jesus Christ.

In Peter's sermon on the day of Pentecost, Acts chapter 2, he concludes with a call for the people to repent. Repent from what? Peter is calling the people who rejected Jesus to change their minds about him to recognize that he is indeed Lord and Christ.

Peter is calling the people to change their minds from rejection of Christ as the Messiah to faith in him as both Messiah and Savior. Repentance and faith can be understood as two sides of the same coin.

It is impossible to place your faith in Jesus Christ as the Savior without first changing your mind about who he is and what he has done. Whether it is repentance from willful rejection or repentance from ignorance or disinterest, it is a change of mind.

Biblical repentance in relation to salvation is changing your mind from rejection of Christ to faith in Christ. It is crucially important that we understand repentance is not a work we do to earn salvation.

Repentance as a Gift of God

No one can repent and come to God unless God pulls that person to himself. Acts 5 .31 and 11 .18 indicate that repentance is something that God gives. It is only possible because of His grace. No one can repent unless God grants repentance.

All of salvation, including repentance and faith, is a result of God's drawing us, opening our eyes, and changing our hearts. God's long-suffering leads us to repentance, as does His kindness. While repentance is not a work that earns salvation, repentance unto salvation does result in works.

It is impossible to truly and fully change your mind without that causing a change in.

Action.

Repentance Produces a Changed Life

In the Bible, repentance results in a change in behavior. That is why John the Baptist called people to produce fruit in keeping with repentance. A person who has truly repented from rejection of Christ to faith in Christ will give evidence of a changed life.

Repentance, properly defined, is necessary for salvation. Biblical repentance is changing your mind about Jesus Christ and turning to God in faith for salvation. Turning from sin is not the definition of repentance, but it is one of the results of genuine, faith-based repentance towards the Lord Jesus Christ.

Got questions? The Bible has answers, and we'll help you find them.