Information Related to "What is Repentance?"
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Many public figures
have invoked God’s name in the wake of the terrorist attacks on the United
States.
Some have even suggested that the national mood could lead to the beginning
of a national “repentance.”
Most people, however, have only a vague idea of what the word means. What exactly
is repentance?
by Cecil Maranville
You may be surprised to learn how much the word and concept of repentance are a part of the teachings of Jesus Christ, the early Church and the entire Bible.
For example: "Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, 'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel'" (Mark 1:14-15, emphasis added throughout). So begins Mark's account of the message Jesus brought.
While many religious teachers quote the apostle Paul, they don't usually point out that repentance was a central part of his message. "Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked," said Paul to the Athenians, "but now (He) commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world ..." (Acts 17:30-31).
All followers of Christ should clearly understand repentance. Likewise, every genuine servant of Christ should teach what He and His early disciples taught. "(Christ) ... called the twelve (disciples) to Himself, and began to send them out ... So they went out and preached that people should repent" (Mark 6:7-12).
Theme of God's messengers
What did Jesus, Paul and the original apostles say to people? What did they expect their hearers to do? Most important, what does their message have to do with you and me?
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Table of Contents that includes "What is Repentance?"
Other Articles by Cecil Maranville
Re-published from an earlier version
Repentance: