A Most Difficult Command - Repent

When Peter had finished speaking to the Pentecost crowd, the sermon brought the intended effect. Men from every nation under heaven were cut to the heart (Acts 2:5, 37). The truth of Jesus’ position and the reality of their own guilt became undeniable (Acts 2:22-24, 32-33, 36). Peter delivered two commands to this group, noting what they still lacked for salvation. He said, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized…” (Acts 2:38). We ordinarily direct our emphasis toward the command to be baptized for the remission of sins, but don’t miss the other command. Repentance is as essential as baptism, and it is a command in many ways more difficult to be obeyed. The requirement of baptism can be met by a proper candidate within a relatively short period of time. Repentance however is an ongoing process that must be carefully maintained in faithful living. Without true repentance, there would be little to no difference between a child of God and an alien sinner! Consider these important Bible truths on repentance.

True repentance includes a change of mind. This concept is expressed by the Greek term which is most often used for repentance, metanoia. This word means to think afterwards, to reconsider, or to have a change in purpose. Christ calls us, and all sinners, to change or else perish (Lk. 5:32; 13:3). This requirement has always been a core teaching among those loyal to God’s plan (Mk. 1:4, 15; Lk. 24:47). Each one must change his mind about unlawful conduct to turn away from it (Acts 3:19).

True repentance includes a change of heart. This idea is found in the other Greek term for repentance, metamelomai. Closely related to our first word, this term means to care afterwards, to regret, or to have a change in our interests and concerns. Jesus spoke on this topic while rebuking the chief priests and the elders of the Jewish people (Mt. 21:28-32). We can find here the notion of sorrow, but don’t think the requirements of repentance are met by simply saying, “I’m sorry.” Repentance is prompted by godly sorrow, not worldly sorrow (2 Cor. 7:8-10). To put it another way, sincere repentance involves both the heart and the head.

True repentance results in a change of action. The effects produced by this change should be evident (Mt. 3:8). That is, one who repents will bear fruit unto holiness (Rom. 6:22). We can be assured that our minds and hearts are truly changed as we live differently. This includes not just turning from old sinful actions (Mt. 12:41). We must replace the old man behavior with new man behavior (Col. 3:5-10). Don’t merely eliminate the bad and leave a void. Fill that empty idle space with good works, walking in the light (Tit. 2:14; 1 Jn. 1:7). And continue therein (Rom. 11:22; 2 Tim. 3:14)! Consider the description of joy in heaven over repentance as a preview of the rejoicing we will share in afterwards (Lk. 15:7; 1 Pet. 1:3-4). This is what our God desires from all (2 Pet. 3:9). May we maintain our commitment to obeying this most difficult command!