The Definition of the word Repentance

Repentance

There are three Greek words used in the New Testament to denote repentance. (1.) The verb metamelomai is used of a change of "mind, such as to produce regret or even remorse on account of" "sin, but not necessarily a change of heart. This word is used" with reference to the repentance of Judas (Matt. 27:3). "(2.) Metanoeo, meaning to change one's mind and purpose, as the "result of after knowledge. This verb, with (3) the cognate noun" "metanoia, is used of true repentance, a change of mind and" "purpose and life, to which remission of sin is promised." "Evangelical repentance consists of (1) a true sense of one's own guilt and sinfulness; (2) an apprehension of God's mercy in "Christ; (3) an actual hatred of sin (Ps. 119:128; Job 42:5, 6; 2" Cor. 7:10) and turning from it to God; and (4) a persistent endeavour after a holy life in a walking with God in the way of his commandments. "The true penitent is conscious of guilt (Ps. 51:4, 9), of "pollution (51:5, 7, 10), and of helplessness (51:11; 109:21," 22). Thus he apprehends himself to be just what God has always seen him to be and declares him to be. But repentance "comprehends not only such a sense of sin, but also an" "apprehension of mercy, without which there can be no true" repentance (Ps. 51:1; 130:4).