Repent
In the Bible, the term "repent" is derived from the Hebrew word "shuv" (שׁוּב) in the Old Testament, meaning "to turn back" or "to return," and the Greek word "metanoia" (μετάνοια) in the New Testament, which means "to change one's mind" or "to have a change of heart." Repentance involves a profound transformation of one's attitude towards sin and God, indicating a sincere decision to turn away from sin and toward righteousness. For instance, in Joel 2:12-13, the call to repentance emphasizes returning to God with all one's heart, suggesting that true repentance is not merely an acknowledgment of wrongdoing but also an internal change that seeks restoration of the relationship with the divine.In the New Testament, Jesus' message often centered on repentance as a prerequisite for entering the Kingdom of God. In Matthew 4:17, He begins His ministry by proclaiming, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." This highlights the urgency and necessity of repentance in the context of salvation. Additionally, Acts 2:38 underscores the importance of repentance alongside baptism for the forgiveness of sins, illustrating that repentance is integral to the Christian faith and the process of salvation. Overall, biblical repentance is not just about remorse for past actions but entails a conscious decision to turn away from sin and embrace a life aligned with God's will.