Repentance

In the Bible, repentance (Hebrew: *teshuvah*; Greek: *metanoia*) signifies a profound change of heart and mind that leads to a transformation in behavior. It involves recognizing one's sinfulness and turning away from sinful actions toward God. In the Old Testament, repentance is often linked to the concept of returning to God (e.g., Deuteronomy 30:2), suggesting a restoration of relationship after sin. The prophetic literature frequently calls for repentance as a prerequisite for receiving God's mercy (e.g., Jeremiah 25:5; Ezekiel 18:30).In the New Testament, repentance is emphasized as a necessary step for salvation and spiritual renewal. Jesus began His ministry with a call to repentance (Mark 1:15), and the apostles continued this message, particularly in Acts 2:38, where Peter urges the crowd to "repent and be baptized." This call reflects a change of mind about sin and a turning toward God, resulting in a new life characterized by faith and obedience. Thus, repentance is not merely feeling remorse but involves a decisive commitment to live according to God's will, as seen in the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), which illustrates the joy of restoration that accompanies genuine repentance.

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