The Reformation Doctrine of Justification by Faith, Classes 14 and 15 Fall, 2002
Boyd Murrah, 2002.
Faith and Repentance
Definitions
“Repentance” is the translation of the Greek word metanoia [metanoi,a]. This word refers
to a serious religious and moral “change of mind,” leading to a change of behavior. It can be a
synonym for “conversion.”
The primary significance of this word is not emotional, but mental. However, a serious religious
and moral change of mind, or conversion, may be connected with emotional responses.
“Faith” is trust in God’s Word, and in particular, trust in God’s promise of salvation through
Jesus Christ. Faith and Repentance are highly correlated in Scripture, even though they are not
exactly the same concepts. Faith looks toward God and his promise of salvation. Repentance
describes the serious change of mind in ourselves that necessarily correlates with living faith.
Faith and repentance are both described as bringing forth the same fruits. There is such a thing as
dead faith, and there is such a thing as false repentance, neither of which brings forth fruits.
“Remission”, as in “remission of sins,” means “cancellation,” or “forgiveness.”
Scripture
Matthew 3:1 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea,
and saying, 2 "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!"
Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, "Repent, for the
kingdom of heaven is at hand."
The advent of the Kingdom is connected with judgment as well as blessing. See context, Matt 3.
Luke 3:3 And he [John] went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism
of repentance for the remission of sins,
Mark 1:4 John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance
for the remission of sins.
Remission of sins is normally portrayed as the fruit of faith, but can also be represented as the
fruit of repentance.. Repentance refers to a “change of mind” (or “conversion”) with respect to
God’s righteousness and personal sin. But, the change of mind occurs in connection with
believing the message. Repentance correlates with faith.
Mark 1:15 and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent,
and believe in the gospel."
Luke 24:46 Then He said to them, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the
Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 47 "and that repentance and
The Reformation Doctrine of Justification by Faith, Classes 14 and 15 Fall, 2002
Boyd Murrah, 2002.
remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at
Jerusalem.
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the
name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy
Spirit.
Acts 19:4 Then Paul said, "John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying
to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on
Christ Jesus."
Hebrews 6:1 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let
us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works
and of faith toward God,
Acts 3:19 "Repent therefore and be converted [turned], that your sins may be blotted
out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, 20 "and that He
may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before,
Acts 5:31 "Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give
repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.
Acts 11:18 When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God,
saying, "Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life."
Matthew 9:13 "But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice.' For
I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance."
Acts 17:30 "Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all
men everywhere to repent,
Acts 20:21 "testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith
toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
Acts 26:19 " Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20
"but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region
of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works
befitting repentance.
The “change of mind,” is associated with turning to God (“conversion”), and results in fruit
which befits repentance.
Matthew 3:8 "Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance,
Faith, while justifying a person without works, does produce fruit by working through love.
Likewise, looking at this spiritual state of faith from the standpoint of “repentance,” fruits of true
repentance are called for.
The Reformation Doctrine of Justification by Faith, Classes 14 and 15 Fall, 2002
Boyd Murrah, 2002.
Romans 2:4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and
longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?
God’s longsuffering and goodness toward sinners is to be an encouragement for them to change
their minds (repent) about him.
2 Corinthians 7:9 Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led
to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss
from us in nothing. 10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to
be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.
One of the few places that stresses the role of emotions in connection with repentance.
Distinguishes true and false repentance, based on godly vs. ungodly sorrow.
2 Timothy 2:25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will
grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,
The “change of mind” is connected with coming to the knowledge of the truth. This has to be
granted by God.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but
is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to
repentance.
Revelation 2:5 "Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the
first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place -
- unless you repent.
This is a call for church repentance. The church is addressed as “you” (singular).
Conclusion
There is no true faith which is not connected with a serious moral and spiritual “revolution” of
mind to turn away from rebellion and sin, toward grace, peace, and the fruits of repentance (or
faith).