Repentance

Repentance is a fundamental concept in Christian theology, representing a transformative process that involves a sincere turning away from sin and a turning towards God. It is not merely an emotional response but a decisive change of mind and heart that leads to a change in behavior. The Greek word for repentance, "metanoia," signifies a profound change of mind and purpose.

In the Old Testament, repentance is often associated with the Hebrew word "shuv," meaning to return or turn back. This concept is vividly illustrated in the prophetic calls to Israel to return to the Lord and forsake their sinful ways. For instance, in Joel 2:12-13 , the prophet urges, "Even now," declares the LORD, "return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion."

In the New Testament, repentance is central to the message of both John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. John the Baptist's ministry began with the call to repentance, as seen in Matthew 3:2 : "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." Jesus Himself emphasized the necessity of repentance, declaring in Luke 5:32 , "I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance."

Repentance is also a key theme in the apostolic preaching. On the day of Pentecost, Peter exhorted the crowd, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins" (Acts 2:38). The Apostle Paul, in his ministry, consistently called for repentance, as seen in Acts 17:30 : "Although God overlooked the ignorance of earlier times, He now commands all people everywhere to repent."

God's Mercy

God's mercy is a central attribute of His character, reflecting His compassion, love, and forgiveness towards humanity. Mercy is the divine response to human sinfulness, offering pardon and reconciliation to those who repent. The Hebrew word "chesed" and the Greek word "eleos" both convey the idea of steadfast love and compassion.

The Old Testament frequently highlights God's mercy, often in conjunction with His covenant faithfulness. In Exodus 34:6-7 , God reveals Himself to Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD God, is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth, maintaining loving devotion to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin."

The Psalms are replete with references to God's mercy, as seen in Psalm 103:8-12 : "The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. He will not always accuse, nor will He harbor His anger forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins or repaid us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His loving devotion for those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us."

In the New Testament, God's mercy is supremely manifested in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The incarnation, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus are the ultimate expressions of divine mercy. Ephesians 2:4-5 declares, "But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved."

The parables of Jesus often illustrate God's mercy, such as the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), where the father's compassionate welcome of his repentant son exemplifies divine mercy. Similarly, the Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:3-7) underscores God's relentless pursuit of the lost and His joy in their repentance.

In summary, repentance and God's mercy are intricately linked in the biblical narrative. Repentance is the human response to God's call, while mercy is the divine initiative that makes reconciliation possible. Together, they form the foundation of the Christian message of salvation and restoration.