Theocentric Musings

  “Repent” is likely the most misunderstood word in the Bible today. A misunderstanding of this word can and does change the true Gospel of Christ. It is used many times in the Bible and a misunderstanding of it will alter the meaning of any passage of scripture where it is used. First of all let’s understand what it does not mean so that we can grasp the true meaning. It does not mean to turn away from sin. It does not mean to quit sinning. It does not mean to feel sorry for sin. It does not mean to change your sinful ways before you can be saved. It does not imply salvation. It is not the means of forgiveness of sin. It is not salvation nor does it imply that we should live a sinless life. It does not imply sin. To understand its true meaning lets do a bit of history of the Greek language.  There have been many types of Greek in the past most of which are obsolete now but in the days of Alexander the Great a number of Greek languages existed. After Alexander...

Some preach very heavily about repentance, and that is something I wholeheartedly support. But, too many are preaching the wrong type of repentance and I wonder if they honestly know they are doing it. Repentance in the New Testament, is METANOIA in Greek. It means a change of mind. Particularly it is pertaining to changing our mind from belief in a righteousness that is "here today, gone tomorrow" that can be achieved by our self efforts, to a sustaining, "forever" righteous ness that is available completely by a belief in who Jesus Christ is. However, the "'prick our heart", "tearful regret" repentance is METAMELOMAI. This was what Judas did in Matthew 27:3. In the KJV it says Judas repented himself, other versions say Judas was remorseful, or filled with regret. Now which is being taught? The type that brings life, or the type that brings death? The type that carries a believer into joy in all circumstance and a longing to be in...