Have you ever wondered what the word "repent" means in the Bible? If so, you're in good company—it's one of the most misunderstood words in Scripture! G. Michael Cocoris even wrote a book on the subject titled Repentance: The Most Misunderstood Word in the Bible. Related to this, Free Grace International (FGI) recently published a blog post featuring a YouTube video titled "What Does 'Repent' Mean in the Bible?" The video attempts to show that biblical repentance doesn't simply mean a "change of mind," but rather that it means to "do differently." It's a weak argument, but it has slick graphics so maybe we should just accept it for the video editing! (Just kidding, though that seems to be how some people evaluate theology.)
In the comments section of the FGI blog post, Joe Conaghan and I responded to the video and showed how it fails to align with Scripture. Take a look, you'll be glad you did! As Proverbs 18:17 reminds us, "The one who states his case first seems right, until one comes and examines him."
I should also point out that the presenter's reasoning in the video is actually self-refuting when he attempts to show that "repent" means "do differently." This is because he inadvertently shows that repentance corresponds to faith (compare Matt. 12:41 with Jonah 3:5), and faith is distinct from the works which should follow (Jonah 3:5ff; cf. Eph. 2:8-10).
The onslaught never ends does it? Once again, the focus is off. Focus on your own works, focus on your own actions. Don’t focus on what Jesus did for you. Nothing to see here, kids. Wuff, It’s so frustrating.
ReplyDeleteTodd, you hit the nail on the head. That misfocus is unfortunately widespread. Because they define repentance as a work, they are forced to claim it isn't required for salvation. The problem for them is that Scripture explicitly presents repentance as necessary for eternal life! (See Mt. 3:8; Mk. 1:15; Lk. 3:8, 13:3, 24:47; Acts 3:19, 5:31, 11:18, 17:30-31, 20:21, 26:20; 2 Pet. 3:9, etc.) The "change of mind" definition is the only one consistent with this clear biblical emphasis. It also aligns perfectly with John's Gospel, which never uses the word "repentance" yet constantly describes the concept—turning from unbelief to trust in Christ alone (cf. Jn. 3:16-18, 5:24, 6:28-29, 6:40, 8:24, 11:25-26, 12:37-42, 20:30-31).
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