2nd Timothy 2:25-26, “In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.”
WHAT IS REPENTANCE? (GREEK: METANOIA)
Bible “repentance” is to ACKNOWLEDGE THE TRUTH of two things:
- I are a guilty sinner
- Jesus is the only Savior
So many today speak about “repentance” — but few understand what it truly means.
Some think it’s about crying over sin, feeling sorry, or turning over a new leaf.
But that’s not the Bible repentance that saves.
In the context of biblical salvation, repentance is not turning from sin — it’s changing your mind toward God and His truth.
The word “repentance” comes from the Greek word μετάνοια (metanoia), which literally means “a change of mind.”
It comes from meta (to change) and nous (mind or understanding).
It’s realizing you’re a sinner who cannot save yourself — and turning from unbelief to believe the Gospel of grace.
It’s the moment you stop trusting your religion, works or emotions, and start trusting Jesus Christ alone for your salvation.
“Repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” —Acts 20:21 (KJV)
Repentance and faith are inseparable — they’re two sides of the same coin.
No one can truly believe the Gospel unless they have repented, because repentance is that change of mind that leads to faith.
When you believe the Gospel, you’ve already repented.
When you repent toward God, you’re ready to believe.
The Gospel that saves:
“...Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.” —1 Corinthians 15:3b–4 (KJV)
Salvation isn’t about what you can do — it’s about what Christ already did.
It’s not about turning from sin to earn forgiveness — it’s about believing the One who paid for your sin in full.
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.” —Titus 3:5 (KJV)
Repentance = Μετάνοια (Metanoia) — A Change of Mind
- Not emotion.
- Not self-reformation.
- Not behavior adjustment.
It’s a heart-level change of thinking — from rejecting God to believing His truth.
When you truly believe the Gospel, you have repented.
When you truly repent toward God, you will believe the Gospel.
That’s how salvation by grace through faith works — it’s all of Him, none of us.
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