True Repentance
“In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” Matthew 3.1-3
I’m sure that we all have a general idea concerning this concept of “repentance.” Or, at least, we think we do.
One of the wonderful benefits of doing word studies in God’s Word is that we discover spiritual wealth beyond anything we could dream of. For example, in Job 2.9 where Job’s wife encourages him to “… curse God and die…,” she uses the Hebrew word “barak.” Barak translates “curse” three times (Job 1.11; 2.5, 9) and “cursed” (Job 1.5) once in the Bible. However, the same Hebrew word translates a form of “bless” nearly three hundred times in the Old Testament. A variety of related words translate words of “cursing” in the New Testament (although they are rarely used suggesting a change from Law to Grace) with each one suggesting some type of imprecation or condemnation.
While digging with a long-handled shovel doing word studies, my mind went to the well-known and often used word “repent.” To suggest that it simply means to turn 180 degrees is to limit its scope and to weaken its intended meaning and application. To suggest that it indicates a turning from sin and toward the Savior is true, but incomplete.
To “repent” (Hebrew = nāḥam) essentially indicates a change of mind – a different way of thinking. It coincides with the New Testament concept which brings salvation and growth in Christ. Reasonably speaking, repentance begins with a renewed mind which produces renewed actions. Sometimes, it seems, we get those two things backwards expecting changed actions to produce changed thinking.
Paul reminds us: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12.1, 2)
Transformation of one’s mind requires new input and new application – this is one reason Bible study and communion in prayer are essential. Transformation is necessary if the changed mind is to prove (“testify by experiential living”) the will of God in the believer’s life – this is why our walk should exhibit our talk.
We must understand that none of this is possible apart from the resurrection of a dead Soul through the work of God’s Spirit. “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins.” (Ephesians 2.1)
A bit of an obscure meaning to the Hebrew word which translates “repent,” is “to comfort.” When the Prodigal “came to himself” (had a change of thinking) and returned to his waiting father, he realized a sweet and unexpected welcome back into the family – he was comforted.
It’s hardly ever easy to repent; however, the resultant acceptance into the blessed fellowship with our Father is a most comfortable and comforting experience. Copyright © 2025 Dr. John H. Hill, All rights reserved.
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