3 Forms of Repentance

I have been thinking of the concept of repentance lately. Did you know that there are three different words in the New Testament Greek that are translated as “repentance?”

The first word (metamelomai) speaks to a change of mind regarding sin. It can even mean that you feel a certain remorse about sin, but it does not mean that you have experienced true Godly repentance. In fact this is the same word that was used to describe Judas’ emotion towards his betrayal of Christ (Matt 27:3). You can dislike your sin, but not be willing to turn from it.

There is another word for repentance (metanoeo). It means that you change your mind about sin as a result of the consequences of the sin. In other words this is the kind of repentance that says, “I wish that I would not have done this or that because it sure did cost me a lot!” This type of repentance is also not true God honoring repentance because it focuses more on the consequence of sin than our passion for our relationship with the Lord. It is the child who hates getting the spanking for stealing the lollipop but refuses to acknowledge that the stealing revealed something of his character.

Finally we have the word for repentance that means that there has been a change of heart, mind and action (metanoia). In this instance we do not just dislike the sin, or the consequence of sin, we are willing to turn from our sin and never return. Then as we acknowledge our own guilt we are apprehended (I love this word when it is used in the context of God’s taking hold of us – let it soak over you for a moment) by the divine mercy of our God!

So here is the question, how are you dealing with your sin today? Do you just hate your sin, but keep right on doing it? Do you hate the consequence of your sin, but repentance is entirely selfish? Or, do you turn from your sin and never return because you have learned that a right relationship with God is to be desired above all other things? If we will turn from our sin we are always APPREHENDED by His love!

I think that too often we settle for one of the first two forms of repentance without going all the way to the third form. We must understand that the first two do not open us to the mercy of God. So what are the steps to repentance? Here is a quick guide: 1) Acknowledge guilt; 2) Begin to hate your sin; 3) Turn from your sin; 4) Condition yourself to never return to your sin; 5) Experience grace!!!

My prayer is that you would experience grace this week as you turn from anything that might hinder your walk with the Lord and enjoy the depth of His grace!

Lord, please help me to notice the sin that hinders my relationship with you; give me the strength to turn from that sin; and help me to enjoy the depth of your grace! You are my treasure my Lord and my God!