Repentance in the Holy Bible is not merely a passing feeling of regret, nor words spoken by the lips, but a radical transformation in the direction of a person’s life. It is turning away from the path of evil, abandoning the old way, and directing the heart, mind, and will entirely toward the Lord. Repentance is a passage from darkness to light, and from death to life.
In the Christian faith, repentance is not repetitive in its essence, but rather a decisive, once-for-all decision through which the inner direction of a person is completely changed. It is a transformation of the mind, the will, and behavior toward the Lord, a rejection of the dominion of sin, and a refusal to believe in evil as a way of life. Nevertheless, the human being remains vulnerable to weakness and falling, yet the Lord, in His grace, forgives faults that are committed without intention, planning, or deliberate rebellion.
The Holy Scriptures clearly teach that all people sin and that everyone is in need of the grace and salvation of our Lord Jesus Christ:
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of the Lord.”
(Romans 3:23)
However, faith in Christ does not accept those who turn evil into a principle or a lifestyle. Therefore, the Lord calls us to holiness—not as an optional matter, but as a divine calling:
“Be holy, because I am holy.”
(1 Peter 1:16)
A person cannot walk in two opposite directions at the same time. The heart has only one true direction. Whoever directs their life toward evil reaps destruction and death, but whoever directs their life toward righteousness and goodness receives salvation and life. As Scripture teaches:
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of the Lord is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
(Romans 6:23)
For this reason, we lift our faces toward Christ and repent of our former way, being born anew and becoming a new creation in Him:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. Old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
(2 Corinthians 5:17)
Our Lord Jesus Christ clearly warned of the danger of failing to repent, saying:
“Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”
(Luke 13:3)
In the book of Ezekiel, the Lord reveals His heart full of mercy toward humanity:
“As I live, says the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live.”
(Ezekiel 18:23)
“Repent and turn from all your transgressions… Why should you die?”
(Ezekiel 18:30–31)
Here we clearly see that the destruction of humanity is not the desire of the Lord, but the result of a human decision to reject repentance.
When a person truly repents, their works are transformed from dead works into living works, and their life bears witness to the sincerity of the change in heart, mind, and will. From within, they become united with Christ, abiding in Him, and reflecting His glory through their conduct:
“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image.”
(2 Corinthians 3:18)
One of the fruits of true repentance is peace of heart, stability of soul, and inner rest, as our Lord Jesus said:
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
(Matthew 11:28)
Therefore, the Lord requires that our repentance be fruitful, not merely words:
“Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance.”
(Matthew 3:8)
Beloved, repentance is not a theoretical concept, but a practical act and daily obedience to the will of the Lord and His commandments concerning holiness and righteousness. As a result of this repentance, we receive forgiveness and justification—not by our own merit, but by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ:
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with the Lord through Jesus Christ.”
(Romans 5:1)
Repentance is the first step on the path toward Christ, and it is the true measure by which a person examines themselves: Has the direction of the heart changed? Has sin become hateful and righteousness beloved? Has one begun to live for Christ?
“Repent and believe in the gospel.”
(Mark 1:15) Clarification
This article is derived from one of the sermons delivered by Rev. Burhan Lukas. The content has been presented in written form for teaching and edification purposes, while preserving the original spiritual message and intent of the sermon.
