Are You Able To Recognize But Not Willing To Repent?
Spiritual Questions with Scriptural Answers.
One of the most straightforward and simple commands in the New Testament is to repent of sins.
It is directly stated and implied throughout the New Testament (Matt. 3:8; 9:13; Luke 13:3, 5; 15:17–21; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 2 Pet. 3:9; Rev. 2:5, 16, 21; 3:3, 19).
The word “repent” is found close to 70x throughout the Bible (10x in the Old Testament; 58x in the New Testament…NKJV).
What Does “Repent” Mean?
According to Bible Sense Lexicon, the word “repent” as used throughout the Bible means, “to have a change of self (heart and mind) that abandons former dispositions and results in a new self, new behavior, and regret over former behavior and dispositions” (Logos Bible Software; Bible word study, “repent”).
Old Testament Words for “Repent.”
In the Old Testament, we read of two Hebrew words translated as “repent.”
First, there is the word “swb” which carries the idea of “reconsidering and redirecting one’s focus” (1 Kin. 8:47; 2 Chr. 6:37; Jer. 25:5; Eze. 14:6; 18:30; Hos. 11:5).
Second, there is the word “nhm” which carries the idea of being “sorry and regretful” (Num. 23:19; Job 42:6; Jer. 8:6; 31:19).
New Testament Words for “Repent.”
In the New Testament, we read of two Greek words translated as “repent.”
They are “metanoeo” (34x) and “metanoia” (24x). These words both carry the idea of a “change of mind that leads to a change of life.”
The theme of repentance permeates throughout the New Testament as John the Baptist, Jesus, and the apostles preached a message of repentance (Matt. 3:8, 11; Mark 2:17; Acts 2:38).
The Challenge to Repent.
While it is evident and important to “repent” and while it is easy to see and even understand the concept, I believe it is the most difficult command to obey in all of Scripture!
Wanting to stop doing what is wrong and start doing what is right is easier said than done. We struggle in the flesh and we are tempted with so many different things on a daily basis that we fall short and give in to temptation.
It is one thing to recognize when you fall short and another thing entirely to repent and make changes.
In my study, I have found eight individuals from the Scriptures who admitted and said the words, “I have sinned.” All of these recognized their failure, but not all of them repented.
First, we will consider those who recognized but did not repent and then conclude by examining those who recognized their sin and did repent. I hope this can be a source of encouragement for all of us.
Those Who Recognized Their Sin But Did Not Repent.
- Pharaoh admitted that he was wrong and that he had sinned against God but did not repent (Exo. 9:27; 10:16).
- Balaam, while he started off on the right foot, ultimately gave in to greed and admitted that he had sinned against the Lord (Num. 22:34).
- Achan was guilty of stealing and when pressed by Joshua admitted that he had sinned and was put to death for his actions (Josh. 7:20–25).
- Saul, the King of Israel, admitted his sin against God because he “feared the people and obeyed their voice” (1 Sam. 15:24).
- Finally, we think about Judas who betrayed Jesus and ultimately took his own life (Matt. 27:3–5; Acts 1:17).
These individuals “recognized” but did not repent.
Those Who Recognized Their Sin and Did Repent.
Now we consider those who both recognized and repented.
Nehemiah prayed to God on behalf of Israel, in which he included himself and made it his mission to lead God’s people in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem (Neh. 1:5–11).
David, a man after God’s own heart, was guilty of adultery, conspiracy to murder, giving his neighbor drink, lying, etc., but was willing to recognize his sin, repent, and pray to God for mercy and forgiveness (2 Sam. 12:23; Psa. 51).
The Lost Son (Luke 15:18, 21) said, “I have sinned” to his father who represents God the Father in the parable. He knew he was wrong and did something about it!
Finally, while he did not say the words “I have sinned,” we have the example of Peter. Peter, like Judas, denied the Lord Jesus three times (Luke 22:34, 61). The difference between Peter and Judas is “worldly sorrow” versus “godly sorrow.”
“Worldly sorrow” is being sorry that you got caught, and you feel remorse but do not change to make things right. “Godly sorrow” is truly repenting and meeting the conditions God has revealed in His word to make things right (2 Cor. 7:10).
The bitter tears of Peter lead to his triumphant restoration and transformation!
Dear reader, do you recognize your shortcomings and failures?
Have you been forgiven of your sins by contacting the blood of Jesus in the waters of baptism? (John 19:34; Acts 22:16; Rom. 6:3–6).
To be forgiven, you must be willing to both recognize and repent to truly obey (Acts 2:38). It is eternally important that we do both!
Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.
Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life.
