Repentance, along with faith, is required for the new birth. This is the message John the Baptist preached (Mark 1:4). This is the message Jesus preached (Mark 1:15). This is the message Peter preached at Pentecost (Acts 2:38). Surprisingly, there are some evangelicals who deny this even in the light of such texts as sighted above! It is nevertheless true though, when one comes to faith in Christ, he also necessarily repents.
Repentance means simply “to change the mind” and broadly “to change direction.” Repentance is a turning of one’s life from self and sin and false faith to total trust, reliance, and submission to Christ! Repentance is to let go of this world and cling to the Savior! This is exactly the kind of conversions that we witness in the book of Acts. 9:35 – “And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.” 11:21 – “And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.” Conversion involves belief in the Lord and a turning to the Lord!
How does this happen? How does one repent or turn from self to the Lord? The Bible teaches that repentance does not come from within ourselves based on our own decision or will, but rather repentance comes to us as a gift from God, as does our faith (Eph 2:8). 5:31 – “God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.” 11:18 – “And they glorified God saying, ‘Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.” God gives and grants repentance! Now this is surely a blessed truth worthy of great praise to the Lord: the two things God requires for the new birth, he also gives to us! Bless his holy name!
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