Dict: easton - Repentance

easton:

Repentance @ There are three Greek words used in the New Testament to denote repentance.

(1.) The verb metamelomai is used of a change of mind, such as to produce regret or even remorse on account of sin, but not necessarily a change of heart. This word is used with reference to the repentance of Judas kjv@Matthew:27:3).

(2.) Metanoeo, meaning to change one's mind and purpose, as the result of after knowledge. This verb, with

(3) the cognate noun metanoia, is used of true repentance, a change of mind and purpose and life, to which remission of sin is promised. Evangelical repentance consists of

(1) a true sense of one's own guilt and sinfulness;

(2) an apprehension of God's mercy in Christ;

(3) an actual hatred of sin kjv@Psalms:119:128; kjv@Job:42:5-6; kjv@2Corinthians:7:10) and turning from it to God; and

(4) a persistent endeavour after a holy life in a walking with God in the way of his commandments. The true penitent is conscious of guilt kjv@Psalms:51:4 kjv@Psalms:51:9), of pollution (51:5-7, 10), and of helplessness (51:11; 109:21-22). Thus he apprehends himself to be just what God has always seen him to be and declares him to be. But repentance comprehends not only such a sense of sin, but also an apprehension of mercy, without which there can be no true repentance kjv@Psalms:51:1 kjv@Psalms:130:4).