What an old-fashioned word, so religious, so pious, so self-depreciating.  Does this word have meaning in our current society?   John the Baptist came with a message of repentance to make way for the Messiah.  ” ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’…Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River…. Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” (Matt. 3: 2,6,8).

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.  See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done.  At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.” (2 Cor. 7: 10-11).

“Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.  Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.  And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.  Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” (2 Tim. 2: 22-26).

New believers come to faith through repentance, it is no wonder why this word has no use in our pagan society, trapped by the enemy and held captive for his evil intents.

However, the church is also called to repentance.  “This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: ‘In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.’ ” (Isa. 30:15).  All through Revelation 2 and 3, the Lord Yeshua Messiah calls His Church to repent.

“See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks.  If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven?” ( Heb. 12: 25).

“My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin.  But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.  He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2: 1-2). Repentance is a marvelous thing and cause for rejoicing in Heaven. (Luke 15:7).