I'm not wondering why you are dodging answering my question.
It's a simple question that deserves a simple answer.
Any honest person would have no objection to answering it.
I let Jesus define repentance in Matthew 21:28-32
Proving I'm right by dodging questions to your interpretation of repentance by not answering Scriptural accounts.
The question is open to anyone who has the belief that repentance of sins is not essential for salvation.
I'll give it a try
@Titus in a spirit of goodwill, not being facetious.
The distinction between "repentance toward salvation" and "repentance of sin" is a nuanced one, but it centers around the purpose, direction, and outcome of the repentance. Both concepts involve a change of mind, but they are applied differently in the context of Christian theology and soteriology (the study of salvation). Here’s how we can differentiate the two:
1. Repentance Toward Salvation
Definition: Repentance toward salvation refers to a change of mind that is focused on turning toward God and accepting the salvation offered through Jesus Christ. It is the initial act of turning away from a life of sin, self, and idolatry to embrace God and His redemptive work in Christ.
Focus: The emphasis is on turning to God for salvation. This is not merely about sorrow for sin but is primarily about recognizing and accepting Christ as the Savior, and the necessity of His death and resurrection for forgiveness and eternal life.
Biblical Examples:
Acts 20:21:
"Testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ."
Romans 10:9: Repentance involves confessing Jesus as Lord, which is part of the process of salvation.
Theological Significance: This form of repentance is viewed as a change of mind and heart toward God that leads to salvation. It is often seen as an initial, essential step in the conversion experience-turning away from sin and toward the saving grace of God.
2. Repentance of Sin
Definition: Repentance of sin refers to the ongoing process of acknowledging and turning away from specific sins or sinful behaviors. It is a post-conversion aspect of the Christian life, where believers continue to reflect on their lives, confess their sins, and seek God’s forgiveness and restoration.
Focus: The emphasis is on specific acts of sin that need to be repented of as part of the believer's growth in holiness. This is often linked to the ongoing sanctification process, where the believer continually seeks to align their life with God’s will.
Biblical Examples:
1 John 1:9:
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Luke 15:7:
"There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance."
Theological Significance: Repentance of sin is an ongoing act in the life of a believer, where sin is identified, confessed, and forsaken to grow more in Christlikeness.
3. Theological Understanding of Metanoia
Metanoia (the Greek word commonly translated as "repentance") carries the idea of a change of mind or a turning around. The primary shift in metanoia involves a person’s attitude toward sin and God, which involves both a turning away from sin (repentance of sin) and a turning toward God (repentance toward salvation).
In Relation to Salvation: In the New Testament, metanoia often refers to an initial repentance toward salvation, where a sinner turns from self-reliance and sin to trust in Christ for forgiveness and eternal life.
Matthew 3:2:
"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" Here, metanoia is used in the context of repentance as part of the gospel message.
In Relation to Sanctification: As believers grow in their faith, metanoia continues to be relevant as they experience ongoing repentance of sin, leading to sanctification and greater conformity to God’s will.
2 Corinthians 7:10:
"For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death." This verse highlights both the initial turning toward God and the ongoing repentance for sin.
Summary of Differences:
Repentance Toward Salvation:
Focuses on turning to God and faith in Christ for salvation.
Is initial and involves a change of mind regarding one’s relationship with God.
Is part of the process of conversion and justification.
Repentance of Sin:
Focuses on turning away from specific sins and sinful behaviors.
Is ongoing and involves the believer’s sanctification.
Is part of the believer’s growth in holiness and living in alignment with God’s will.
Conclusion--
Both types of repentance involve metanoia, but they differ in their focus and role in the believer’s life. "Repentance toward salvation" is a foundational step in the conversion experience, turning a person from sin to God, while "repentance of sin" is an ongoing process that continues throughout the Christian life, leading to sanctification. Both are essential, but the former is about initial salvation and the latter about continued growth and obedience.
Metanoia (The Greek Term for Repentance)
The Greek word metanoia (μετάνοια) means "a change of mind" or "a turning around," and it applies in both the initial repentance for salvation and the ongoing repentance from sin. This understanding is consistent in scholarly interpretations, including works by A.T. Robertson, Daniel B. Wallace, and F.F. Bruce.
Metanoia involves not just intellectual acknowledgment but also a moral and spiritual transformation. Scholars agree that metanoia can refer to both salvific repentance (for salvation) and sanctifying repentance (for continued growth in holiness).
J.
