Paul visited Athens, Greece on his second missionary journey and encountered a city wholly given to idolatry (17:16). He told them about the One True God (v. 22ff.), but he went a step further when he called upon them to change their ways. The principle New Testament word for change is “repent” (Acts 3:19; Luke 13:3, 5; Romans 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9). It means, “to change one’s mind or purpose.” In the New Testament, it always signifies a change for the better. It is exemplified in Matthew 21:28-29, Luke 16:17 and Acts 8:22. Notice five parts of repentance.
RECOGNITION—acknowledgement of sin (Psalm 32:5).
How did David respond to Nathan? He said, “I have sinned” (2 Samuel 12:13; cf. 2 Samuel 24:10; Proverbs 28:13; Psalm 51:1-4). David acknowledged the sin in his life, and God blessed him with forgiveness.
REMORSE—regret and grieving over sin (2 Corinthians 7:9-10).
Godly sorrow is a powerful, motivating element. A strong desire to please our earthly father should only be eclipsed by our desire to please our Heavenly Father. Our sin causes God to hurt, and that should make us grieve.
RESOLVE—a change of mind (Romans 12:2).
Repentance must be total and complete. It is a change of mind that leads to a change of heart, which leads to a change of soul, which leads to a change of desire, which leads to a change of life. If repentance is not total, it’s not true repentance.
REFORMATION—a change of lifestyle (Ezekiel 18:21-22, 27-28).
The prodigal son “came to himself” while in the far country. He was hungry, hurting and homesick. His father’s servants were in better shape than he was, so he decided to return home and change his ways. His welcome home was great and joyful (Luke 15:17-32).
RESTITUTION—make amends as far as possible.
Simon was told to change his ways because his heart was not right with God (Acts 8). John said, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Our kindness should be forgiving (Ephesians 4:32). The top priority of amendment must be our relationship with God (1 John 1:7). Sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:1-2), but Jesus has bridged the gap (Romans 3:24; 5:1ff.).
Conclusion
It is significant that one of the biblical names for Christ is “Wonderful Counselor” (Isaiah 9:6). He is the highest and ultimate One to whom we may turn for counsel, and His Word is the well from which we may draw divine wisdom. What could be more wonderful than that? In fact, one of the most glorious aspects of Christ’s perfect sufficiency is the wonderful counsel and great wisdom He supplies in our times of despair, confusion, fear, anxiety and sorrow. He tells us, “For except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3, 5). This passage illustrates the importance of repentance.
