Repentance in the Bible is a simple change of
mind. The object of repenting is believing, which tells us what we need
to change our mind about to be saved. Repentance is thinking differently about
whatever has been hindering you from coming to Christ to be saved. John
3:20, “For
every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light,
lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the
light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” Carefully
notice that the Bible doesn't say: “he
that turns from his sins” comes to the light; but rather, it says: “HE
THAT DOETH TRUTH” cometh to the light!
And again we read in 2nd Timothy 2:25, “In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;” Please notice again that repentance is NOT FROM SINS, but it is “TO THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE TRUTH.” Boy I love that!!! The man who repents toward God (Acts 20:21) has changed his mind, acknowledging THE TRUTH that he is a needy sinner, and is then saved by believing THE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL!!! It is that simple dear friend.
The following Bible commentary on Luke 13:5 is by Pastor Curtis Hutson (1934-1995):
In Luke 13:5 Jesus said, “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” The context of this verse shows that they needed to repent or change their mind regarding punishment and sin. In this passage, Christ was talking to good people who believed that people suffered only because of their sins, and they concluded that those in Galilee whose blood Pilate mingled with sacrifices and those on whom the tower of Siloam fell were greater sinners because they died such horrible deaths. Jesus contradicts the thinking of these self-righteous people and tells them that they need to repent or change their mind and see themselves as sinners, too, or they will perish in their own self-righteousness. —Pastor Curtis Hutson, “Repentance: What Does The Bible Teach?”
Amen, Dr. Hutson is exactly right! The Lord wasn't telling them to repent of their sins (i.e., turn from their sins) to be saved; but rather, he was simply telling them that they are all needy sinners too, just like the people who were killed in tragic events. Repentance is acknowledging THE TRUTH that you are a needy sinner in God's sight; and whosoever will put their faith in THE TRUTH (Gospel) that Jesus died on the cross for their sins, was buried, and three days later physically resurrected from the dead, is instantly and forever saved (1st Corinthians 15:1-4). It is that simple dear friend.
The Gift Of Eternal Life Is Wrapped In The Wonderful Package Of Jesus
