Hebrews 6:1-3 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit.
‘Of repentance’ Six first principles of Christianity: [1] Repentance – It is one of the main themes of the Bible, being found 110 times from Genesis 6:6 to Revelations 16:11. There are seven original words for “Repent”: (1) [Hebrew: nacham] to sigh, breathe strongly, to be sorry in the literal sense (Gen. 6:6; Ex. 13:17; 32:14; Jdg. 2:18; 1Sam. 15:35; 2Sam. 24:16; Job 42:6; Ps. 106:45; Jon. 3:10). (2) [Hebrew: shuwb] to turn back (1Kin. 8:47; Ezek. 14:6). (3) [Hebrew: nocham] regret (Hos. 13:14). (4) [Hebrew: nichuwm] compassion (Hos. 11:8). (5) [Greek: metanoeo] to change the mind for the better morally, not merely to forsake sin, but to change one’s attitude toward it and his love for it. Hence, it is demanded by God as a condition of forgiveness and grace (Luke 13:3, 5; 15:7; 24:47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30; Matt. 4:17). (6) [Greek: metamellomai] to regret; to have deep remorse at the consequence of sin rather than a deep regret at the cause of it. It is never used for genuine repentance to God (Matt. 27:3; 2Cor. 7:8). (7) [Greek: metanoia] is a real change of mind and attitude toward sin and its cause, not merely the consequences of it (Matt. 3:8, 11; 9:13; Luke 24:47).
The doctrine of repentance: Its nature: contrition, confession, faith, restitution (2Cor. 7:8-11). Its necessity (Luke 13:1-5). Its power (Rom. 10:9-10; Luke 18:14). How it is produced (4:12; John 16:8; Rom. 2:4; 2Cor. 10:8-11). Not expiatory or meritorious, but qualifies for pardon (1Jn. 1:9; Acts 2:38; 3:19; Rom. 10:9-10). Demanded of all people (Luke 13:1-5; 24:47; Acts 10:35; 17:30). By whom preached (Luke 24:48; Acts 1:8; Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-20). How preached (2:1-4; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-8; 5:31-32; 2Cor. 2:1-5; 4:1-18:20; Rom. 15:18-19, 15:29). Must not be delayed (4:7; 2Cor. 6:2; Eph. 5:14). How attested (Luke 3:8; Rom. 1:5; 10:16; Acts 5:32; 2Cor. 10:11).
To be continued…
Living the Word 