The command “Repent!” often jars with modern sensibilities, much like the screeching sound of nails on a chalkboard. Repentance is frequently dismissed as the self – loathing chant of those with a twisted mindset, or even worse, feared as a weapon used from the pulpit to coerce sinners into submission. However, repentance, which means turning away from sin and towards God, is like a life – saving buoy in the biblical narrative for God’s people, not a cruel means of punishment. Notably, the core message of Jesus, as summarized in the Gospels, is “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt. 4:17; Mark 1:15; Luke 5:32). Given its centrality in Jesus’ teachings, it’s puzzling why repentance is so marginalized or even absent in our own understanding and practice.
Repentance: A Divisive Concept Among Different Belief Camps
People from different theological perspectives respond to repentance in various ways. Progressive Christians often reject repentance entirely, considering it as the dogma of fundamentalists. I once had a conversation with a local progressive church leader who held this view. During our amicable yet lively discussion, she said, “I never talk about sin from the pulpit. I don’t think it’s beneficial to constantly remind people of their flaws.”
On the other hand, while some conservative Christians acknowledge the concept of repentance in theory, they downplay its significance in practice. I’ve listened to sermons that correctly identify sin as the problem and God’s forgiveness as the solution, but repentance is scarcely mentioned. These sermons affirm the doctrine but fail to give it due importance in real – life application.
Equally concerning are those conservative Christians who overemphasize repentance in a way that portrays God as an angry and heartless figure, like a wrathful Thor. In their eagerness to uphold God’s holiness, their words lack the kindness and gentleness that should characterize a believer’s speech (Col. 4:6; 2 Tim. 4:2).
Why Repentance Is Actually Good News
It’s not an easy task to label something “good news” when the world generally views it as “bad news.” However, Christians must have the courage to assert that what God considers good is truly so. So, in what ways is repentance a positive thing?
- Repentance Aligns Us with Reality
David Wells defines worldliness as the state where “sin appears normal and righteousness seems strange.” Our natural perception is clouded, which is why the Scripture tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge (Prov. 1:7). Until we recognize God’s authority—that He is God and we are not—our understanding remains distorted. Repentance shows us our most fundamental issue (sin), the appropriate response (humility), and the only One who can solve it (God). Without repentance, we tend to underestimate the gravity of our sin and the holiness of God. - Repentance Leads to True Acceptance
Many people are haunted by the fear that if God or others truly knew them, they would be rejected. We worry that our true selves are unlovable. Repentance strips us bare before God, exposing all our flaws. Yet, it also floods our lives with a sense of relief because the same God who sees every imperfection stays with us. It dispels the paralyzing fear of being “found out.” As Tim Keller puts it: “To be loved but not known is comforting but shallow. To be known and not loved is our greatest fear. But to be fully known and truly loved is, well, a lot like being loved by God.” - Repentance Liberates Us from Guilt
At first glance, the progressive “you’re just fine as you are” theology might seem more appealing than sermons about sin. After all, people should leave church feeling uplifted, not chastised, right? But in reality, this theology places a heavier burden on individuals. In a “you’re all good” worldview, there’s no outlet for guilt. Telling people they are “sinless” leaves them helpless, and when their character flaws surface, their faith crumbles. Don Carson sums up the danger well: “A little gospel is a dangerous thing. It makes people feel good about themselves, relieved that the worst evils have been dispelled, and gives them a sense of belonging. But if a person is not truly justified… a small dose of religion may be no more than an ineffective substitute for the real thing.”
When we sincerely repent, guilt is overcome. God isn’t interested in shaming us for our failures; instead, He casts our sins as far as the east is from the west (Ps. 103:12), so they no longer torment us. It’s tempting to create a false image of Jesus who offers help but never points out our wrongdoings, but this version of Jesus is powerless to relieve our guilt. Christ isn’t interested in merely covering up our outward appearance (Matt. 23:27); He desires to purify our inner selves (Isa. 1:18). - Repentance Generates Joy
If the only image we have of repentance is that of gloomy and grumpy people, it’s truly a tragedy! Repentance isn’t a harsh ultimatum forcing us to “shape up or ship out”; it’s an invitation to God’s mercy. When sinners repent, there is celebration in heaven (Luke 15:7, 10). As Bryan Chapell points out, the main outcome of repentance, both in heaven and on earth, is joy.
We often associate repentance with groaning, humiliation, and a sense of weariness. But what does repentance really sound like? When it has done its work, it sounds like joy. Repentance may make us cry, bring us to our knees, and reveal our failures, which can be uncomfortable. However, the joy of the warm welcome we receive in heaven far outweighs any temporary discomfort. - Repentance Mends Relationships
Just as repentance reconciles us with God, it also restores our relationships with others. The sign of a failing relationship is when one or both parties refuse to say, “I’m sorry. I will change my behavior.” I recently heard about a woman whose husband cheated on her. When the truth came out, instead of apologizing, he continued to be unfaithful. Years later, they still live together, but their relationship is marred by passive – aggressive communication and a lack of intimacy. By not repenting, the husband deprived his wife of dignity and the chance to heal. Repentance offers a better path. Those who are humble enough to embrace it will experience its positive effects.
A Call to Repentance
For those who are tired of the burdensome demands of moralism, thinking they must be perfect, repent! Christ’s righteousness will be credited to you. For those burdened by guilt and too afraid to face the light, repent! Be freed and rediscover the cleansing power of Christ’s blood. For those who have used repentance as a harsh weapon, repent! Ask God to teach you the joy of salvation.
For all Christians around the world, repent! In the end, repentance isn’t about struggling, hiding, earning, or worrying. It’s about finding rest.