Sam's Biblical Insight, Exploring the Word, Faith, Theology, Doctrine, and Christian Life in the Spirit

The True Essence of μετάνοια: From Remorse to Transformation and Redirect

μετανοέω/μετάνοια is a major theme and commandment of the Gospel call, ubiquitous in the Synoptic gospels and Acts. In most English versions, it’s translated as “repent/repentance,” essentially implying a sense of remorse. However, the primary lexical concept of these words is to transform and redirect one’s entire life, paralleling the Hebrew equivalent in the LXX, shuv – to return.

“Repentance” isn’t synonymous with “confession.” The evangelistic phrase “Repent of your sin” isn’t a Biblical term, but “Repent for the forgiveness of sin, and salvation” is solidly Biblical (Mk 1:4; Lk 3:3; 24:47; Ac 2:38).

Throughout this post, we will explore the true essence of μετανοέω/μετάνοια and its transformative power as portrayed in the Synoptic Gospels and Acts.

Redirecting Life: The Radical Nature of μετανοέω

In Scripture, μετανοέω never means merely feeling remorse or regret and doing penance for wrongdoings. Instead, it’s about turning our life toward God, resulting from a change of mind/heart; from the old self-centered life to the God-centered new life in Christ. This transformation extends beyond the Jewish audience, encompassing both Jews transitioning from mechanical and rigid adherence to the Law to faith in Jesus and the Gospel, and Gentiles who hold ‘merit based’ teachings, are also invited to embrace this profound shift towards God and belief in the gospel.

Jesus in Mark 1:15 (and John the Baptist, Mt 3:2) speaks to Jews to “turn ye,” not “repent ye” (be sorry ye). In His message, Jesus declares the new Messianic era has come, and now Jews must turn (μετανοέω) to believe in the Gospel, from belief in the works of the Laws. Therefore, the proper translation of μετανοεῖτε is “Turn ye,” not “Repent ye” (= Be sorry ye).”

[A note: Interestingly, CEV, GNT, and God’s Word Translation have rendered μετανοέω as – Turn back to God; Turn away from your sin, and Change the way you think and act; LSV-convert and believe; Amplified -repent [change your inner self-your old way of thinking, etc.]

The Bible emphasizes that without a genuine turning of our hearts and minds towards God, neither sacrificial offerings nor mere feelings of remorse for wrongdoings will secure forgiveness of sins. This truth is vividly illustrated in the parable of the Prodigal Son, where Jesus teaches the importance of heartfelt repentance and returning to the Father. The son’s honest confession, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son (Luke 15:11-32), underscores the sincerity and humility required for true repentance. True repentance, as depicted in the complete picture of the Prodigal Son’s story, results in full reconciliation and restoration of the lost son to the Father.

The Urgency of Responding: Heed the Call

Furthermore, turning to Jesus and embracing the Gospel isn’t merely a preferable option, but rather the sole path to attaining eternal life in the kingdom of heaven. This truth is vividly exemplified in the stories of the thief saved on the cross and the prodigal son (Luke 23:43; 15:11-32). As the evangelical adage goes, ‘Turn or burn,’ underscoring the imperative nature of our response, we must turn to God through faith in Jesus to receive forgiveness of sin, salvation, and restoration of the severed relationship with God.

The universality of the Gospel Call: Beyond Borders

The Gospel call to turn (μετανοέω) and believe in the Gospel is for all living souls whose hearts/minds are far from YHWH (Isaiah 29:13; Matt 15:8) – Jews, gentiles, unbelieving believers, backsliders, even apostates (Jer 3:22). It’s always a good time for μετανοέω/μετάνοια (to turn/turning). It’s never too late, as in the case of the thief on the cross and the prodigal son. The loving Father calls all to μετανοέω/μετάνοια, as the old hymn goes: Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling, stanzas 1 & 4 (W.L. Thompson, 1800):

“Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling;
Calling for you and me.
See on the portal, He’s watching and waiting;
Waitin’ for you and me.

O for the wonderful love He has promised,
promised for you and me!
Though we have sinned, He has mercy and pardon,
pardon for you and me.

Ref: Come home, come home; you who are weary,
come home; Earnestly, tenderly,
Jesus is calling, calling, O sinner,
come home.

Conclusion: Urgency of emmbracing the Prodigal Call

Through our exploration of “μετανοέω/μετάνοια” in the Synoptic Gospels, we have uncovered its profound significance as a call to turn or return towards God and embrace the transformative power of the gospel. As Jesus and John the Baptist declared, “Turn ye,” they issued not a mere suggestion for a liturgical penitentiary but a radical invitation to redirect our entire lives towards the kingdom of God, akin to the prodigal son’s return to his father.

Jesus is warning that just as the Galileans and 18 people of Siloam faced tragic fates, all Jews will meet similar consequences if they do not μετανοέω – turn or return to God. The fall of the nation of Israel to Rome in AD 70 serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of heeding this call. The Gospel call extends to all humanity:

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; Μετανοεῖτε -turn/return – and believe in the gospel!” (Mark 1:15).

In our exploration of the true essence of μετανοέω/μετάνοια, we have uncovered its profound significance as a call to turn or return to God and embrace the transformative power of the gospel. May our journey through the concept of μετανοέω/μετάνοια inspire profound personal reflection and a steadfast commitment to turning towards God in every facet of our lives.

Sola Scriptura!   Solar Fide!   Sola Gratica!   Solaus Christus!   Soli Deo Gloria!