How does Psalm 80:18 relate to repentance in the New Testament?

Psalm 80:18 — The Cry for Revival

“Then we will not turn away from You; revive us, and we will call on Your name.” (Psalm 80:18)

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Core Ideas in the Verse

- Turning back: a literal pledge of renewed allegiance—“we will not turn away.”

- Revival: asking God to infuse new life where spiritual death has set in.

- Calling on His name: an open confession of dependence that expects divine rescue.

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Repentance in the New Testament

- Repentance = a Spirit-enabled turning from sin to God (Acts 3:19; 2 Timothy 2:25).

- It is inseparable from new life in Christ: “made us alive with Christ” (Ephesians 2:5).

- It culminates in calling on the Lord for salvation (Romans 10:13).

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Three Direct Connections

1. A Change of Direction

• Psalm 80:18: “we will not turn away.”

• Acts 3:19: “Repent, then, and turn back.”

The psalm’s promise finds its New Testament fulfillment in the command to reverse course and embrace Christ.

2. Divine Reviving Power

• Psalm 80:18 pleads, “revive us.”

• Titus 3:5 describes “the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”

What Israel longed for, God supplies fully through regeneration in Christ.

3. Calling on the Name

• Psalm 80:18 vows, “we will call on Your name.”

• Romans 10:13 declares, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

The identical action—calling—bridges the old covenant cry to the new covenant promise.

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New Testament Echoes

- Acts 2:38 — Repentance linked to forgiveness and the gift of the Spirit.

- 2 Corinthians 7:10 — Godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation.

- Luke 15:20 — The prodigal “got up and went to his father,” picturing turning and revival in personal form.

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Living the Connection Today

- Embrace Scripture’s literal call: turn from every known sin.

- Depend on the same reviving power that raised Christ; self-reform is never enough.

- Verbally call on Jesus’ name, trusting the sure promise of Romans 10:13.

- Continue in that posture—repentance is the believer’s ongoing lifestyle, not a one-time event.