The term "repenteth" is an archaic form of the word "repents," which is used in various translations of the Bible to describe the act of feeling remorse or contrition for one's sins and turning away from them. In the context of the Bible, repentance is a fundamental concept that signifies a change of mind and heart, leading to a transformation in behavior and a renewed relationship with God.

Biblical Usage and Meaning

Repentance is a central theme throughout both the Old and New Testaments. It involves a sincere turning away from sin and a turning towards God. The Hebrew word often translated as "repent" is "nacham," which can mean to be sorry, to console oneself, or to change one's mind. In the New Testament, the Greek word "metanoia" is used, which literally means a change of mind or purpose.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, repentance is frequently associated with the nation of Israel turning back to God after periods of disobedience. For example, in 2 Chronicles 7:14 , God promises, "and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land." This verse highlights the conditional nature of God's forgiveness, contingent upon genuine repentance.

New Testament References

The New Testament places a strong emphasis on individual repentance as a prerequisite for salvation. John the Baptist's ministry was marked by a call to repentance, as seen in Matthew 3:2 : "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." Jesus Himself began His public ministry with a similar message, as recorded in Matthew 4:17 : "From that time on Jesus began to preach, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.'"

The Apostle Peter, in his sermon on the day of Pentecost, urged the people to repent as a response to the Gospel message. Acts 2:38 states, "Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'"

Theological Significance

Repentance is not merely an emotional response but involves a decisive change in direction. It is an acknowledgment of one's sinfulness and a turning away from sin towards God. This change is often accompanied by confession and a commitment to live according to God's will. Repentance is seen as a gift from God, enabled by His grace and the work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's heart.

Repentance and Salvation

In the Christian doctrine of salvation, repentance is closely linked with faith. It is considered an essential step in the process of conversion, where an individual turns from sin and places their trust in Jesus Christ for salvation. The Apostle Paul, in Acts 20:21 , summarizes his message as "testifying to Jews and Greeks alike about repentance to God and faith in our Lord Jesus."

God's Repentance

The Bible also uses the term "repent" in reference to God, though this is understood differently. In passages like Genesis 6:6 , "The LORD regretted that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart," the term is used anthropomorphically to express God's sorrow over human sin and His subsequent actions. This does not imply a change in God's nature or character but rather His consistent response to human actions within the framework of His eternal plan.

Conclusion

Repentance is a vital aspect of the Christian faith, emphasizing the need for a heartfelt turning away from sin and a turning towards God. It is both a command and a gift, integral to the believer's relationship with God and the process of sanctification.

"There is Joy in Heaven Over one Sinner that Repenteth. "
... 333. " "There is Joy in Heaven over one Sinner that Repenteth.". 333. PM Heber.
"There is Joy in Heaven over one Sinner that Repenteth.". ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/adams/hymns for christian devotion/333 there is joy.htm

The Lost Piece of Money.
... "I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth,
more than over ninety and nine just persons which need no repentance. ...
/.../anonymous/mother stories from the new testament/the lost piece of money.htm

And There came unto Him Publicans and Sinners to Hear his Word. .. ...
... [1816] I say unto you, Thus there shall be rejoicing in heaven over one sinner that
repenteth, more than over ninety-nine righteous persons that do not need ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section xxvi and there came.htm

The Three Parables of the Gospel: of the Recovery of the Lost - of ...
... as regards man's application of the Law - does not this Parable teach us that in
heaven there shall be joy over the sinner that repenteth' more than over the ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xvii the three parables.htm

The Sympathy of the Two Worlds
... REV. CH SPURGEON. at the Music Hall, Royal Surrey Gardens. "There is joy in the:
presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.""Luke15:10. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the sympathy of the two.htm

The Value of Life
... I say unto you, that even so there shall be joy in heaven over one sinner that
repenteth, more than over ninety and nine righteous persons, who need no ...
/.../rauschenbusch/the social principles of jesus/chapter i the value of.htm

The Locust-Swarms
... your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God, for he is gracious
and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xx the locust-swarms.htm

The Lost Sheep.
... I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth,
more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/xxii the lost sheep.htm

B. The Second Stages. Chs. 13:22 to 17:10
... Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost.7 I say unto you, that
even so there shall be joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/b the second stages chs.htm

Meditations against Despair, or Doubting of God's Mercy.
... enjoin thee, who art but sinful man, to forgive thy brother seven times in a day,
if he shall return seven times in a day, and say, it repenteth me (Luke 17:3 ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations against despair or doubting.htm

Repenteth (13 Occurrences)
...Repenteth (13 Occurrences). ... (KJV ASV WBS). Luke 15:10 Likewise, I say unto you, there
is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. ...
/r/repenteth.htm - 10k

Likewise (149 Occurrences)
... Luke 15:7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that
repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no ...
/l/likewise.htm - 35k

Repenting (6 Occurrences)

/r/repenting.htm - 8k

Repent (74 Occurrences)
... destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast,
and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I ...
/r/repent.htm - 29k

Repented (49 Occurrences)

/r/repented.htm - 22k

Oppressors (31 Occurrences)
... to them judges -- then was Jehovah with the judge, and saved them out of the hand
of their enemies all the days of the judge; for it repenteth Jehovah, because ...
/o/oppressors.htm - 15k

Grieveth (5 Occurrences)
... Grieveth (5 Occurrences). Genesis 6:6 and Jehovah repenteth that He hath made man
in the earth, and He grieveth Himself -- unto His heart. (YLT). ...
/g/grieveth.htm - 7k

Fowls (61 Occurrences)
... destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast,
and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I ...
/f/fowls.htm - 25k

Thrusting (5 Occurrences)
... to them judges -- then was Jehovah with the judge, and saved them out of the hand
of their enemies all the days of the judge; for it repenteth Jehovah, because ...
/t/thrusting.htm - 8k

Persons (156 Occurrences)
... Luke 15:7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that
repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no ...
/p/persons.htm - 38k

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