Reflections
Theo 104-B59
I. Introduction
The topics chosen for discussion in this paper are repentance and evangelism. I chose these topics because I find them to be personally essential as I grow in Christian faith. Repentance and evangelism are both fundamental parts of God’s requirements of man. These topics must be acknowledged and understood by Christians, in order to be carried out. First, an individual must make a decision to do so as it has importance to their relationship with God.
II. Part One
a. Theological Definition
Repentance
In the New Testament there is one main Greek word that is translated into the English "repentance": metanoeo, μετανοέω and from that word we also get "repentent" and "repentance." The word is derived from the basic roots meta to change place or condition, and noeo to exercise the mind, think, comprehend.
- Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary: New Testament (electronic Ed.).
The idea expressed in the word repentance is “to turn” or “to change one’s mind.” To change the attitude and tendency of one’s mind from that which is improper. Repent is a change of the intention from wanting to sin to not wanting to sin, that results in a change in action. It involves the decision to make a change of behavior and/or attitude about something. It is a conscious differentiation, recognition of boundaries between light and dark, good and evil, right and wrong. In the New Testament, repentance means to turn from sin with a heartfelt desire to change and not do it again. b. Biblical Foundation
“In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.” (Acts 17:30). Repentance has opened doors for the gospel and allowed God to fulfill promises such as that in 2nd Chronicles 7:14, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and forgive their sin and will heal
I. Introduction
The topics chosen for discussion in this paper are repentance and evangelism. I chose these topics because I find them to be personally essential as I grow in Christian faith. Repentance and evangelism are both fundamental parts of God’s requirements of man. These topics must be acknowledged and understood by Christians, in order to be carried out. First, an individual must make a decision to do so as it has importance to their relationship with God.
II. Part One
a. Theological Definition
Repentance
In the New Testament there is one main Greek word that is translated into the English "repentance": metanoeo, μετανοέω and from that word we also get "repentent" and "repentance." The word is derived from the basic roots meta to change place or condition, and noeo to exercise the mind, think, comprehend.
- Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary: New Testament (electronic Ed.).
The idea expressed in the word repentance is “to turn” or “to change one’s mind.” To change the attitude and tendency of one’s mind from that which is improper. Repent is a change of the intention from wanting to sin to not wanting to sin, that results in a change in action. It involves the decision to make a change of behavior and/or attitude about something. It is a conscious differentiation, recognition of boundaries between light and dark, good and evil, right and wrong. In the New Testament, repentance means to turn from sin with a heartfelt desire to change and not do it again. b. Biblical Foundation
“In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.” (Acts 17:30). Repentance has opened doors for the gospel and allowed God to fulfill promises such as that in 2nd Chronicles 7:14, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and forgive their sin and will heal