Dave Chanski

This is Part 6 of a series of articles by Pastor Dave Chanski entitled, “Are You a Christian?” The series features a dialogue between two characters, Bill and Greg. This is the fourth part of that dialogue. It deals with two crucial questions regarding the doctrine of repentance: “What is repentance? How do I know if I have repented?”

Bill: So, you’ve convinced me that a sinner needs to repent to be saved. But exactly what is repentance? How do I know if I have repented?

Greg: Well, the basic meaning of repent is to turn. When a sinner is saved, he turns from sin and to God. That means, first of all, that he changes his mind about sin and about God. An unbeliever is not upset about sin. He doesn’t think it’s that big a deal. He thinks it’s OK; he really prefers sin to righteousness; he loves sin. When God saves a sinner, the sinner changes his mind radically concerning sin. Now he hates sin; he grieves over his sin; and he sees sin as a very dangerous thing (Romans 6:23). If you see someone who says he is a Christian but who is not all that concerned about sin, your really ought to question whether he has repented.

Bill: OK. Say, are you talking about people who think the word “sin” is offensive, or who don’t like to sing hymns that talk about God saving “a wretch like me”?

Greg: You’re getting it, Bill. But the sinner also changes his mind about God. Repentance doesn’t just mean cleaning up your act and becoming a moral person. The Pharisees did that, but they hated Christ! Judas came to the point of hating his sin, but not of loving God and receiving His mercy. Repentance involves a change of mind and heart both toward sin and toward God.

Bill: All right. That makes sense. This isn’t such a hard doctrine to understand.

Greg: No, it isn’t. But there’s one more thing. Repentance also means a change of life or behavior. Some of the Greek words used for repentance refer to a change of mind, and some to a change of conduct. John wrote, “He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God” (3 John 11).

Bill: Ah, but Greg! You yourself have told me that all Christians still commit sin.

Greg: Ah, but Bill! I have also told you that true Christians really turn from sin and really obey God’s word. As Jesus said, “By their fruits you will know them” (Matthew 7:20). Furthermore, when a Christian sins, he is grieved, and he hates it–remember, he has a changed mind. Also, he confesses it and strives to put his sin to death and live a life pleasing to God. Does that describe you, Bill? If not, . . . repent!

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