METANOIA (Repent)

WRITTEN BY DREW MATZ

What is the Word?

Following Christ is a life marked by the idea of return. Over and over again in the Old Testament, God urges his people to forsake their sin and return to him. This forsaking of sin is what we know today as repentance; turning away from our vices and seeking God’s face. 

How does the Bible use this word?

Metanoia is very prominent in the New Testament. One concordance lists it being used up to 22 times.  Though we have generally translated the word as “repent” in English, there are some interesting characteristics when we dig a bit deeper. Metanoia is a compound word made up of the word meta (after) and noao (to think). Taken together, we can see the literal idea of an “afterthought.” Seeing as to how an afterthought is generally associated with the idea of regret, we can see the emotional undertones present when the word is used. For the Jews, this often was seen as working itself out in practical terms. To repent was to “reset” and do the opposite of what you have been doing; it is doing a complete 180 degree turn back to God. 

Where in the Bible?

Our salvation is predicated on our belief in the Gospel and our forsaking of sin. It is not surprising that we should see the word used in the context of our sanctification and our life in Christ. In fact, the first words of Jesus recorded in Mark’s Gospel is as follows:

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent (μετανοεῖτε) and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:14-15)

In this passage, Jesus’ message is urgent. The Kingdom of God that you have been waiting for is right here in front of you. Therefore, turn away from your sin. The word is in the imperative mood, which carries with it the force of a command. Jesus is not just suggesting we turn to him, he is commanding it. The turning from our sin is coupled with the additional command to believe the Gospel, which he has come into the world to save us from our sins and reset our relationship with God and one another. 

Relaying the Message

Our turning back to God is not something that happens only once in our lives. Rather, repentance is something we do at all times, consistently examining ourselves and turning back to God. This examination helps us to live with awareness of ourselves and of our own sins so that we can be of better service to God and our neighbor.