Repentance

Repentance is a relational “return to God”, that in essence involves a continuity of heart transformation, and obedience the being fruit of that transformed heart, rather than a substitute for heart renewal

The New Testament doesn’t replace the Old Testament understanding of repentance but fulfils the promise, that by faith we are sealed with by God's Spirit bringing the new covenant idea of regeneration

Repentance tells the story of a believer following Christ in obedience indicating being:

sealed by God's Spirit
filled by God's Spirit
bearers of the fruit of God's Spirit

Repentance is not possible without a transformational work of God on the heart through faith, even though outward compliance can exist temporarily or superficially

Old Testament

Deuteronomy 4:29–31

"But from there, when you seek the LORD your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul, you will find Him. When you are in distress because of the consequences of your unfaithfulness, and you turn back to the LORD and heed His voice, He will receive you. For the LORD your God is merciful; He will not abandon you nor forget the covenant He made with your fathers."

Deuteronomy 10:12–16

"And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you except that you fear Him, walk in His ways, love Him, serve Him with all your heart and soul, and keep His commandments for your good? Therefore remove the hardness and stubbornness of your heart, and no longer resist Him."

Deuteronomy 30:1–10

"When these blessings and curses have come upon you, and you recognise among the nations where the LORD has scattered you what has happened because of your disobedience, and you return to the LORD your God and obey His voice with all your heart and soul, then the LORD will restore you and gather you again. He will bring you back, prosper you, and do good to you. Moreover, the LORD your God will transform your heart and the hearts of your descendants so that you may love Him with all your heart and soul and truly live before Him."

New Testament

Luke 15:11-32

Jesus told this story:

“A man had two sons.

The younger one came to his father and said, ‘I want my share of the inheritance now.’

So the father divided his estate between them.

Not long afterwards, the younger son took what he'd been given, left home, and went far away. There he wasted everything on reckless living. When the money ran out, a severe famine hit the region, and suddenly he had nothing.

Desperate, he hired himself out to a local farmer and ended up feeding pigs. He was so hungry that even the pigs' food started looking appealing, but nobody offered him anything.

Eventually he came to his senses.

He said to himself, ‘Even my father's hired workers have more than enough to eat, and here I am starving to death. I'll go home and say, "Father, I've sinned against Heaven and against you. I'm no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me like one of your hired servants."’

So he got up and headed home.

But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him. The father was moved with compassion, ran to him, threw his arms around him, and kissed him.

The son began his prepared speech: ‘Father, I've sinned against Heaven and against you. I'm no longer worthy to be called your son—’

But the father interrupted him.

‘Quickly! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. Prepare a feast. We're celebrating.

My son was as good as dead to me, and now he's alive again. He was lost, and now he's been found.’

And the celebration began.

Repentance