Andrew, one of the twelve apostles, often lives in the shadow of his more prominent brother, Peter. However, a closer look at Andrew’s life reveals a disciple of remarkable humility, faith, and dedication to bringing others to Christ. The name “Andrew” (Greek: Andreas) means “manly,” and while the Gospels do not record extensive details about him, the glimpses we have portray a man of quiet strength and unwavering devotion.
Andrew is mentioned by name 12 times in the New Testament, primarily in the Synoptic Gospels and the Gospel of John. He was a fisherman by trade, hailing from Bethsaida (John 1:44), and later resided in Capernaum (Mark 1:21, 29). His life provides a powerful example of faith, evangelism, and servant-heartedness.
Andrew’s First Encounter with Jesus
Andrew was originally a disciple of John the Baptist. In John 1:35-40, we find the first recorded instance of Andrew meeting Jesus. John the Baptist, upon seeing Jesus, declares, “Behold the Lamb of God!” (John 1:36). Andrew and another disciple, likely John the author of the Gospel, immediately follow Jesus and spend the day with Him.
This moment is significant, as Andrew becomes the first recorded disciple of Jesus. It reveals his spiritual sensitivity and eagerness to follow the truth. Andrew’s actions exemplify the principle in John 10:27: “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”
Andrew as an Evangelist
Upon meeting Jesus, Andrew’s first instinct is to share the news with his brother. In John 1:41-42, it says, “He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which is translated, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus.” This simple act of bringing Peter to Jesus had profound implications, as Peter would go on to become a central figure in the early church.
Andrew’s role here is emblematic of his character throughout Scripture: he brings others to Christ. Though he does not seek the spotlight, his actions have lasting significance. His example reminds us of Proverbs 11:30: “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.”
Andrew Among the Twelve
Andrew was called to full-time discipleship alongside Peter, James, and John while fishing by the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 4:18-20; Mark 1:16-18). Jesus said, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). Andrew and Peter “immediately left their nets and followed Him” (Matthew 4:20). This immediate obedience demons/”>demonstrates Andrew’s willingness to surrender his livelihood and future to follow Christ.
Andrew is consistently listed among the first four apostles in all the Gospel accounts (Matthew 10:2-4; Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:13-16). While Peter, James, and John are often singled out as part of Jesus’ inner circle, Andrew remains quietly in the background; yet faithfully serving.
Andrew’s Notable Actions in the Gospels
Though not frequently mentioned, Andrew’s appearances in the Gospels consistently reflect his character as a humble servant and bridge-builder.
The Feeding of the Five Thousand
In John 6:8-9, Andrew plays a key role in the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand. While the other disciples express doubt about feeding the crowd, Andrew brings a boy with five barley loaves and two small fish to Jesus, saying, “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?” Though Andrew acknowledges the insufficiency of the resources, his faith leads him to bring the boy to Jesus. This action shows Andrew’s trust that Jesus can use small things for great purposes.
The Greeks Seeking Jesus
In John 12:20-22, some Greeks approach Philip, seeking to see Jesus. Philip consults Andrew, and together they bring the Greeks to Jesus. Andrew’s role as a facilitator demonstrates his openness to include others in the faith, foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles in the gospel message. His actions echo Jesus’ teaching in John 10:16: “And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.”
His Inquisitive Spirit
In Mark 13:3-4, Andrew is one of the four disciples who privately ask Jesus about the signs of the end of the age. This moment shows Andrew’s curiosity and desire to understand Jesus’ teachings more deeply.
Andrew’s Humility and Faithfulness
Andrew’s life is marked by humility. Unlike his brother Peter, who is often at the forefront, Andrew seems content to serve quietly in the background. He does not seek recognition but is always faithful in bringing others to Christ. His willingness to serve in obscurity exemplifies the attitude Paul describes in Philippians 2:3-4: “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.”
Andrew’s Legacy
While Scripture does not detail Andrew’s activities after Pentecost, early church tradition suggests that he preached the gospel in regions such as Scythia, Greece, and Asia Minor. Tradition also holds that Andrew was martyred by crucifixion on an X-shaped cross (known as St. Andrew’s Cross) in Achaia. Even in death, Andrew’s commitment to Christ remained unwavering.
Lessons from Andrew’s Life
Be Quick to Follow Christ
Andrew’s immediate decision to follow Jesus upon hearing John’s declaration demonstrates a heart that is ready to respond to truth. His example challenges us to prioritize obedience to Christ above all else.
Bring Others to Jesus
Whether it was his brother Peter, the boy with the loaves and fish, or the Greeks seeking Jesus, Andrew’s instinct was always to bring others to the Savior. His life reminds us that even small acts of evangelism can have eternal significance.
Serve Humbly
Andrew’s humility shines in his willingness to serve without seeking recognition. He teaches us that faithful service to Christ does not require the spotlight, but simply a heart dedicated to glorifying God.
Trust in God’s Provision
In the feeding of the five thousand, Andrew trusted Jesus with what little was available. His faith encourages us to bring our resources and abilities to Christ, trusting Him to use them for His purposes.
My Final Thoughts
Andrew may not have written an epistle or led the early church like Peter, but his life speaks volumes about what it means to faithfully follow Christ. As the first to recognize Jesus as the Messiah and as a disciple who consistently brought others to Him, Andrew’s legacy is one of faith, humility, and evangelism. His life challenges us to seek Jesus wholeheartedly, share the gospel boldly, and serve humbly in whatever role God calls us to fulfill.
Matthew 24 Commentary
Matthew 24 is Jesus’ profound response to His disciples’ questions about the end of the age, delivered on the Mount of Olives. It begins with Jesus predicting the destruction of the temple: “Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down” (Matthew 24:2). This prophecy was fulfilled in A.D. 70 when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem.
The disciples, perplexed, asked three questions in Matthew 24:3:
- “When will these things be?”
- “What will be the sign of Your coming?”
- “And of the end of the age?”
Jesus addresses these questions, blending near-term prophecy (the destruction of Jerusalem) with far-reaching events tied to His second coming and the culmination of the age. Understanding this dual focus is essential for interpreting the passage.
The Signs of the Times
Jesus begins by outlining general signs that will characterize the age leading up to His return: false Christs, wars, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes (Matthew 24:5-7). These, He says, are “the beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:8), a phrase likened to labor pains, indicating an increase in intensity and frequency as the end draws near.
The focus then shifts to the great tribulation, a future period of unparalleled suffering. Jesus describes specific events leading up to this time, including widespread persecution, lawlessness, and betrayal (Matthew 24:9-12). It is here that Jesus makes the statement, “But he who endures to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13). This verse is often misunderstood. In context, it refers specifically to those living during the tribulation period. These individuals will face immense persecution under the Antichrist, and those who endure through this period (either by surviving physically or by remaining faithful to Christ despite martyrdom) will see salvation in the sense of being delivered into the millennial kingdom.
This promise is not directed at the church today, as believers in this present age are saved by grace through faith, not by enduring tribulation (Ephesians 2:8-9). Rather, this endurance pertains to those alive during the great tribulation.
The Abomination of Desolation
A critical marker in Jesus’ discourse is the “abomination of desolation,” described in Matthew 24:15 and first prophesied by Daniel: “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (whoever reads, let him understand).” This event signals the midpoint of the seven-year tribulation period, as outlined in Daniel 9:27. The Antichrist will break his covenant with Israel and set up an abominable image in the temple, demanding worship (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4; Revelation 13:14-15).
Jesus warns those in Judea to flee immediately when this occurs, emphasizing the urgency and severity of this moment: “For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be” (Matthew 24:21). This aligns with the latter half of the tribulation, often called the Great Tribulation, a time of divine judgment described in Revelation 6-19.
The Coming of the Son of Man
Following the tribulation, Jesus describes His return: “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken” (Matthew 24:29). This cosmic upheaval, prophesied in Isaiah 13:10 and Joel 2:10, announces the coming of the Son of Man “on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” (Matthew 24:30). At this time, He will gather His elect, those who have believed during the tribulation, from the four corners of the earth (Matthew 24:31).
This gathering is distinct from the rapture of the church described in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, which occurs before the tribulation. Instead, this event corresponds to the regathering of Israel and the ingathering of tribulation saints who survive the great tribulation, as foretold in Isaiah 11:12 and Ezekiel 37:21.
One Taken and the Other Left: Judgment or Rapture?
In Matthew 24:40-41, Jesus states, “Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left.” This passage is often interpreted as describing the rapture, but the context suggests otherwise.
The preceding verses compare this event to the days of Noah: “For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark” (Matthew 24:38). In Noah’s time, those “taken” were swept away in judgment, while the righteous were preserved. Similarly, in this passage, those taken are taken in judgment, consistent with the separation of the wicked at the end of the age, as described in Matthew 13:30 (the parable of the wheat and tares).
Watchfulness and Readiness
Jesus emphasizes the need for constant vigilance: “Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming” (Matthew 24:42). This call to readiness is underscored by the parable of the wise and faithful servant, who is blessed for being found faithful when his master returns (Matthew 24:45-47).
Matthew 25: Parables of Preparation
Matthew 25 continues Jesus’ teaching with three parables, each illustrating a different aspect of readiness for His return:
The Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) emphasizes spiritual preparedness. The wise virgins, equipped with oil, represent those who are spiritually ready for Christ’s return. The oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit and a life of genuine faith. The foolish virgins, lacking oil, are shut out, underscoring the eternal consequences of spiritual neglect and those who may call themselves Christians but do not have the Holy Spirit.
The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) highlights faithful stewardship. Each servant is entrusted with resources, and their faithfulness (or lack thereof) determines their reward. This parable encourages believers to use their God-given gifts for His glory, knowing they will give an account when He returns.
The Judgment of the Nations (Matthew 25:31-46) describes the separation of the sheep and goats at the end of the tribulation. This judgment is based on how individuals treated “the least of these My brethren” (Matthew 25:40), referring to Christ’s faithful followers during the tribulation. This passage demons/”>demonstrates the fruit of true faith: love and compassion for others, even in times of great trial.
My Final Thoughts
Matthew 24-25 presents a rich tapestry of prophetic teaching, addressing the destruction of the temple, the signs of the tribulation, and the ultimate return of Christ. The abomination of desolation marks the midpoint of the tribulation, and the endurance mentioned in Matthew 24:13 applies specifically to those living in this future period of unparalleled trial.
The one taken and the other left refers to judgment at the end of the tribulation, not the rapture. Matthew 25 clarifies these teachings, urging spiritual readiness, faithful stewardship, and compassion for others in light of Christ’s return. These passages remind us to live with eternal perspective, knowing the King will return to establish His kingdom.
The work of the Holy Spirit is evident throughout the Old Testament, yet His relationship with humanity differed significantly from the New Testament era. In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit would come “upon” individuals, empowering them for specific tasks or roles. For example, in Judges 6:34, we read, “But the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon; then he blew the trumpet, and the Abiezrites gathered behind him.” Similarly, in 1 Samuel 10:10, the Spirit came upon Saul, enabling him to prophesy.
This empowerment was not permanent; the Spirit’s presence could depart. Psalm 51:11 captures David’s plea after his sin with Bathsheba: “Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.” David recognized that the Spirit’s anointing for his role as king was a gift, not a permanent indwelling. This was also evident in Saul’s life. In 1 Samuel 16:14, “the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and a distressing spirit from the Lord troubled him.”
The temporary nature of the Holy Spirit’s work in the Old Testament reflected the covenantal context. The law and sacrifices pointed forward to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ; the Holy Spirit’s empowering presence was granted to accomplish God’s purposes during this preparatory period.
The Promise of a New Relationship with the Holy Spirit
The Old Testament, however, foreshadowed a coming change in how the Holy Spirit would interact with God’s people. Ezekiel 36:26-27 declares, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.” This promise pointed to the New Covenant, where the Holy Spirit would no longer merely come upon individuals but would dwell within them.
Joel 2:28-29 also foretold this outpouring: “And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days.” This prophecy found its fulfillment in the New Testament.
The Holy Spirit in the New Testament: Indwelling the Believer
In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit’s role shifted dramatically with the coming of Jesus Christ and the establishment of the New Covenant. Jesus Himself promised this change, saying in John 14:16-17, “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever, the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.”
This promise was fulfilled at Pentecost, as recorded in Acts 2:1-4. The Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, not merely for temporary empowerment but to indwell them permanently. This marked the beginning of a new era. Acts 2:38 confirms this gift for all believers: “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
The indwelling Spirit seals believers as God’s own. Ephesians 1:13-14 declares, “In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.” This seal is unbreakable, securing the believer’s relationship with God.
Why the Holy Spirit Does Not Leave in the New Testament
Unlike the Old Testament, where the Holy Spirit could depart, the New Testament teaches that the Spirit’s indwelling is permanent for those who are in Christ. This permanence is rooted in the finished work of Jesus. John 14:16 emphasizes that the Helper will “abide with you forever.” This eternal indwelling is part of the New Covenant, which is based not on human faithfulness but on the faithfulness of Christ (Hebrews 9:15).
Romans 8:9-11 affirms the permanence of the Spirit’s presence: “But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”
Furthermore, Jesus’ atonement has fully dealt with sin, removing the barrier that caused the Spirit to depart in the Old Testament. Hebrews 10:14-17 explains, “For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. But the Holy Spirit also witnesses to us; for after He had said before, ‘This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them.’”
The Transforming Work of the Indwelling Spirit
The indwelling Spirit transforms believers from the inside out, producing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and empowering them to live holy lives. Romans 8:13 declares, “For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” The Spirit enables believers to walk in obedience, fulfilling Ezekiel’s prophecy that God would “cause you to walk in My statutes” (Ezekiel 36:27).
The indwelling Spirit also provides assurance of salvation. Romans 8:16 says, “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” This internal testimony is one of the greatest gifts of the New Covenant.
My Final Thoughts
The Holy Spirit’s relationship with humanity reflects the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan. In the Old Testament, the Spirit came upon individuals for specific purposes, but His presence was temporary and could depart. This was consistent with the preparatory nature of the Old Covenant. In the New Testament, however, the Holy Spirit indwells every believer permanently, a fulfillment of the promises made in Ezekiel and Joel.
This indwelling is rooted in the finished work of Christ and the unshakable New Covenant. Believers today can rest in the assurance that the Holy Spirit will never leave nor forsake them, for He is the seal of their redemption and the guarantee of their inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14). The Spirit transforms, empowers, and assures, pointing us continually to the glory of Christ. As Jesus promised in John 7:38-39, “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” This He spoke concerning the Spirit.
What Does the Gospel Mean?
The word “gospel” comes from the Greek euangelion, which translates as “good news” or “glad tidings.” It is the proclamation of the greatest news humanity has ever received. However, to fully grasp why this news is so good, we must first confront the bad news: we are all sinners under the righteous wrath of God. As Romans 3:23 states, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Our sin separates us from our Creator, and we are incapable of saving ourselves.
Isaiah 59:2 declares, “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.” This separation is not just a minor issue; it is eternal. From the moment Adam sinned in the garden (Genesis 3:6), humanity fell under the curse of sin and death. Romans 5:12 explains, “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned.” The disease of sin is universal, and without intervention, the outcome is eternal condemnation (Romans 6:23).
The Great Physician Provides the Cure
Into this hopeless situation comes the gospel. Jesus, the great Physician, brings the cure for our sin. He Himself said in Matthew 9:12-13, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
This good news begins with God. From the very beginning, He has been unfolding His plan of redemption. In Genesis 3:15, God promised a Savior who would crush the head of the serpent, foreshadowing the coming of Jesus Christ. The sacrifices and rituals under the Old Covenant pointed forward to the ultimate sacrifice that would be made by the Messiah. Hebrews 10:1-4 explains that the law, with its sacrifices, could never truly take away sins but served as a shadow of the good things to come.
Salvation by Faith: The Old Testament Foreshadowed the Gospel
Throughout history, salvation has always been by faith. Hebrews 11 recounts how Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and others were justified not by their works, but by faith. Genesis 15:6 says of Abraham, “And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.” They trusted in the promises of God, looking forward to the day when the Messiah would come to provide the ultimate sacrifice for sins.
Consider the Passover lamb in Exodus 12:5-7. The blood of the lamb on the doorposts spared the Israelites from God’s judgment. This was a picture of Jesus, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). The prophets also foretold this salvation. Isaiah 53:5-6 proclaims, “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.”
The New Covenant Fulfilled in Christ
In the New Testament, we see the fulfillment of these promises in Jesus Christ. Galatians 4:4-5 declares, “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.” Jesus lived a sinless life, perfectly fulfilling the law (Matthew 5:17), and offered Himself as the once-for-all sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 10:10).
On the cross, Jesus was the sacrifice or propitiation for our sins. Isaiah 53:10 declares, “Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand.” Through His resurrection, He conquered death and provided eternal life to all who believe. Romans 4:25 says, “[He] was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.”
Faith Alone: The True Gospel
The gospel is simple yet profound. Salvation comes by grace through faith, not works. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Faith is the sole requirement, but this faith must be genuine (a faith that is “worthy of repentance” (Luke 3:8)). It is not mere intellectual agreement but a heartfelt trust that transforms lives. James 2:17 reminds us, “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” True faith produces repentance and obedience, as Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.”
False Gospels and the Danger They Pose
We must be vigilant against false gospels, which distort the truth. Antinomianism, which claims that grace permits a life of unrepentant sin, is a lie. Jude 1:4 warns about those who “turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.” On the other hand, legalism, which adds human works to faith, is equally dangerous. Paul condemns this in Galatians 1:8: “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.”
The true gospel balances the simplicity of grace with the power of transformation. Genuine faith produces fruit. As Jesus said in Matthew 7:16, “You will know them by their fruits.”
My Final Thoughts
The gospel is the greatest news because it addresses humanity’s greatest need. It is the cure for the disease of sin, the hope for the hopeless, and the power of God to salvation for all who believe (Romans 1:16). The story of salvation, from the Old Testament to the New, has always been about faith in God’s provision. Whether looking forward to the coming Messiah or looking back to the finished work of the cross, salvation has always been by faith.
In Christ, we find life, peace, and reconciliation with God. Second Corinthians 5:21 sums it up beautifully: “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
Repentance is one of the most vital truths in Scripture, yet it is often misunderstood or overlooked. From the Old Testament prophets to the apostles and Jesus Himself, the call to repentance resounds as a central theme of God’s message to humanity. But what is repentance? What isn’t it? How do we distinguish between true repentance and false repentance? And why does it matter so deeply? Let’s dive into this critical biblical teaching, unpack its meaning, and explore its application for believers today.
Understanding Repentance: A Heart Change
Repentance, at its core, means turning away from sin and turning toward God. The New Testament uses the Greek word metanoia, which means “a change of mind.” But biblical repentance is far more than just intellectual acknowledgment; it involves the heart, the will, and ultimately the entire life. It is a complete change in direction, away from rebellion against God and toward submission to His will.
Jesus Himself emphasized repentance from the very beginning of His ministry. In Matthew 4:17, He declared, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” Repentance was not optional but essential for entering the kingdom. This wasn’t a new concept: the need for repentance is woven throughout Scripture. In the Old Testament, Joel 2:12-13 says, “‘Now, therefore,’ says the Lord, ‘Turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.’ So rend your heart, and not your garments; return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful.”
True repentance flows from a recognition of God’s holiness and our own sinfulness. Isaiah, when confronted with God’s glory, cried out, “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips” (Isaiah 6:5). This recognition of sin leads to godly sorrow, not merely regret or guilt, but a deep conviction that compels us to seek God’s mercy and turn from wickedness.
What Repentance Isn’t
Repentance is often misunderstood, and it’s crucial to address what it isn’t to avoid confusion. It is not merely feeling bad about sin. The Bible distinguishes between godly sorrow and worldly sorrow. In 2 Corinthians 7:10, Paul explains, “For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.” Godly sorrow brings about a genuine turning toward God, while worldly sorrow is self-focused and often leads to despair. Judas Iscariot is a tragic example of worldly sorrow: though he felt remorse for betraying Jesus (Matthew 27:3-5), it did not lead him to true repentance.
Repentance also isn’t simply changing outward behavior. The Pharisees, for example, were experts at appearing righteous, but their hearts were far from God. Jesus rebuked them in Matthew 23:25, saying, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence.” True repentance begins inwardly (with a heart transformed by the Holy Spirit), which then produces visible fruit of obedience (Matthew 3:8).
It’s equally important to understand that repentance is not about earning God’s favor. Salvation is a gift of grace through faith, as Ephesians 2:8-9 teaches. Repentance is the response of a heart awakened to God’s grace, not a work we perform to merit His forgiveness. The prophet Hosea captures this beautifully: “Come, and let us return to the Lord; for He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but He will bind us up” (Hosea 6:1).
True Repentance vs. False Repentance
The Bible provides many examples of true repentance contrasted with false repentance. Zacchaeus, the tax collector, demons/”>demonstrates true repentance when he encounters Jesus. In Luke 19:8, he declares, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” Zacchaeus’s actions flowed from a heart that had been genuinely changed by Christ.
Pharaoh, on the other hand, exemplifies false repentance. Throughout the plagues in Exodus, he repeatedly confessed sin and promised to obey God, only to harden his heart once the immediate threat was removed (Exodus 9:27-35). His repentance was insincere, driven by fear rather than a desire to honor God.
Repentance: The Cost of Following Christ
Jesus made it clear that repentance is costly. Following Him means dying to ourselves and surrendering everything to God. In Luke 9:23, Jesus said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” Repentance requires us to let go of the idols and sins that once defined us and to submit fully to God’s authority. This is why Jesus warned in Luke 14:28, “For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost?”
To follow Christ, we must love Him more than anything else, even our closest relationships. Jesus said, “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:37). Repentance is not merely an emotional decision or a momentary commitment; it is a lifelong journey of turning away from sin and walking in obedience to God.
Repentance: A Consistent Biblical Theme
Repentance is not just a New Testament concept; it is found throughout Scripture. The prophets called Israel to repent time and again. Jeremiah warned, “Amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of the Lord your God” (Jeremiah 26:13). Jonah’s message to Nineveh was simple yet powerful: “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” (Jonah 3:4). The people of Nineveh repented, and God showed mercy.
John the Baptist’s ministry centered on repentance, as he prepared the way for Jesus: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Matthew 3:2). Jesus Himself echoed this call, saying, “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3). The apostles continued this message. On the Day of Pentecost, Peter declared, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). Paul, too, preached repentance, saying, “That they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance” (Acts 26:20).
Even in the final days, repentance remains central. In Revelation, despite God’s judgments, many refuse to repent: “And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts” (Revelation 9:21). This demonstrates the hardness of the human heart apart from God’s grace.
Living a Life of Repentance
Repentance is not a one-time event but an ongoing posture of the heart. As believers, we must daily examine ourselves, confess our sins, and turn back to God. Proverbs 28:13 reminds us, “He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.”
True repentance leads to transformation. Paul describes this in 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” This newness of life is the fruit of a heart that has truly repented and trusted in Christ.
My Final Thoughts
Repentance is the gateway to salvation and the pathway to sanctification. It is a turning from sin and self to the grace and mercy of God. From the prophets to the apostles to Jesus Himself, the call to repent is unmistakable. True repentance is costly: it demands the surrender of our lives, but the reward is eternal life and fellowship with God.
As Jesus said in Luke 15:7, “There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.” Let us respond to God’s call with humble hearts, turning from sin and walking in His ways. Repentance is not just a command; it is an invitation to experience the fullness of God’s grace and the joy of His presence.