Is Repentance necessary for Salvation?

In the Bible the Greek word for “repentance” is [metanoia], which means to change one’s mind.
Biblically this metanoia or changing of the mind is more than just a mental or abstract change. Instead repentance [metanoia] is a fundamental transformation of thought and attitude which leads to a change in behavior and lifestyle.
Repentance ultimately leads to a change in perception, direction and lifestyle.

Repentance happens in the heart. It is an inward change of the heart or soul. Repentance is not a means to earn salvation, but rather a heartfelt transformation that occurs within us, as we experience conviction and a changed mindset that ultimately leads to a tangible manifestation of good fruit in our lives.

Therefore true or Biblical repentance eventually demonstrates the authenticity of our inner transformation.
Matthew 3:8 says that we should bear fruit in keeping with repentance.

Acts 26:20 says that people should demonstrate their repentance by their deeds.

God commands people to Repent

In the Old Testament the concept of repentance is mentioned in over 50 Scriptures with a focus on turning away from sin and returning to God.
In the New Testament repentance is also mentioned approximately more than 50 times with a focus on turning to God through faith in Jesus Christ.

Jesus and the apostles consistently commanded people to repent. For example

In 2 Chronicles 7:14 God says: “If My people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land”

Matthew 4:17 says: From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.

In Luke 5:32 Jesus says: “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance”

Acts 17:30 says: In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent.

Acts 26:20 says: First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds.

Why should we repent? What does repentance involve?

1. God wants us to completely change our attitude towards sin & unrighteousness
True repentance, as God intends, involves a transformative change of heart and mind, where we shift from embracing or justifying sin to having a deep-seated abhorrence for it, and instead, advocate for righteousness and holy living.
Acts 3:19 says “Repent then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord”
Repentance, in God’s eyes, is not just a superficial change, but a profound transformation of our thoughts, attitudes, and actions, where we turn away from loving or promoting sin, and instead, cultivate a mind that hates sin and pursues godliness.

2. God wants us to reconcile with Him & follow Christ
Biblical repentance means that we no longer desire to conform to the standards of the world, because friendship with the world is enmity with God. When we truly repent, we’re declaring that our loyalty has shifted from the world to Christ, and we’re committing to a new path of discipleship, where we surrender our will to His, and intentionally seek to follow His teachings and obey His commands. So through repentance, we’re making a conscious decision to renounce our allegiance to the world’s values and principles, and instead, we’re embracing a new identity as followers of Christ, dedicated to living according to His teachings and example.

Is Repentance necessary for Salvation?

It is important to mention again that repentance is not works salvation. Instead repentance [metanoia] is an inward change of the heart. Genuine repentance is an inward conviction of the mind that eventually produces an authentic change in perception and direction in one’s life.

The Bible reveals that true repentance leads to salvation. Therefore, salvation cannot be possible without an authentic [metanoia] change of mind.
2 Corinthians 7:10 says: Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

Mark 1:15 says we should repent and believe the gospel: “The time has come,” He said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

Jesus said that if we do not repent, we will perish in eternity: Luke 13:3 says: “I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

Therefore, repentance is a transformation of the mind which leads us to the realization that we must believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior if we are to be saved. Repentance involves the conviction of the heart which leads us to Christ so that we follow and obey His will.

Repentance is a change of mind that is sincere and authentic to the extent that it eventually leads to a relationship and spiritual transformation in Jesus Christ.

Repentance does not mean that we become capable of sinless perfection. As long as we live in a fallen world, we are still capable of sinning. However, the test of true repentance is that we will hate / abhor sin, and whenever we do sin, we will recognize it, express sorrow and confess it. True repentance changes our heart towards sin. Repentance leads to appreciation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

True repentance is a product of godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10). So if we have truly repented, it is because we realize that we are sinners at enmity with God and bound for hell, and therefore we are in need of the only Savior – Jesus Christ. True repentance eventually leads to the hatred of sin in our hearts and the genuine desire to seek God and follow Him.

True repentance is also a product of the kindness and grace of God (Romans 2:4). Therefore we do not view God’s grace and mercy as a license to sin. People who have genuinely repented have a correct view and understanding of God’s grace. They do not perceive the grace God has given us as license to justify immoral living.

2 Peter 3:9 says: The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

So it is clear from the Scriptures that repentance is an important component that leads to our salvation. Repentance is not a work for salvation, but it is an inward change of heart which leads us to salvation and transformation through Jesus Christ.