This is undeniable proof using scripture alone, that a turning away from sin was what Jesus meant in Matt. 4:17 when he said “Repent.” He wanted you to feel true contrition (2Cor. 7:10) for the things you have done, to the point of turning away from them.

When God raised up his servant, Jesus, he sent him first to you people of Israel, to bless you by turning each of you back from your sinful ways. — Acts 3:26 NLT

26: First to you, Jews will be followed by Gentiles in God’s plan for salvation. Wicked ways, from which Jews must repent (v. 19) — The Jewish Annotated New Testament (TJANT)

26: First to you, implying the later mission to the Gentiles. — New Oxford Annotated Bible, Fifth (NOAB), the study Bible from Oxford University. Over 50 years of students, and professors, relying on The New Oxford Annotated Bible as an unparalleled authority. Contains Secular, Jewish, & Ecumenical Scholarship.

What was Jesus’ first fundamental summons? It was to preach Repentance as an inward resolve to turn from sin, found in Matt. 4:17 and reinforced by Ac 3:26 above.

From that time Jesus began to preach this message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near!” — Matthew 4:17 NET

2 Cor. 7:10 NLT tells us that true repentance is a contrition that leads to a turn from sin, while false repentance or attrition, leads to death.

7:9-10 Two kinds of sorrow are mentioned: (1) Worldly sorrow that lacks repentance leads to spiritual death (e.g., see Matt 27:3-6; Heb 12:16-17). (2) Sorrow that leads us away from sin leads to salvation, as it did when the church in Corinth responded positively to Paul’s rebuke. — Filament Study Bible

God has spoken. The Apostles have written. The only question is, will you receive their correction? Do not listen to false teachers who tell you that repentance is only a mind change. They will lead you and your family into destruction. Instead call no man your teacher, turn from your sin (repent), and place your trust (faith) in Christ alone.

Therefore repent and turn back so that your sins may be wiped out, — Acts 3:19 NET

3:19 Repent . . . and turn to God. Repentance is turning away from sin. Faith is turning to God for salvation. See 2:38 and note. times of refreshing. The blessings and glories of the Messianic age, synonymous with “the time . . . for God to restore everything” (v. 21). Though the kingdom of God has been inaugurated through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, it is yet to be consummated in the future. — The NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible, 165 scholars (100+ NIV; 65 Study); Universities of Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard, Yale, California, London, Belfast, Claremont, Denver, Westminister, & Dallas.

The message that “There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.” should be preached to the entire world in the name of Jesus Christ (Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 5:31).

Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. — Matthew 18:3 NLT

  • Not justifying (Rom 3:28; Eph 2:8-10).
  • Imperfect (1Jn 1:8–10; 2:1-2).
  • Taught alongside faith by Christ Himself (Mark 1:14-15).
  • One of the reasons Jesus came (Lk 5:32).
  • Taught as an inward resolve to turn from sin (Ac 3:19,26; 26:20; Mt 3:8 NLT; Rev 2:5).
  • An immediate fruit of genuine saving faith resulting in good works and righteous behavior (Mt 3:8 NLT; Ac 26:20; Rev 2:5).
  • Will happen in genuine believers (1Jn 3:6-10). logically (Ac 17:30; 1Jn 2:4).
  • Commanded by God (Ac 17:30; Mt 4:17).
  • Granted by God (Ac 11:18; 2Tim. 2:25).
  • Growth given by God (1Cor 3:6-7; Ga 5:22-23 NLT; Jn 15:4-5).
  • Preached for the forgiveness of sins (Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 5:31).
  • Produced from Godly sorrow (2Cor. 7:10; Matt. 11:21-22; Job 42:6).
  • Leading to salvation and eternal life (2 Cor. 7:10; Acts 11:18).
  • Described as needed and necessary (Lk 15:7).
  • Repent or Perish (Lk 13:3; Mt 3:10).
  • Unrepentant sin not tolerated by the Apostles and not a one time event (Lk 17:3-4; 1 Cor. 5:11-13).

The world’s most authoritative Greek lexicons show that the true meaning of metanoéō falls under the second meaning of “feel remorse, repent, be converted in a (religio-)ethical sense.” metánoia also falls under the second meaning of “repentance, turning about, conversion” as taught by Christ & The Apostles (Ac 3:19,26; 26:20; Mt 3:8 NLT; Rev 2:5).



“The words of the wise are like cattle prods—painful but helpful. Their collected sayings are like a nail-studded stick with which a shepherd drives the sheep.” ― Ecclesiastes 12:11