A Journey to Spiritual Renewal
Metanoia is a compound of the Greek words (meta) for “after” or “beyond,” and (nous) for “mind” or “understanding.” Repentance is a life-altering idea that can lead to a closer connection with Jesus Christ, the slain Lamb of God.
As Christians who have been reborn and filled with the Holy Spirit, we should rejoice the most when we feel the least connected to God. It could be time for another blood transfusion – a renewal through repentance – if you aren’t hungering for more of His power, anointing, and acceptance.
Repentance…what is it? It’s the feeling of regret or remorse that leads to a conversion experience after one’s mind has been changed. “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:1-2:)
When Peter's sermon hit home, the people asked, "What shall we do?" and were given the answer to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins. When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, 'Brothers, what shall we do?' Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'Acts 2:37-38
Repentance: The Key to a Closer Walk with God
But true repentance is more than just a change of mind. It is a decision from the heart to turn away from sin and toward God. Feelings of regret or remorse for one’s actions can lead to a genuine desire to change and ask for forgiveness, and this change is clear on the emotional side of repentance.
Paul makes a distinction between godly sorrow, which results in true repentance and salvation, and worldly sorrow, which does not result in real change and instead results in spiritual death. God’s goodness is the driving force behind our decision to turn from sin.
Yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.2 Corinthians 7:9-10:
To begin a relationship with God, a change of heart or spiritual awakening is called metanoia in some theological traditions. In Acts 2:37-41, we see the power of Peter’s call to repentance and the subsequent addition of three thousand people to the church on the day of Pentecost.
When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, 'Brothers, what shall we do?' Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.' With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, 'Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.' Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.Acts 2:37-41
This profound change of heart has the power to restore sight to the blind, cleanse leprosy, and resurrect the dead. Ultimately, everything we do should be directed toward helping the slain Lamb of God receive the glory due Him as a result of His death.
I’m also thankful to God for whatever sparks of renewal God put in Asbury, but I can tell you there is more than just people getting on their knees and singing “Kumbaya.”
Please, start this process of repentance and let the healing power of metanoia bring you back into God’s family. Remember, “The apex of all human endeavor must become to place the jewel of a soul in the crown of our savior so that the lamb of God slain may receive the reward of his suffering.” -PRP