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Mark 1:15, “And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent [metanoeo] ye, and believe the gospel [Good news].”
I was searching the internet one day, researching the topic of repentance and found the following precious article by Eli Brayley—a writer, pastor, and evangelist from New Brunswick, Canada. There is not a more important subject in the churches than what it means to “repent.” Most churchgoers don't know that the English word for “repentance” means something completely different than the Greek word metanoia.
Whereas the Greek word metanoia means “to change one's mind” (in a broad sense), the English word for repent specifically means to sorrow, grieve and turn away from sins. These are two drastically different meanings, which as you can see, convey two completely different plans of salvation. Thus, you can see the woeful danger of using an English dictionary to define what it means to “repent.” Metanoeo (to think differently) is simply the verb form of the noun metanoia (a change of mind). Hence, Mark 1:15 literally reads, “Think differently and BELIEVE the Good News.” The object of changing one's mind is unto the Gospel itself. The Bible does not teach turning away from sinful behavior to be saved; but rather, turning to God by faith in the Gospel to be saved.
Obviously, in order to turn to God, you must of necessity turn from something. However, God does not require us to turn from anything to be saved. To do so is a flawed view of repentance. The idea that a person must forsake sinful activities to be saved is a false Gospel. We are not saved by repenting, we are saved by placing our trust in Jesus Christ!
Since the word “metanoia” simply means “to change one's mind,” it requires supplemental information, because we don't know what to change our mind about. Whereas the English word “repent” definitely means to turn away from sins, the Greek word metanoia doesn't give us any specifics. The Word of God gives us the needed supplemental information in our text verse from Mark 1:15b, “repent ye, and BELIEVE THE GOSPEL.” Hence, repentance is unto the Gospel itself. The Gospel is what the change of mind is about. The great meaning of the word metanoia is that is applies to anything and everything that hinders a person from believing the Gospel. Whatever it is that has been hindering a sinner from believing the Gospel, the Scriptures command us to think differently toward God (Acts 20:21) and BELIEVE THE GOSPEL. The Gospel is what the change of mind is about...
