Journal: Journal of Dispensational Theology
Volume: JODT 26:72 (Spring 2022)
Article: Repentance: Usage In The Apostolic Fathers, Part II
Author: G. Allen Gunn

JODT 26:72 (Spring 2022) p. 7

Repentance: Usage In The Apostolic Fathers, Part II

G. Allen Gunn

* G. Allen Gunn, Ph.D., D.Min., Bible & theology chair, vice president of student services, Shasta Bible College and Graduate School, Redding, California

The present article is the second of a two-part series studying the meaning of the terms “repent/repentance” as used in New Testament salvation contexts.1 The thesis of this series is that a key factor involved in the debate between “Lordship Salvation” versus “Free Grace Salvation” is the definition of the word “repentance.” On the assumption that “repentance” (Gk. μετανοῶ/μετάνοια (metanoō/metanoia) is a legitimate part of the gospel message (based on Acts 2:38; 3:19; 11:18; 17:30; 20:20–21; 26:18–20; 2 Cor 7:10; 2 Pet 3:9), the Greek terms μετανοῶ/μετάνοια (metanoō/metanoia) carry a significantly different semantic weight than do the English words “repent/repentance.” The semantic difference has led to serious error in the teaching of salvation by many. The two elements in the definition of the English terms “repent/repentance” that are unsuitable to the definition of the Greek terms μετανοῶ/μετάνοια (metanoō/metanoia) are:

1. The feeling or expression of sorrow and remorse over sin; and,
2. Turning from sin.

Part one established that in Modern Greek, μετανοῶ (metanoō) simply means “change one’s mind.”2 Similarly, in Classical Greek, μετανοῶ (metanoō) meant, “perceive afterwards, change one’s mind or purpose.”3 The focus on the “mind” in these definitions comes from the element νοῦς/νοῶ (nous/noō). By “mind,” the ancient Greeks often meant more than just intellectual reflection; it could be a matter purely academic, but often one that included activity by other features of the inner man, such as the emotions and the will. By “change of min...