Some often say that irrespective of the number of times a person gets baptized; without repentance there is no remission of sins. Thus, by such measure, baptism that is not accompanied by genuine repentance, is void; and the person may require re-baptism; though some do not believe in re-baptism.
Repentance is generally seen by many to be extremely important, though, no Scripture passage explains explicitly, how it is done, or what it means.
In the Old Testament, repentance forms a major part of the message of the prophets; and it was demonstrated through some rituals like wearing sackcloth, sitting in ashes, wailing, fasting, and so on. It involved a renewed commitment to a better relationship with God; and sometimes a desire to escape consequences that come with sin.
In the New Testament (Luke 3:10–14), John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He was baptizing, and many went to be baptized. Some, wanted to know what was required of them.
The tax collectors asked John;
‘Teacher, what shall we do?’
John replied,
‘Collect no more than what is appointed for you.’
Also, the soldiers asked John,
‘And what shall we do?’
John replied;
“Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages”.
In Acts 2, Peter told his listeners some evil that they had done. They asked Peter what they should do, and Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins…” (Acts 2:38).
Now all these had their baptism with no demand of proof that the tax collectors would no longer over tax people, or the soldiers would no longer intimidate people, or the Jews would no longer kill one of God's prophets again.
Though a proof of change was not required at the point of their baptism; repentance was demonstrated because they agreed to change their deeds; and their baptism showed the acceptance.
There had been arguments on the issue of a man that is married to more than one woman; who want to be baptized after hearing the gospel. While some believed that he has to put off the other woman, before he could be baptized, others believed that he could have his baptism, as long as he has agreed to put off the other woman. Those that postulated that repentance for this man will require him to put off the other woman, also, encouraged the demand to know the status of the family of every adult that want to be baptized, to avoid baptizing a man with more than one wife.
Looking at the arguments on the polygamous man above could lead to the questions of how much repentance is enough for baptism; or at what point a repentance is valid.
Repentance, from the Greek, is (metanoe'o), which as a verb: means, to change one's mind, change the inner man; while as a noun: it depicts deep sorrow or compunction for wrong doings.
From the Bible, it can be seen that, though repentance is commanded by God; yet, it is a gift of God.
We were told that God exalted Jesus “…. to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins” (Acts 5:31).
Also, Paul’s hope for those that opposed the truth, is that, “God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth” (2 Timothy 2:25).
Also, the Jewish Christians, “… glorified God, saying, ‘Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life’” (Acts 11:18).
From these passages, some see repentance as a quickening of a sinner by God, by showing him the evil of sin. Thus, it is seen that the spirit of God work with the word to awaken the conscience that work sorrow for sin, and results in effectual change in life. This change involves change of mental perspective and attitude, that results in a change in behavior. It is a change of disposition, and a way of thinking about God, sin, and God’s word.
As it is widely held, a person who confesses repentance but has no change of behavior, could be that, either his repentance was ‘snatched’ by the things of this life (Matthew 13:1–9, 18–23), or it never truly existed.
Repentance is a process that is built-up through a developed attention to the nudging of the Holy Spirit. It is beyond a one-time act; and it involves a life of obedience that embraces continual changes; and desire to do the will of God.
That is why, a person may not know that a particular act he is involved in, is sinful; yet he could be baptized and continue in it unknowingly. Because of the repentance that he has been granted by God, any time he discovered that the act is wrong, he asked for forgiveness and stop the act, without the need to be re-baptized. Thus, someone who God grants repentance, as a result of his resolved to do all that God wants him to do, may not know all that is sin at the time of baptizing, so as he studies and find out what is wrong, he makes amends.
In conclusion, a person in an adulterous relationship does not stay in adultery after baptism; and the fact that he is in adulterous relationship does not stop him from been baptized as long as he has confess to ending the relationship timely. By a change of mind, he will be making plans on ending the relationship; which could take days, weeks or months. First, copulation will stop, then requirements for separation will be spelt out and followed lawfully until it is achieved.
While good understanding of repentance is important; we are to teach repentance before baptism; but, it does not involve the baptizer interrogating the baptism candidate about every of their sins before they are baptize; neither does it involves ‘settling’ all the sins before baptism.
God grants repentance to those that have made up their mind to obey; it is not of our hand work, but of God’s grace!
Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins… (Acts 2:38)
Comments