In the fifieth verse of the book of Matthew, repentance is mentioned for the first time in the New Testament. There it is written that John the baptizer preached, "Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matthew 3:2).
The next chapter records that Jesus also "began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matthew 4:17). The process of repentance involves recognition that one has done wrong. After a person has transgressed God's law, if he does not realize that what he has done is wrong, then he will see no need to repent of such.
After on understands that he has done wrong in God's sight, then he must be filled with godly sorrow ( 2 Corinthians 7:10). He must then make the dertermination to not commit such a sin again. This is the change of the will or mind; that is the baskic meaning of repentance.
Following one's change of mind or heart regarding his past wrongs, he musht then bring forth fruits of repentance (Matthew 3:8). That is, he must prove by his future actions that he has truly turned away from and given up his sins. The change of the mind must bring forth a change or reformation of life.
Those that do not repent of their sins do not and connot have life. God wants all men to repent. Those that do not will perich (2 Peter 3:9). sines cannot be remitted or blotted out without repentance (Acts 2:38; 3:19). we cannot around this truth.
If we do not teach and preach repentance, then peole will continue to be ignorant about their need to repent, and will this remain in sin and be lost. People will not repent unless they see the need to do so. repentance is unto life (Acts 11:18).
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