Repentance

I couldn't agree with you more! Yes, I believe repentance is for unbelievers (in order to become believers) and for believers (to get rid of the wrongdoings in their lives). I couldn't have said it better myself than you did in your discussion description. Repentance means "a turning away." Whatever we repent of, that's what we're turning from. It's a true and genuine decision and action. It's a word that has so much depth and meaning. I wish I had more time to go into greater detail! I believe the important thing as that you and I agree. Thanks for posting this wonderful discussion and God bless you, my friend!

Repentance is actually a way of life. It means to turn around and go the opposite direction. To say you have repented, but to continue to do the same things is contradictory. When the Pharisees came out to see John the Baptist, he told them that they needed to show "fruits of repentance." Therefore, to simply say you have repented is meaningless. There must be some evidence. With that said, to become born again, we must repent. We must turn our lives around. On the same token, if we make a mistake after we have become born again (a possibility), we must repent of that act and go the other way. In that, repentance is for both the unbeliever and believer. The unbeliever must repent and become a believer and the believer must turn from their sins and follow the example of Jesus.

Repentance is for both non-believers as well as believers. It's not just a one ti me thing and you'll always be forgiven. Each time you sin you must ask for forgiveness.

I would think it would pretty much solely be for believers. I mean, if someone doesn't believe in your God or sin or any of the concepts involved with your religion, why would they repent?

According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of repentance is to feel guilt, to turn from sin and dedicate one's life to amendment. It doesn't say one thing about religion or God or any Higher Power. I think that in order to experience true, sincere repentance, we must first forgive ourselves. If you expect your Higher Power to forgive you, how will that happen if you haven't forgiven yourself. So I think that's the first step. I think the second step is the making amends part. Not so much to anyone you may have wronged, although I'm sure they'd appreciate a sincere "I'm sorry." I mean more of making amends within oneself. Changing, becoming a better person. I was a stinker when I was a teenager, but then I decided to become a better person. Why? Did I find religion? Did I have a vision or a "message from God?" No. Not at all. I had an epiphany - I realized that I wanted to see a good person when I looked in the mirror. A person with integrity and honor. A person who would recognize the chances presented to me to make a difference in someone's life and take that chance - help an elderly person in the grocery store, send an e-card to someone hospitalized when I couldn't go see them, whatever.... I knew these changes would be pleasing to my Higher Power, and that if I could forgive myself, I would be forgiven.

Yes repentance is for both.for the unbelievers they do not know Jesus so they repent for their past sins,believers may commit sins and ask for forgiveness,but they cannot keep sinning and ask forgiveness.they have to ask God for strength and keep away from sins.

To repent is to express remorse for one's wrong doings. We all do that at some point or another right, even if you're of a different religion. Maybe repentance is stereotyped to Chritianity but I think its something that is common to all mankind. Even criminals repent of crimes they commit.