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{{Cquote|The Greek term for [[repentance]], [[metanoia]], denotes a change of mind, a reorientation, a fundamental transforma­tion of outlook, of man's vision of the world and of himself, and a new way of [[Love|loving]] others and [[God]]. In the words of a second-century text, The Shepherd of Hermas, it implies "great understanding," [[discernment]]. It involves, that is, not mere regret of past [[evil]] but a recognition by man of a dar­kened vision of his own condition, in which [[sin]], by sepa­rating him from God, has reduced him to a divided, auto­nomous existence, depriving him of both his natural [[glory]] and [[freedom]]. "Repentance," says [[Saint Basil|Basil the Great]], "is [[Salvation|salvation]], but lack of [[understanding]] is the death of repentance."<ref>[https://www.goarch.org/-/repentance-and-confession-introduction Repentance and Confession - Introduction], Greek Orthodox Diocese of America</ref>}}

{{Cquote|The Greek term for [[repentance]], [[metanoia]], denotes a change of mind, a reorientation, a fundamental transforma­tion of outlook, of man's vision of the world and of himself, and a new way of [[Love|loving]] others and [[God]]. In the words of a second-century text, The Shepherd of Hermas, it implies "great understanding," [[discernment]]. It involves, that is, not mere regret of past [[evil]] but a recognition by man of a dar­kened vision of his own condition, in which [[sin]], by sepa­rating him from God, has reduced him to a divided, auto­nomous existence, depriving him of both his natural [[glory]] and [[freedom]]. "Repentance," says [[Saint Basil|Basil the Great]], "is [[Salvation|salvation]], but lack of [[understanding]] is the death of repentance."<ref>[https://www.goarch.org/-/repentance-and-confession-introduction Repentance and Confession - Introduction], Greek Orthodox Diocese of America</ref>}}

Repentance is primarily a change of the heart and [[mind]],<ref name="KeyBibleConcepts"/> or rather a change in the mind (Greek ''metanoia''—meta "change" + noia "mind"); a personal [[metamorphosis]]. This is what repentance means in the context of salvation: Luke 13:1-5 "Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." [[Jesus]] is telling the people they need to change the way they think. In this context, a change of mind represents also a reversal of one's previous moral judgment, a repudiation of one's previous behavior.<ref name="KeyBibleConcepts"/>

Repentance is primarily a change of the heart and [[mind]],<ref name="KeyBibleConcepts">{{cite book |title=Key Bible Concepts |author=David W. Gooding & John C. Lennox |publisher=The Myrtlefield Trust |place=Coleraine, N. Ireland |year=2013 (1st Edition 1997) |chapter=8.Repentance |pages=65–73 |isbn=978-1-874584-45-2 |url=https://www.keybibleconcepts.org |quote=The very first public announcement by Christ was this:...}}</ref> or rather a change in the mind (Greek ''metanoia''—meta "change" + noia "mind"); a personal [[metamorphosis]]. This is what repentance means in the context of salvation: Luke 13:1-5 "Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." [[Jesus]] is telling the people they need to change the way they think. In this context, a change of mind represents also a reversal of one's previous moral judgment, a repudiation of one's previous behavior.<ref name="KeyBibleConcepts"/>

There is a command to believe: "Repent ye, and believe the gospel" ([[Mark]] 1:15). How can anyone believe in Christ if they don't change their thinking? No one naturally sees themselves as a sinner; when you repent, you know and realize you're a sinner. You change from  thinking "I'm a basically good person." to "I'm a sinner; I need Jesus." That is the third definition of repentance. "Behold, thou art made whole; sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee." John 5:14. "Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more." John 8:11. "Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance" Matthew 3:8. (See [[Corporal and spiritual works of mercy]].)

There is a command to believe: "Repent ye, and believe the gospel" ([[Mark]] 1:15). How can anyone believe in Christ if they don't change their thinking? No one naturally sees themselves as a sinner; when you repent, you know and realize you're a sinner. You change from  thinking "I'm a basically good person." to "I'm a sinner; I need Jesus." That is the third definition of repentance. "Behold, thou art made whole; sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee." John 5:14. "Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more." John 8:11. "Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance" Matthew 3:8. (See [[Corporal and spiritual works of mercy]].)