Difference between revisions of "Spiritual growth"
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As far as the [[New Testament]], according to the Greek Orthodox Diocese of America: | As far as the [[New Testament]], according to the Greek Orthodox Diocese of America: | ||
| − | {{Cquote|The Greek term for | + | {{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"/> 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"/> | ||
Revision as of 22:07, August 20, 2025
Spiritual growth is the process of fundamental transformation involving drawing closer to God; growing in faith, improving one's character, thoughts and behavior (greater love, wisdom, humility, compassion, etc.), deepening one's understanding and awareness of the divine and how one's thoughts and actions affects others, and living with greater purpose in terms of God's will.[1]
Cru defines spiritual growth as "the journey of growing in faith to know more about God and become the person that He created you to be."
Key concepts of spiritual growth in Christianity
Repentance
See also: Repentance
| The very first public announcement by Jesus Christ |
|---|
| "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel." |
As far as the New Testament, according to the Greek Orthodox Diocese of America:
| “ | 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 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 Basil the Great, "is salvation, but lack of understanding is the death of repentance."[3] | ” |
Repentance is primarily a change of the heart and mind,[2] 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.[2] 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.)
Repentance is a turning away, to cease. Example: Revelation 2:16 "Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth." The Holy Spirit is warning the church of Pergamos to stop their fornication.
Sanctification
See also: Sanctification
Holiness
See also: Holiness
Faith
See also:
Works
See also:
References
- ↑
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 David W. Gooding & John C. Lennox (2013 (1st Edition 1997)). "8.Repentance", Key Bible Concepts. The Myrtlefield Trust, 65–73. ISBN 978-1-874584-45-2. “The very first public announcement by Christ was this:...”
- ↑ Repentance and Confession - Introduction, Greek Orthodox Diocese of America