My wife and I were heading home one evening when the conversation turned to dinner. We were reviewing our options, reflecting on the contents of the refrigerator. Then, I suggested that we eat out instead of eating leftovers. We had changed our minds about dinner.
Did repentance come to mind as you read about our dinner decision?
Probably not.
The meaning the Greek term that is translated ’repent’ in our New Testaments actually meant to change the mind. Yet, who would describe our changed dinner decision as repentance?
In last week’s blog, I explained the way the Greek word metanoeo (repent) was used in the New Testament. While its technical meaning was to change the mind, its actual usage suggested a deeper meaning. It was most often used in a negative sense after a person had come to the realization that he was operating with an erroneous perception. As a result he was practically forced to change his mind, or more accurately, change his perception.
When we use the expression change of mind in reference to dinner, we intuitively understand that we are not referring to a changed perception (repentance); so also the Greek-speaking world of the first century. In fact, the Greek language at the time of Jesus had as many as eighteen different words for 'a change of mind.’ One was descriptive of the impromptu change of mind describing my dinner plans. Others terms described:
The term translated repentance in the New Testament reflected a change of mind that dealt with the perception. Your perception is like a filter that interprets everything coming into your mind through your senses, and going back out of your mind in speech and behavior.
An atheist and a Christian both have a bank account and worldly possessions. The atheist find meaning and value in his possessions. The Christian agrees with the Apostle Paul:
The meaning the Greek term that is translated ’repent’ in our New Testaments actually meant to change the mind. Yet, who would describe our changed dinner decision as repentance?
In last week’s blog, I explained the way the Greek word metanoeo (repent) was used in the New Testament. While its technical meaning was to change the mind, its actual usage suggested a deeper meaning. It was most often used in a negative sense after a person had come to the realization that he was operating with an erroneous perception. As a result he was practically forced to change his mind, or more accurately, change his perception.
- A change of purpose (based on chance);
- A change of purpose (based on knowledge);
- A change of opinion;
- A change of mind because of sorrow;
- A change of mind due to persuasion.
The term translated repentance in the New Testament reflected a change of mind that dealt with the perception. Your perception is like a filter that interprets everything coming into your mind through your senses, and going back out of your mind in speech and behavior.
An atheist and a Christian both have a bank account and worldly possessions. The atheist find meaning and value in his possessions. The Christian agrees with the Apostle Paul:
I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.
—Philippians 3:8
Why the difference?
When the Christian repented (i.e. changed his perception) he replaced his old value-filter with a new one based on his convictions regarding Jesus Christ. He adopted a new view toward possessions, a new view of people, of the world and life itself. His mind was changed from a perception defined by and governed by the human senses and human values, to a perception defined by and governed by Christ. Or, as Paul explained, we who are in Christ, have been given the mind of Christ through the Holy Spirit. So we look at life from Christ’s perspective.
Mark Stinnett
When the Christian repented (i.e. changed his perception) he replaced his old value-filter with a new one based on his convictions regarding Jesus Christ. He adopted a new view toward possessions, a new view of people, of the world and life itself. His mind was changed from a perception defined by and governed by the human senses and human values, to a perception defined by and governed by Christ. Or, as Paul explained, we who are in Christ, have been given the mind of Christ through the Holy Spirit. So we look at life from Christ’s perspective.
Therefore from now on we recognize no one according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him in this way no longer. Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
—2 Corinthians 5:16-17
Mark Stinnett
November 24, 2019
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