Teaching:
There are three different Greek words for repentance, and each carry a different meaning.
Metamelomai
Metamelomai refers to a shift in mindset that results solely in regret or remorse, without any genuine transformation of the heart. The term is derived from the combination of “meta,” meaning “after,” and “melo,” meaning “to care for/painful anxiety following a past action.”
2 Corinthians 7:10 NKJV
Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.
Metamelomai is the sorrow that produces death because there is no true repentance.
Matthew 27:3 NKJV
Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders
One could argue that Judas experienced a sorrow that leads to death. Feeling remorseful, Judas attempted to rectify his actions by returning the silver he had received for betraying Jesus. Although Judas wronged Jesus, he did not seek reconciliation with him. Judas' repentance was insincere, ultimately resulting in his death.
Metanoeo
Metanoeo results in a shift in mindset and intention, which is triggered solely by acquiring fresh knowledge or information (or realization of wrongdoing). The term “Meta” signifies after, while “Noeo” denotes perception. Upon recognizing the new wrongdoing, there is a transformation in mindset, leading to the emergence or clarification of a new purpose.
2 Corinthians 7:9-10
Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.
Metanoeo is a godly sadness that guides individuals towards genuine repentance. It involves a strong willingness to restore one's reputation and a longing for righteousness. The transformation from being Lost to Found brings joy to Heaven (Luke 15:3-7). The Lord desires to celebrate your repentance!
Metanoeo can happen when you hold God's hand and spend time in His presence. God unveils new revelations to you during your time with Him prompting a shift in your mindset and perspective, which leads you to experience godly sorrow that will change your mind and purpose.
We must be open to correction from the LORD and follow where He leads.
Having a self-righteous attitude can lead to a closed heart, making it difficult to accept new information or knowledge. This mindset can hinder a person from being guided towards salvation, as they resist experiencing godly sorrow by rejecting the correction from the LORD.
(Lastly) METANOIA
Metanoia is the goal of repentance.
Metanoia is a change in mind, purpose, and lifestyle. There is a profound transformation in a person's thinking that results in a new purpose and lifestyle.
Luke 3:8-9
Therefore, bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones. And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”
When a person genuinely repents, they will start to show the results of their repentance through their actions as they follow through on their commitment to change. An illustration of this can be seen in the transformation of Saul into Paul in the Bible.
Luke 24:47
Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
In this verse, "remission" is used to explain this form of repentance. Remission means no longer living with something (such as cancer). Genuine repentance is met with the remission of sin -- ONLY JESUS can accomplish this.
Instruction:
Scripture for Study: Ephesians 4:22-32
Look for the pattern of repentance as outlined in the teaching.
What does this scripture teach you?
What will you do with it?
Remember:
Metamelomai engages a person’s emotions. There is regret and remorse, but no change or understanding.
Metanoeo engages a person’s mind. New information produces godly sorrow that leads to a change in a person’s mind and purpose.
Metanoia engages a person’s will. This is repentance fully matured. It produces a change in mind, purpose, and lifestyle.
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