REPENTANCE

Repentance and its meaning in the context of salvation is one of the most debated words amongst reformed theologians, many who have loaded the word with "baggage" not intended in the original meaning. The question is what are we called to do when we are given the imperative to "repent and believe".

Eugene Peterson in his excellent book "The Word Made Flesh" gives his insight into the word "repent". The following extract is from page 118 of the book.

" "Repent" is among the stock imperatives in the spiritual life. It is not a difficult word to understand. But it is a most difficult word to hear.. Repentance is a complex thing. The command itself is straightforward. It is an old word in the life of faith. It simply means "turn around" or "change your mind".The word is without ambiguity. Just do it. Personally not individualistically. In the biblical storey repentance cannot be narrowed down to something private, such as being sorry for your sins and ready to make amends. The call is to return to God and the ways of God and his people.....It has to do with entering a new way of life taking up membership in the kingdom of God...."you must revise your life" (Rilke)

Tacking on a recommended devotional practise to your already busy life will not do it. Making a set of resolutions will not do it. Feeling sorrow and penitance deep in your heart over a mispent life is a start but hardly sufficient. Moods can be cultivated. Emotions are easily manipulated. What must be abandoned in our understanding of repentance is the "lonely post-enlightenment individual bent on a quest for private salvation"

....What i am trying to get a feel for is that while imperatives are absolutley essential for getting our attention and getting us doing or not doing something they dont function as intended until they get us into the storey.........And in the case of the imperative to "repent!" it gets us into Jesus Kingdom storey, with all its complexities, mysteries, and possibilities for love and obedience."

I would be interested in hearing any views on Petersons definition of "repent" as well as any feedback on his book "The Word Made Flesh".