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Repentance, metanoia, is a change of mind that turns from sin, not mere regret, a resolution made under the rod, or a partial leaving of some sins while keeping others. Scripture shows false examples in Pharaoh, who confessed under judgment and returned to sin when the rod lifted, Judas, who felt remorse yet did not turn to Christ, and Herod, who feared John but would not give up his unlawful marriage. Jesus is then told of Galileans whose blood Pilate mixed with their sacrifices, and of eighteen killed when the tower in Siloam fell. He rejects the assumption that these were worse sinners than the rest, and twice declares that unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. The call reaches every hearer without ranking sin or comparing oneself to those who suffered.
Repentance, metanoia, is a change of mind that turns from sin, not mere regret, a resolution made under the rod, or a partial leaving of some sins while keeping others. Scripture shows false examples in Pharaoh, who confessed under judgment and returned to sin when the rod lifted, Judas, who felt remorse yet did not turn to Christ, and Herod, who feared John but would not give up his unlawful marriage. Jesus is then told of Galileans whose blood Pilate mixed with their sacrifices, and of eighteen killed when the tower in Siloam fell. He rejects the assumption that these were worse sinners than the rest, and twice declares that unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. The call reaches every hearer without ranking sin or comparing oneself to those who suffered.
