The first item in the list of first principles mentioned by the Hebrew writer in chapter 6 is “repentance from dead works” (6:1). This is a fundamental concept of Christianity. A person cannot please God by participating in the pleasures of sin. James rightly says that “friendship with the world is enmity with God” (James 4:4). We cannot expect God to have fellowship with someone in darkness because “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). This truth requires repentance, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

The English word “repentance” is translated from the Greek word “metanoia,” meaning compunction, or reversal. W. E. Vines renders it an “after-thought, change of mind” and “the requirement by God on man’s part.” In the context of Hebrews 6, and most other places in scripture, the repentance is from dead works. Paul writes to the saints in Rome telling them that they, by being baptized, had put to death their old man. The body of sin had been put to death, and they were therefore freed from the bondage of sin (cf. Romans 6:1-11). Paul was shedding light on this fact due to their lack of repentance. They were “continuing in sin that grace may abound” (Romans 6:1). Their concept of grace was skewed due to the lack of understanding of the teaching mentioned in the previous chapter. Instead of turning away from sin they welcomed it, thinking it was necessary for grace to work. Paul had to show them that grace made it possible to be set free from sin, and instead be enslaved to God. A servant serves his master, and so Christians must serve God and not sin. In order to serve God, a change of mind toward dead works is necessary.

Repentance suggests two things must occur. It is a change of mind from something to something. While everyone may not have the same struggles, all are still required to turn away from their sin, and while doing so turn to God. Someone might have a change of mind about what they are doing, and make the necessary change to stop acting in that way. However, if the change did not occur due to conviction from God’s word, then the change is not true repentance. There may be an individual who stops committing a sin simply because they grow tired of it, or become physically or mentally incapable of committing that sin. This is not repentance. To see exactly what repentance looks like we must turn to the scriptures for a divine example.

Consider the text of 2 Corinthians 7. After writing his first epistle to the church at Corinth, rebuking them for their sin, and refuting false doctrine, Paul received good news about their reaction to the letter (cf. 2 Corinthians 7:7). This caused Paul to write this second epistle to them. In it, while Paul still had to deal with some problems, we read of some positive reactions from the Corinthians. In the seventh chapter we read of their repentance. This scripture reveals what leads to repentance, and what makes repentance manifest.

“For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted: but the sorrow of the world produces death” (2 Corinthians 7:10). Sorrow produces repentance. If someone is not made sorry, repentance is impossible. There is an obvious distinction between two sorrows. Godly sorrow produces repentance, and worldly sorrow produces death. Worldly sorrow is selfish. Someone that is sorry for being caught, or sorry for how the action made him look, is filled with worldly sorrow. The sorrow of the world is hypocritical, and irresponsible. A person filled with worldly sorrow is going to seem sorry in the midst of others, but behind closed doors has no intention of changing his ways. This sorrow is not going to lead to obedience to God, and as a result, will lead to death (cf. Romans 6:23). Godly sorrow produces repentance. It is selfless. Instead of the individual worrying about what others think of him, he acknowledges his transgression before God, and does whatever it takes to be in good standing with Him again. David is a great example of a man with filled with godly sorrow. When Nathan the prophet admonished David (cf. 2 Samuel 12) after his sin with Bathsheba, and sin against Uriah, he was cut to the heart. The 51^st Psalm reveals David’s attitude toward his sin. “For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight” (Psalm 51:3-4). David didn’t blame anyone but himself for the sin that was committed. It is apparent that David needed to prove to God that he was sorry, and the same is true for sinners today. God deserves evidence of our repentance, and turn to obedience.

In 2 Corinthians 7, Paul gives a list of things that godly sorrow produced in the Corinthians. He said that “In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter” (2 Corinthians 7:11). If the Corinthians had to prove themselves to be clear, why shouldn’t we? To understand what true repentance looks like, and to find out what is necessary to prove oneself, let us examine the Corinthians.

“What diligence it produced in you!” Diligence is translated from the Greek word, spoude, meaning speed, eagerness, and earnestness. This is often associated with study. Diligence includes study, but means more. The Corinthians were diligent in that they were quick to do good. They were at the ready to do whatever God commanded them.

“What clearing of yourselves!” The Corinthians were cleared of their guilt. They recognized the sin they had committed and turned from it to the forgiveness God offered. This required an action on their part.

“What indignation!” Indignation is anger toward the sin. We are to “hate the sin, not the sinner.” Indignation is the attitude toward sin that is expressed in that idea.

“What fear!” Fear suggests an alertness of mind. They had a fear they might once again fall into the transgression. Because of this they were aware of their actions. They also feared God’s wrath toward their sin.

“What vehement desire!” The Corinthians had a longing for peace with God. When we sin we oppose ourselves to God. With repentance comes the strong desire to find ourselves at peace with our creator.

“What zeal!” Zeal is that eagerness to do what is right. They were excited and ready to turn away from sin, and turn toward God.

“What vindication!” Sin is an act of injustice. A penitent person has a strong desire for justice to be restored.

“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). This fact suggests that all must “repent from dead works.” On the day of Pentecost, Peter rebuked the Jews for crucifying the Christ. This pricked their hearts and they asked him what they had to do. We all recall Peter’s statement to “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized” (Acts 2:38). In order to have peace with God, repentance must occur.