The synonyms of “repentance.”
The synonyms of “repentance.”
§ 11. There are various synonyms for “repentance” [poenitentia] when it is used for true conversion to God. Those who repent of their sins salutarily are said “to be converted from their sins to the Lord,” “to return from their own way,” “to seek the Lord,” “to rise up again,” “to turn away from evil and to do good,” etc. We shall set up the following classes of synonymous expressions. Some are general terms which express the entire work of conversion, but some are specific and describe the whole from one part of conversion.
The general expressions are those used when repentance is called: (1) With regard to its starting point [terminus a quo], a “turning (ἀποστροφή) from sins” (1 Kings 8:35; Isa. 59:20), “from evil ways” (2 Chron. 7:14), “from wickedness and iniquity” (Jer. 18:8; Ezek. 18:30); “a departure from iniquity” (2 Tim. 2:19).
(2) With regard to its ending point [terminus ad quem], it is said to be “a turning and returning (ἐπιστροφή) to the Lord” (Deut. 30:2; Jer. 3:7; etc.). “Thus says the Lord: ‘Israel, if you will return, be turned back to Me’ ” (Jer. 15:19).
(3) With regard to both its starting and ending points, it is called “conversion” absolutely.9 “After You converted me, I repented” (Jer. 31:19). “Repent and be converted” (Acts 3:19). In some statements both points are united with clear words. “That you may be converted from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God” (Acts 26:18).
(4) With regard to its effect, it is called “repentance unto the remission of sins” (Mark 1:4) and “repentance unto life” (Acts 11:18).
(5) Metaphorically, by comparison, it is called “the first resurrection,” that is, with respect to the second resurrection of bodies, which we await on the Last Day. “Blessed and holy is he who shares in the first resurrection (ἐν τῇ ἀναστάσει πρώτῃ)! Over such the second death has no power” (Rev. 20:6).
** Repentance is called “the first resurrection” (John 5[:24]; Rev. 20[:6]). Augustine (De civ. Dei, 20, ch. 6) explains the reason: “Because souls also have their own death in wickedness and sins.” **
“You were raised through faith. When you were dead in your sins, God made you alive together with Him” (Col. 2:12–13). Eph. 5:14: “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead” (“by repentance from dead works,” Heb. 6:1) “and Christ will appear to you.” Here waking, rising, and appearing are joined together. “God may perhaps grant them repentance that they may escape from the snare of the devil” (2 Tim. 2:25–26). Here ἀνανήφειν means “to return to sobriety, to have a composed mind.”
The specific expressions which describe conversion by synecdoche are: (1) Confession. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins” (1 John 1:9). “He who conceals his transgressions will never prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy” (Prov. 28:13).
(2) Sadness according to God. “The sadness which is according to God produces repentance that leads to salvation not to be regretted” (2 Cor. 7:10).
(3) Turning away from evil and a good intent. “Depart from evil and do good, and you shall abide forever,” etc. (Ps. 37:27). Justin says that to repent is “to change” [μεταβάλλειν] (Apol. 2, p. 52); “to change” [μεταθέσθαι] (p. 71); “to change one’s mind” [μεταγινώσκειν] (Dial. cum Tryph., p. 177).