Now for a word or two on the subject of repentance. Our English word repent comes from the Greek word metanoeo, which means to change your mind or to think differently. In other words, to repent does not mean that one completely stops sinning. Were such the true definition, no human being would be able to repent, as none of us have the ability to completely stop sinning. Rather, to repent means to begin to think differently about sin. So, for example, people who sin are unrepentant when they enjoy committing sin and wish down deep that the sinful acts they do were not prohibited by the Lord. Repentant people, on the other hand, are those who still occasionally commit sins but deeply desire to overcome their fallen and sinful natures. They love the commandments, are desirous to comply with the Lords will, and loathe sin in all of its forms. Thus, the difference between repentant and unrepentant is not sinless verses sinful. Rather, it is the difference between the desire to be good and the desire that the commandments be rescinded. Whats striking is that the Lord asks us to repent, or think differently about sin, if we wish salvation. He asks us to learn to think as He thinks about sin and unrighteousness. He does not, however, tell us that we must never sin again if we are to be saved. What He asks of us in this regard is entirely within the realm of human possibility. We can change our thoughts, desires, and attitudes. Of course, as with all else spiritual, we must rely upon Him and His Holy Spirit to bring to pass this mighty change in us (Mosiah 5:2; Alma 5:12–14). But it can be done. From _Odds Are, Youre Going To Be Exalted_
Posted on: Mon, 01 Sep 2014 18:07:04 +0000