Penitence. Among
Protestants penitence is considered a synonym for repentance, sorrow for sin,
and the turning away from it to lead a new life. It should not be confused with
penance, a sacrament in the Roman Catholic Church that stresses the performance
of ecclesiastically prescribed acts to make satisfaction for postbaptismal
sins.
Jesus’ message, as well as
that of his immediate disciples, was characterized by the call for men to
repent (Mark 1:15; 6:12; Luke 10:13). The Greek term metanoeo holds two ideas: “to change one’s mind” and “to regret or
feel remorse.” Thus, repentance is one aspect of conversion, the other being
faith. Together they form one experience in which a person turns from sin to
Christ.
--B.
L. Shelley,
Evangelical Dictionary of Theology,
Second
Edition, p. 898
Most enjoyable read Gregg, thanks for putting the two words into their perspective.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
YVonne - Thanks for your comment, glad to have shared some light.
ReplyDeletePenitence or repentance is something God requires and delights in, unfortunately He takes no delight in penance.