The Dangerous Lie That You Don’t Need to Repent

[bdavidc]

There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And he answered them, Jesus said: “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” ~ Luke 13:1-5

Notice what Jesus said twice above. There’s a false gospel being spread today that says you can be saved without repentance. That is a lie. It directly contradicts the words of Jesus Christ Himself. In Luke 13:3 and Luke 13:5, Jesus gives a crystal-clear warning: “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” He repeats it twice, not by accident, but for emphasis. These are not metaphorical or symbolic words. They are a direct call to every person who hears the truth. Jesus wasn’t talking to notorious criminals. He was correcting people who assumed others were worse sinners. He makes it clear that all are in danger of perishing unless they repent.

The Greek word used for “repent” is metanoēsēte, from metanoeō, which means more than just changing your mind. It refers to a turning of the heart, a complete reversal from sin toward God. Repentance is not about self-improvement, it’s about surrender. You don’t clean yourself up to be saved, but you don’t hold onto your sin either. Repentance is the response of a heart that believes what God says about sin, judgment, and the need for mercy.

This is not a side issue. Jesus didn’t say, “Unless you believe, you will perish,” in this passage. He said, “Unless you repent.” That doesn’t contradict faith. True saving faith always includes repentance. The gospel is not just an offer of blessing, it is a call to turn from sin and trust in the Savior. Paul preached the same message in Acts 20:21, declaring “repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” These are two sides of the same coin.

Do not be deceived by those who preach a repentance-free gospel. They are leading people to destruction with soft words and empty promises. Jesus didn’t come to bless you in your rebellion, He came to save you from it. If your gospel has no repentance, it has no salvation.

The real gospel calls sinners to turn from sin and trust in Christ. That is what Jesus preached, that is what the apostles preached, and that is what we must still preach today. Anything less is a counterfeit. Beware. Eternity is at stake.

 

[Ronald Nolette]

There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And he answered them, Jesus said: “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” ~ Luke 13:1-5

Notice what Jesus said twice above. There’s a false gospel being spread today that says you can be saved without repentance. That is a lie. It directly contradicts the words of Jesus Christ Himself. In Luke 13:3 and Luke 13:5, Jesus gives a crystal-clear warning: “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” He repeats it twice, not by accident, but for emphasis. These are not metaphorical or symbolic words. They are a direct call to every person who hears the truth. Jesus wasn’t talking to notorious criminals. He was correcting people who assumed others were worse sinners. He makes it clear that all are in danger of perishing unless they repent.

The Greek word used for “repent” is metanoēsēte, from metanoeō, which means more than just changing your mind. It refers to a turning of the heart, a complete reversal from sin toward God. Repentance is not about self-improvement, it’s about surrender. You don’t clean yourself up to be saved, but you don’t hold onto your sin either. Repentance is the response of a heart that believes what God says about sin, judgment, and the need for mercy.

This is not a side issue. Jesus didn’t say, “Unless you believe, you will perish,” in this passage. He said, “Unless you repent.” That doesn’t contradict faith. True saving faith always includes repentance. The gospel is not just an offer of blessing, it is a call to turn from sin and trust in the Savior. Paul preached the same message in Acts 20:21, declaring “repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” These are two sides of the same coin.

Do not be deceived by those who preach a repentance-free gospel. They are leading people to destruction with soft words and empty promises. Jesus didn’t come to bless you in your rebellion, He came to save you from it. If your gospel has no repentance, it has no salvation.

The real gospel calls sinners to turn from sin and trust in Christ. That is what Jesus preached, that is what the apostles preached, and that is what we must still preach today. Anything less is a counterfeit. Beware. Eternity is at stake.

You somewhat twist what repent (metanoeo) means. It does simply mean to change ones mind. The turning and learning to abandon sin comes from the change of mind one undergoes. Change of mind is salvation! We cannot learn to abandon sin and learn to hate sin until we are given the new life that also gives us the Holy Spirit. So biblically to repent means to change ones thinking and agree with God. All the rest starts from that.

 

[bdavidc]

You somewhat twist what repent (metanoeo) means. It does simply mean to change ones mind. The turning and learning to abandon sin comes from the change of mind one undergoes. Change of mind is salvation! We cannot learn to abandon sin and learn to hate sin until we are given the new life that also gives us the Holy Spirit. So biblically to repent means to change ones thinking and agree with God. All the rest starts from that.

I did not twist the meaning of metanoeō at all. The Bible makes it clear that repentance is not just a mental shift, but a turning of the heart that leads to a turning away from sin. I fully acknowledge that metanoeō includes a change of mind, but the Scriptures don’t stop there. True repentance, as shown throughout the Bible, results in action, turning to God and away from sin.

In Acts 3:19, Peter said, “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.” That’s not describing a mere mental agreement, that’s a total turning. In Acts 26:20, Paul said people must “repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.” That shows the change of mind is just the beginning, and it must be followed by a life that reflects that repentance.

So no, I did not twist anything. I affirmed the full biblical definition of repentance, starting in the mind, but always leading to a changed life. Anything less than that is not the repentance the Bible commands.

 

[Sister-n-Christ]

Let's be clear. No actual Christian will ever say,we don't need to repent.

And before the Anti-America Anti-Trump trolls show up to indict him as that, they have no idea what Trump actually believes. And can NEVER say Jesus doesn't know his name. Especially when those who behave that way toward him think they are an example of Christian.

 

[TLHKAJ]

Let's be clear. No actual Christian will ever say,we don't need to repent.

And before the Anti-America Anti-Trump trolls show up to indict him as that, they have no idea what Trump actually believes. And can NEVER say Jesus doesn't know his name. Especially when those who behave that way toward him think they are an example of Christian.

You contradict yourself. This is what stands out about every trump follower ...exchanging the true Gospel for a false gospel that says some people (or just this one) doesn't have to repent or even invite God into that picture to be saved. Exchanging the truth for a lie.

 

[Sister-n-Christ]

You contradict yourself. This is what stands out about every trump follower ...exchanging the true Gospel for a false gospel that says some people (or just this one) doesn't have to repent or even invite God into that picture to be saved. Exchanging the truth for a lie.

No. I didn't contradict myself.

You think you have a right to judge Trump. You don't. Your hate filled vitriol against him tells every reader here it is you who knows nothing of repentance.

Rather than condemn Donald and think his faith is subject to your scrutiny,consider yours is when you behave as you do against a man God's word says,he seated as president.

 

[Ronald Nolette]

I did not twist the meaning of metanoeō at all. The Bible makes it clear that repentance is not just a mental shift, but a turning of the heart that leads to a turning away from sin. I fully acknowledge that metanoeō includes a change of mind, but the Scriptures don’t stop there. True repentance, as shown throughout the Bible, results in action, turning to God and away from sin.

The turning comes from the change of mind. meta noioa is merely a change(mets) of thinking (noia), the Scriptures do not stop there, it shows the results of a change of mind.

 

[Dan Clarkston]

The Dangerous Lie That You Don’t Need to Repent

Uh oh, the OSAS, eternal security, false grace peoples are comin for you bro!

They are offended that you would accept the whole counsel of God and will pressure you to become cherry pickers like they are!

None to worry as I'm sure you are aware that the Shield of Faith quenches all the fiery darts of the wicked!

 

[Dan Clarkston]

It does simply mean to change ones mind.

And... IF someone really changed their mind about sinful behavior not being accepted by the Lord and causing people to become corrupt, they would STOP engaging in sinful behavior

 

[Ronald Nolette]

And... IF someone really changed their mind about sinful behavior not being accepted by the Lord and causing people to become corrupt, they would STOP engaging in sinful behavior View attachment 63543

or practice 1 JOhn 1:9 until God delivers them from that stronghold. Remember, though God sees us as perfect and finished- we still are learining to shed sin and clothe ourselves in rightewousness in areas. We do not become perfect overnight- it takes a lifetime.

 

[Dan Clarkston]

God sees us as perfect

No, when someone is walking in sin God sees them as being corrupt.

Galatians 6:7-8 (see Gen 8:22)
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

God gave man free will... if man chooses to turn and walk away from the Lord, God will let them do so.

Now the Lord is trying to tell people to repent, but if they ignore Him and continue living in sin and die in that state, the wages of sin is death so the reward for living in sin is NOT being brought in to Heaven and be told "well done my good and faithful servant"

Those living in sin are NOT serving the Lord and are not doing good, so those that die in sin get the devil's reward which is spending eternity separated from the Lord in hell.

Those claiming someone can live in sin and still be saved are in fact speaking in behalf of the devil and are mocking God according to Galatians 6:7-8

This is what the devil did in the garden is claiming one can disobey the Lord and they will not die... this is what the false teachers are saying today that one can be disobedient to the Lord and still be saved as they speak in behalf of the devil

Romans 8:13,14
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

 

[Ronald Nolette]

No, when someone is walking in sin God sees them as being corrupt.

Hebrews 10:14
For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

Not His children. Jesus paid for all our sin, so god now sees us perfected and is in the process of making our experience match our position.

Remember we are dead and hidden in christ. When Jesus appears, we shall (not might) appear with Him.

 

[marks]

You somewhat twist what repent (metanoeo) means. It does simply mean to change ones mind. The turning and learning to abandon sin comes from the change of mind one undergoes. Change of mind is salvation! We cannot learn to abandon sin and learn to hate sin until we are given the new life that also gives us the Holy Spirit. So biblically to repent means to change ones thinking and agree with God. All the rest starts from that.

My understanding is that it means having an exchanged mind, that is, the result of having exchanged one mind for another. In this case, the mind of the flesh exchanged for the mind of Christ. And yes, we will be changed as a result. That's the point. That having been dead, we become alive.

Again, my understanding, we repudiate the person we have been, not just our behavior, but our very being, recognizing our need for Jesus to forgive us and change us. He gives us rebirth, and we have a new mind. And as you've said, the rest starts from that.

Much love!

 

[marks]

The Bible makes it clear that repentance is not just a mental shift, but a turning of the heart that leads to a turning away from sin. I fully acknowledge that metanoeō includes a change of mind, but the Scriptures don’t stop there. True repentance, as shown throughout the Bible, results in action, turning to God and away from sin.

True repentance will of course result in changed behavior, but it's not the change of behavior, it's the change of mind that results in new choices, which results in different behavior.

I'd ask also, Biblically speaking, what is the difference between "heart" and "mind"?

Much love!

 

[bdavidc]

The turning comes from the change of mind. meta noioa is merely a change(mets) of thinking (noia), the Scriptures do not stop there, it shows the results of a change of mind.

You're right that the Greek word metanoia (μετάνοια) means a change of mind, but Scripture is clear that this change is not just intellectual, it results in a transformed life. A “change of mind” that doesn’t produce a turning from sin is not the kind of repentance the Bible calls for.

Jesus didn’t just say to “change your mind,” He said, “Repent ye, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15). The word used there is metanoeite, a command to repent. It’s not passive, it’s an urgent call to real, active change. In Acts 26:20, Paul said he preached “that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.” That phrase “works meet for repentance” shows that true repentance has visible results. It doesn’t stay in the head, it reaches the heart, and it shows in your life.

Even John the Baptist warned the religious crowd, “Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance” (Matthew 3:8). Again, repentance is not just an inner shift, it’s a surrender to God that results in a changed walk. If someone claims to have repented but continues in sin without conviction or change, then according to Scripture, their “change of mind” is worthless. Paul said in 2 Corinthians 7:10, “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of, but the sorrow of the world worketh death.” Godly repentance involves a brokenness over sin that leads to real turning.

So yes, metanoia begins with a change of thinking, but the Bible never isolates that change from its outcome. It always leads to a turning from sin, a submission to God, and a life that bears fruit in keeping with that repentance. Anything less is not the repentance the Bible commands.

 

[bdavidc]

True repentance will of course result in changed behavior, but it's not the change of behavior, it's the change of mind that results in new choices, which results in different behavior.

I'd ask also, Biblically speaking, what is the difference between "heart" and "mind"?

Much love!

Yes, repentance means a change of mind, but the Bible never treats the “mind” like it’s separate from the heart. In the Bible, your heart isn’t just your emotions, it includes your thoughts, your will, your desires, basically the core of who you are. Jesus said evil thoughts come from the heart (Matthew 15:19), and Paul said we believe with the heart unto righteousness (Romans 10:10). So when someone truly repents, it’s not just that they think differently, it’s that their heart turns toward God, and that shows up in how they live.

Now, about the “change of behavior” part. You're right, behavior isn’t the root of repentance, but it’s definitely the fruit. If someone says they’ve repented but nothing changes, then whatever “change of mind” they had wasn’t real. Luke 3:8 says to bring forth fruits worthy of repentance. That means real repentance always shows itself in action. Not perfection, but direction.

So, bottom line, in Scripture, the mind and heart go together. Repentance is a deep, inside-out change, not just a new opinion. It’s a full turning to God that leads to a changed life. That’s what the Bible teaches.

 

[Dan Clarkston]

Hebrews 10:14
For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

Not His children. Jesus paid for all our sin, so god now sees us perfected and is in the process of making our experience match our position.

Remember we are dead and hidden in christ. When Jesus appears, we shall (not might) appear with Him.

And there you have it folks!

This false doctrine (cherry pickin) is why so many believe it's OK to live in sin and claim to still be saved

It's fitting that the quote above using a little g in god... because it's a false god that claims nobody needs to repent of their sins, walk in the Spirit, abiding in Christ, in obedience unto the Lord.

 

[marks]

Yes, repentance means a change of mind, but the Bible never treats the “mind” like it’s separate from the heart. In the Bible, your heart isn’t just your emotions, it includes your thoughts, your will, your desires, basically the core of who you are. Jesus said evil thoughts come from the heart (Matthew 15:19), and Paul said we believe with the heart unto righteousness (Romans 10:10). So when someone truly repents, it’s not just that they think differently, it’s that their heart turns toward God, and that shows up in how they live.

On the one hand you say they are the same (I agree), but then you treat them as different. Thinking differently IS the heart turned towards God, is it not?

So, bottom line, in Scripture, the mind and heart go together. Repentance is a deep, inside-out change, not just a new opinion. It’s a full turning to God that leads to a changed life. That’s what the Bible teaches.

New opinion? That sounds trivial.

I think you are leaving something out here.

We repent, which is to change our minds, to turn from ourselves to God. Receiving Jesus, God gives us rebirth, and we become new, changed.

Repentance doesn't change us from being dead in sin to alive in Christ. Repentance does not give us the power over sin, baptism into Jesus does that, as we are filled with His Spirit.

Repentance doesn't give us an upward call of God. Repentance doesn't make us Christians, being born again, which God does for us, that converts us.

Much love!

 

[bdavidc]

On the one hand you say they are the same (I agree), but then you treat them as different. Thinking differently IS the heart turned towards God, is it not?


New opinion? That sounds trivial.

I think you are leaving something out here.

We repent, which is to change our minds, to turn from ourselves to God. Receiving Jesus, God gives us rebirth, and we become new, changed.

Repentance doesn't change us from being dead in sin to alive in Christ. Repentance does not give us the power over sin, baptism into Jesus does that, as we are filled with His Spirit.

Repentance doesn't give us an upward call of God. Repentance doesn't make us Christians, being born again, which God does for us, that converts us.

Much love!

What you're saying sounds close, but it splits things that the Bible keeps together. Repentance is not something extra or separate from being born again, it’s part of how God brings us to new life. The Greek word metanoia means a change of mind, yes, but it’s not just about thinking differently. It’s a deep turning from sin and self toward God. That’s why Jesus said, “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3). He didn’t say that to scare people, He said it because repentance is required to be saved.

You said repentance doesn’t make us Christians, but the Bible says in Acts 3:19, “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.” That shows repentance and conversion go hand in hand. No one gets saved without turning to God. In Acts 2:38, Peter told the crowd, “Repent, and be baptized... for the remission of sins.” Repentance comes first, not after.

Yes, it’s God who causes us to be born again (John 3:5, Titus 3:5), but that doesn’t happen without repentance. Ephesians 2 says we were dead in sin, but God made us alive with Christ, by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8). That faith always comes with repentance. It’s not just belief in facts, it’s a surrendered heart. No one in Scripture was ever saved without turning away from sin.

Repentance doesn’t earn salvation, but it’s the first real sign that someone is being drawn to God (John 6:44). Without it, you’re just giving lip service. Paul said his mission was to preach “that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance” (Acts 26:20). That’s not extra, that’s the biblical pattern.

So no, repentance isn’t just a new opinion. It’s the doorway to life. It’s how God brings a person low so He can raise them up. Without repentance, there is no new birth, no forgiveness, and no salvation. That’s not man’s idea, that’s God’s Word.

 

[marks]

The Greek word metanoia means a change of mind, yes, but it’s not just about thinking differently.

That is correct. Meta, "after", noia, "mind", metanoia is the "after-mind", that is the result of an exchanged mind. You had one mind, now you have another mind.

In Scripture, we start with the mind of the flesh, and later have the mind of Christ. While metanoia normally means to entirely reverse your thinking about something, in Scripture there seems to be a much more literal usage in the New Testament.

While the OT word frequently translated repent means to change your direction, the NT word is not the same.

Much love!