Repentance and Discipleship

The Disciple’s Core Belief: Jesus preached repentance to those who sought the kingdom of heaven

12 When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he returned to Galilee. 13 Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali--14 to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: 15 "Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles--16 the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned." 17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." Matthew 4:12-17 (NIV)

The Core Principle Applied:
Biblical repentance is a change of mind. It is not a decision based upon emotion or circumstance. Instead, repentance is a volitional choice of the will—a will that has been influenced by an inner conviction that comes from the Holy Spirit.

It is God who grants us the gift of repentance
Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 2 Timothy 2:25 (NIV)

Repentance is closely linked to the kingdom of God and belief in the Good News, the Gospel.
"The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" Mark 1:15 (NIV)

The fruit of repentance is always seen in a changed life.
But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount." Luke 19:8 (NIV)