Cartoonology. There is great theology in cartoons and comics.
It is, indeed, possible to get it wrong the first time when it comes to repentance. That is primarily due to a misunderstanding of the meaning of the word. Since the Bible makes it clear that repentance is necessary, it is important that we understand what it means.
Luke 13:3 (KJV)
3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
I like the military analogy when describing repentance. It is comparable to the “about face” or “to the rear march” military commands, which mean to do a 180 degree turn and walk in the opposite direction. It is also like a u-turn in the highway when you change your direction 180 degrees. When a person repents, he or she recognizes their sin, feels remorse toward God for it, confesses it to God and then has a genuine change of mind that moves him or her away from that sin. Of course, God becomes the enabler at that point.
This point is essential because there are two different Greek words in the Bible for repentance. Easton’s Bible Dictionary explains it well.
(1.) The verb metamelomai is used of a change of mind, such as to produce regret or even remorse on account of sin, but not necessarily a change of heart. This word is used with reference to the repentance of Judas (Mat 27:3).
(2.) Metanoeo, means to change one's mind and purpose, as the result of knowledge. This verb, with (3) the cognate noun metanoia, is used of true repentance, a change of mind and purpose and life, to which remission of sin is promised.
Evangelical repentance consists of (1) a true sense of one's own guilt and sinfulness; (2) an apprehension of God's mercy in Christ; (3) an actual hatred of sin (Ps 119:128; Job 42:5, 6; 2Co 7:10) and turning from it to God; and (4) a persistent endeavour after a holy life in walking with God in the way of his commandments.
The true penitent is conscious of guilt (Ps 51:4, 9), of pollution (Ps 51:5, 7, 10), and of helplessness (Ps 51:11; Ps 109:21, 22). Thus he apprehends himself to be just what God has always seen him to be and declares him to be. But repentance comprehends not only such a sense of sin, but also an apprehension of mercy, without which there can be no true repentance (Ps 51:1; Ps 130:4). (Illustrated Bible Dictionary: And Treasury of Biblical History, Biography, Geography, Doctrine, and Literature)
As Easton shows, one can be sorry for sin but not truly repentant toward God. This kind of sorrow does not result in forgiveness or salvation. Judas is a good case in point. God will forgive, cleanse and save the truly repentant person of all his or her sins. That is Good News!
1 John 1:9 (KJV)
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 01-30-09
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