悔改是什么意思?是不是要为每件罪痛哭流涕?
What does repentance mean? Do I have to weep bitterly for every sin?
简答 Short Answer
悔改的本义是「心意转变」——从背离神转向神。真正的悔改不在于情感的强烈程度,而在于认罪、转向和信靠基督。
Repentance literally means 'a change of mind' — turning from rebellion against God toward God. True repentance isn't measured by emotional intensity but by confession, turning, and trusting Christ.
详细解答 Detailed Answer
「悔改」在希腊文中是 metanoia,意思是「心意的根本转变」。它不只是后悔做了某事,而是整个人生方向的改变。
**悔改包括三个层面:**
1. **认知上**:认识到自己得罪了神,而不仅仅是后悔不良后果。大卫犯罪后对神说:「我向你犯罪,惟独得罪了你」(诗篇51:4)。
2. **情感上**:对罪产生真实的忧伤。但「依着神的意思忧愁」和「世俗的忧愁」不同(哥林多后书7:10)——前者带来生命的改变,后者只是自怜。
3. **意志上**:决心转离罪,转向神。这不是说从此完美无缺,而是生命方向发生了根本改变。
**需要澄清的误解:**
- 悔改不等于痛哭。有人流泪但没有真正转变,有人安静却内心已彻底归向神。 - 悔改不是一次性事件,而是基督徒一生的态度。马丁·路德在九十五条中第一条就说:「主说'你们应当悔改',意思是信徒的整个生命都应该是悔改。」 - 悔改也是神的恩赐(提摩太后书2:25),不是纯粹靠人的意志力。
The Greek word for 'repentance' is metanoia, meaning 'a fundamental change of mind.' It's not merely regretting something but a complete redirection of life.
**Repentance involves three dimensions:**
1. **Cognitive**: Recognizing that you have sinned against God, not just regretting bad consequences. After his sin, David said to God: 'Against you, you only, have I sinned' (Psalm 51:4).
2. **Emotional**: Genuine sorrow over sin. But 'godly grief' differs from 'worldly grief' (2 Corinthians 7:10) — the former leads to life transformation, the latter is mere self-pity.
3. **Volitional**: A decision to turn from sin toward God. This doesn't mean instant perfection but a fundamental change of direction.
**Common misconceptions:**
- Repentance doesn't equal weeping. Some cry without real change; others are quiet yet have truly turned to God. - Repentance isn't a one-time event but a lifelong Christian posture. Martin Luther's first of the 95 Theses states: 'When our Lord said "Repent," He meant the entire life of believers should be one of repentance.' - Repentance is also a gift from God (2 Timothy 2:25), not purely a product of human willpower.
📖 经文引用 Bible Verses
📚 推荐阅读 Related Readings
- •The Doctrine of Repentance (Thomas Watson)
- •Redemption Accomplished and Applied Ch.9 (John Murray)