Repentance

The prophets'' constant call, and the first word of both John the Baptist and Jesus: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Repentance (Greek metanoia) is more than regret; it is a turning of the whole person — mind, heart, and will — away from sin and toward God. It is the flip side of faith: as faith turns to Christ, repentance turns from sin. Far from grim, it opens onto joy, "for there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents."