Repent by a renewal of your mind: That is what Metanoia means in the Christian context.
The Call to Repentance
How does this definition come about? In Matthew 4:17, we read thus:
”From that time, Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”
Matthew 4:17, KJV
Repent – Μετανοεῖτε – this is a call to action! Now, how do we repent? Is it enough to say “I’m sorry. I will do better next time?” Let us have a quick look at the meaning of the Greek word that we translate “repentance” or “to repent”.
The Greek “mετανοεῖτε” transliterates to “Metanoia”, and taken literally, translates to “Go beyond (meta) your mind (nous).” Thus, it describes an insight that goes far beyond the intellect. It denotes instead a profound understanding, in our case a profound understanding of just how deeply flawed human nature is, of just how grievous our personal and communal sins are, and of just how much in need of cleansing each and every one of us is. Nothing impure will hold its own when face to face with God, and so only a movement of the soul that goes far beyond “I am sorry” or “I’ll never do THAT again” can properly be called metanoia, repentance.
How does one repent properly?
What does it mean, then: to repent? Can we even go beyond our own mind? The most common Scriptural books to go to for such “How to” questions are Paul’s letters. Practical advice seems to be largely (although obviously not exclusively) his domain. Only think of the never-ending discussion about head coverings for women, or familial hierarchy, or the qualifications of elders, to name only three. So let us go to Paul, and let him answer our question of how to repent:
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2, KJV
The key phrase here is “be not conformed to this world”. Paul is not the only one who stresses this. James says
“Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” James 4:4, KJV
How does he know? Jesus Himself said it:
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 KJV
Now, these days, when they are trying to make you believe that it is money that makes the world go ’round, remember one other verse in this context of the renewal of your mind. Remember that
“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:24, KJV
In short…
The first step on this road is trust in God the Father, trust in Jesus the Son, and trust in
Metanoia starts when you sever yourself from the wisdom of the world and cling to the Wisdom from above. As Paul put it, a renewal of the mind will lead us to “prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” And who will assist us in this metanoia?
“… the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” John 14:26 KJV