That we are all in need of repentance (Metanoia) is beyond dispute, as this is clearly indicated at the beginning of the Gospel in the very first words preached by both St. John the Baptizer and Jesus: Repent: for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand. At the end of the Gospel, where the Lord commissions His disciples we also hear: that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

So the question that I believe is very important to answer is this: What is repentance and how does it bring about our personal renewal?

Repentance, says St. John Climacus, is the renewal of baptism. We know from Holy Scripture and our life in the Church that baptism means dying to the old man and being raised together with Christ in newness of life. This is more clearly seen in the traditional way of baptism, namely immersion. The person being baptized is plunged down into the water and then raised up again.  St. Paul says this in Romans (6: 3-7):

Are you not aware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Through baptism into his death we were buried with him, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live a new life. If we have been united with him through likeness to his death, so shall we be through a like resurrection. This we know: our old self was crucified with him so that he sinful body might be destroyed and we might be slaves to sin no longer.

So if, as John Climacus teaches us, repentance is the renewal of baptism, then it too must signify the renewal of the very same death and resurrection in Christ that we receive at baptism. But what exactly is this kind of death and what is this kind of resurrection? The short answer to this question, as the holy Apostle Paul goes on to say in Romans, must be that death which sets us free from sin.

So, in practical terms, how do we die to sin? Christ Himself tells us plainly that if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. But what do these words really mean? Is this just an exalted metaphor that is intended to encourage us to be good and honest citizens? Most certainly not. For if Jesus is truly the way, then surely, if we would be His disciples, we must also follow Him, follow His way.

I think that the way of Jesus should be evident to many since it is something that I have frequently referred to. I shall, repeat it again in the next issue