“Repentance” is a word that seems always need defining as there seems to be many understandings and misunderstandings (see picture).  Tim Keller, founding pastor of Redeemer Pres. in New York City, is in my opinion a “Grade A” approved communicator of Christian orthodoxy in our age.  I believe his explanation of “repentance” is both solidly biblical and effectively communicated, capturing both the common religious misunderstanding (man-centeredness) and the correct biblical (God-centered) understanding.

From Of First Importance:

“In the religious approach, repentance separates you from the source of your power and your hope and your confidence - because that’s a good record.

But in the gospel, repentance reconnects you to the source of your power and your confidence and your joy. Why? Because the source of your self image, the source of your power, the source of your confidence is not your record, but His record. Not what you have done, but what He has done.”
- Tim Keller