Repentance — The New Covenant Resurrection

So they shall fear the name of the LORD from the west,
and his glory from the rising of the sun;
for he will come like a rushing stream,
which the wind of the LORD drives.

Isaiah 59:19

This likely refers to the conversion of the gentiles or nations (cf. Calvin). The first two stanzas deal with that, the second two stanzas speak of the entire period from this return from captivity (not merely physically, but spiritually) to the time when Christ the redeemer comes conquering Satan, sin, and death for his elect who turn from transgression (cf. Isaiah 59:20).

Repentance is here the new covenant resurrection for the believer. As Christ rose and conquered death, sin, and Satan, so the believer is raised in repentance coupled at the same time with regeneration, for there cannot be one before the other, but are at the same time all free grace.

And as such, when Christ comes into our hearts, we are made alive in him. And this repentance has no repentance. That is, this repentance will not be taken away but is forever — so there is no chance to ever return to a time when spiritual life can be lost again (cf. Isaiah 59:21).

God will not settle for a part of salvation, but will save the world, redeeming his elect through all time and completely, from every nation, tribe, and tongue. Saved to sin no more, and never to die again spiritually speaking.

Many returned from Babylon, who did not return with the temple in their hearts. But those who return to God, can be assured even if they remained in Babylon as a place, they are in Christ forever.

This is in one sense how the whole salvation of our Lord works, as he has the church share in his victory over all his enemies, and at last triumph forever according to that new covenant that cannot pass away (Jer 31:31; Heb 8:10; 10:16).