The penitent – This archetype is represented by Peter, who denied Christ but then repented and became a great leader in the early Church.

The Penitent archetype is represented by the biblical story of Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. The Penitent is an archetype of redemption, seeking atonement for their sins and seeking to right the wrongs they have committed. Peter's story is no different, serving as an example of determination and personal sacrifice in his quest to save humanity from sin. 

The story of Peter’s redemption begins with the betrayal of Jesus Christ. Out of fear of arrest, Peter had harshly denied knowing Jesus three times; upon which Jesus reprimanded him. Peter, filled with guilt and shame, subsequently wept bitterly. Although Jesus had already foreseen this eventuality, He still felt deeply betrayed. Despite his guilt and despair however, Peter still attempted to make amends. He repented and restored his relationship with God by remaining faithful to Him.

Peter later received clear guiding instructions from God on how to bring about his penitence in the form of his ministry. The Lord instructed him to "be shepherding my sheep" (John 21:16 ESV) and to fulfill his mission as one of the leaders in the church. Through his evangelism, pastoralship, and capacity to provide spiritual direction, Peter was able to offer his atonement for his sins.

Peter was one of the most influential of Jesus' apostles, his life serving as an example of faith, courage, and self-sacrifice. Despite his self-doubt and deep sense of guilt, he persevered until his redemption. Acting as a leader in the church allowed him to give a practical face to his repentance by spreading the gospel and by providing spiritual guidance. 

His sacrifice served as a source of inspiration for Christians everywhere in their own struggles with penitence. His restoration of faith, his determination despite his personal struggles, and his values of forgiveness, love, and faithfulness, make Peter an example of strength, determination, and redemption. Peter's penitence is a reminder to us all that the Lord may be willing to forgive the repentant, no matter how deep and resonant their sins are.

The penitent is an archetype that is represented by Peter, who denied Christ but then repented and became a great leader in the early Church. This archetype represents someone who is able to recognize their mistakes and then take steps to change their ways.

1. Psalm 51:1-2 – 'Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!'

2. Psalm 32:5 – 'I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.'

3. 1 John 1:9 – 'If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.'

4. Acts 3:19 – 'Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out.'

5. Luke 24:47 – 'and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.'

6. 2 Corinthians 7:10 – 'For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.'

7. 1 Timothy 1:15 – 'The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.'

8. Romans 2:4 – 'Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?'

9. Ezekiel 18:30 – 'Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge each of you according to his ways, declares the Sovereign Lord.'

10. James 4:8 – 'Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.'