Repentance
Key Verse
“From that time Jesus began to preach and say, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’”
– Matthew 4:17
Basic Biblical Understanding
The word “repent” (repentance) means more than regret or sorrow (Hebrews 12:17); it means to turn around, to change direction, to change the mind and will. Humanly speaking, we don’t have the capacity to repent on our own volition. True repentance is the result of God pulling a person to Himself through grace (Acts 5:30; 11:18). Scripture tells us that God’s long-suffering and kindness lead us to repentance (2 Peter 3:9; Romans 2:4).
Understanding this definition, we can now see two areas—salvation and sanctification—where repentance is essential to God’s plan for human flourishing. Let’s briefly explore both.
Repentance is essential to God’s plan for salvation. The book of Acts is filled with passages connecting our repentance to God’s salvation (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 11:18; 20:21). In relation to salvation, repentance changes your mind about your sin, your spiritual condition, and the message of Christ. Second Corinthians 7:10 says, “For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.”
Repentance is also essential to God’s plan for sanctification. Sanctification is the process of being conformed into the image of Christ. In relation to sanctification, repentance changes a person’s mindset and their actions. Mentally, repentance changes the way we think about God, sin, holiness, and doing God’s will. It’s more than a fear of consequences; it hates sin for what it is—an affront to God. Repentance also changes a person’s behavior (Luke 3:8-14; Acts 3:19). John the Baptist called people to “produce fruit in keeping with repentance” (Matthew 3:8), and Paul taught that we “should repent…performing deeds appropriate to repentance” (Acts 26:20). The biblical definition of repentance includes a change of mind that results in a change of action.
Verses (ask God to to show you how they apply to your life)
“Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance.”
– Romans 2:4
“Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.”
– Acts 3:19
Helpful Questions and Application
It’s easy to confuse regret with repentance. We may regret the sin or the problems that have come from our sins, but we may still remain unrepentant. We’ve not repented of a sin we continue to commit. Understanding that distinction, are you repentant or regretful? Through prayer, use the definitions and Bible references in this article to help you discern that answer in your life.
Acts 3:19 talks about repentance preceding times of “refreshing…in the presence of the Lord.” Repentance seems difficult when you view it through the lens of sin and brokenness. However, repentance is a gift when you view it through the lens of refreshing and freedom. Ask God to help you reframe repentance in your life. Imagine the freedom that will come when you truly repent (no more hiding, no more living in the shadows, no excuses or attempts to deflect). Repent and experience refreshing in His presence.
Additional Resources
Scripture references: Matthew 3:8; Acts 3:19; 2 Peter 3:9; Acts 2:38
WordTruth Article:
”Abiding in God . . . A Necessity for Christ-like Development”
”Confession – Insight Into the Real You”