Repentance is an important biblical concept that is central to understanding salvation. At its core, repentance refers to a change of mind and heart in response to the convicting work of the Holy Spirit, turning away from sin and turning toward God. The Bible makes clear that repentance involves remorse over sin, confession of sin, and a resolved commitment to forsake sin and instead obey God. True repentance involves both the mind and the will – it is more than just feeling sorry for sin, but requires determined action to change.
There are numerous verses throughout Scripture that emphasize the necessity of repentance for salvation. When Jesus began His public ministry, His message was clear: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). Both John the Baptist and Jesus preached repentance in preparation for the coming of the kingdom (Matthew 3:2; Mark 1:15). After His resurrection, Jesus commanded “that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations” (Luke 24:47). The apostles also preached repentance as part of the gospel message (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30; 20:21).
Why is repentance so central to obtaining salvation? Here are a few key reasons:
- Repentance is necessary because all have sinned and face God’s judgment without His mercy and grace (Romans 3:23; 6:23).
- Repentance shows a humble and contrite heart before God (Psalm 51:17).
- Turning from sin is an essential part of repentance (Ezekiel 18:30-31; Luke 3:8-14).
- Genuine repentance will result in spiritual fruit or evidence of a changed life (Luke 3:8; Acts 26:20).
- Scripture links repentance with conversion – they are part of the same process (Acts 3:19).
- Repentance is a gift of God and a response to His gracious call (Acts 11:18; 2 Timothy 2:25).
Both repentance and faith are requirements for salvation and they are deeply intertwined in Scripture. We must turn from sin in repentance and turn to Christ in faith. Some key verses that link repentance and faith include:
- Jesus said, “Repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15).
- “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts 3:19).
- God “commands all people everywhere to repent” and “has fixed a day on which he will judge the world” through Christ (Acts 17:30-31).
- Paul testified “to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21).
- Paul preached “that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance” (Acts 26:20).
In addition to the verses above, the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) beautifully illustrates the nature of biblical repentance. The prodigal turns from his sin and returns in humility to his father, who responds with joy and mercy. This demonstrates the blessings of repentance and the heart of God toward those who turn to Him.
So in summary, authentic repentance involves a change of mind and heart that leads to a turning from sin and unto God in faith. It is an essential part of conversion and necessary for receiving God’s forgiveness and salvation. Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone, but saving faith is a repentant faith. At the same time, while repentance is necessary, it does not earn salvation – salvation is an unmerited gift of God. But genuine repentance and faith are the instruments through which God grants that salvation to His people.
Here are some additional key passages on the necessity of repentance:
- 2 Peter 3:9 – “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”
- Luke 13:3 – “No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”
- 2 Corinthians 7:10 – “For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.”
- Isaiah 55:7 – “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.”
- Jeremiah 36:3 – “It may be that the house of Judah will hear all the disaster that I intend to do to them, so that every one may turn from his evil way, and that I may forgive their iniquity and their sin.”
Repentance is a response to the gospel of grace. When we hear the good news of Christ’s sacrificial death for sinners, the proper reaction is repentance from sin along with faith in the Savior. Salvation is by grace alone, but those who receive God’s grace will respond with repentant faith, turning away from their sinful ways and turning to follow Christ. As J.I. Packer said “Repentance means turning from as well as turning to, and being sorry for sin while also trusting Christ.” Repentance is not a work we do to earn salvation, but flows from a heart responsive to the convicting power of the Holy Spirit (John 16:8). It is part of our confession of total dependence on God’s mercy alone for salvation.
In summary, Scripture underscores repeatedly the necessity of repentance for salvation. A “faith” that does not involve admission of sin, remorse over sin, and a repudiation of sin is not saving faith. Those who are just “sorry” for the consequences of sin, but not for the sin itself, have not repented. Thankfully, God is gracious and ready to grant repentance and forgiveness to all who turn to Him. Salvation is by grace through repentant faith in the finished work of Christ alone.
Some additional key characteristics and results of biblical repentance include:
- Conviction – A recognition one has sinned against a holy God (Psalm 51:4).
- Godly sorrow – Grief over offending God, not just getting caught (2 Corinthians 7:10).
- Confession – Admitting sins to God (1 John 1:9).
- Forsaking sin – A resolved commitment to turn from sin (Isaiah 55:7).
- Produces spiritual fruit – Righteous living flows from repentance (Luke 3:8-14).
- Humility – Seeing ourselves as we really are – sinners saved by grace (Luke 18:13).
- Reconciliation – Seeking to repair relationships damaged by sin.
- New direction – Turning toward God in dependence and obedience.
Though repentance is not easy because sin persists, Scripture gives hope that God supplies strength to repent of sin completely. While we never repent perfectly in this life, true followers of Christ fight sin by the power of the Spirit and repent whenever they fail. As believers walk in repentance and faith, they can rejoice that God is faithful and just to forgive sin and cleanse from unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). The danger is in refusing to repent, hardening our hearts, and pursuing sin – this leads to judgment. But when we humble ourselves and turn to God in repentance, He will pour out His mercy and grace, bringing joy, renewal, and freedom from sin’s crushing weight.