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What Is the True Nature of Repentance?

How Is Repentance Defined Biblically?


Repentance is a critical theme in both the Old and New Testaments, reflecting a transformation that involves both mind and heart. In its simplest form, the verb "repent" means to "change one's mind," particularly in relation to past actions or conduct. It carries the idea of regret or dissatisfaction with previous behavior, leading to a fundamental shift in perspective and purpose.


The Hebrew term na·chamʹ encompasses various meanings, including feeling regret, mourning, or being comforted, depending on the context (Exodus 13:17; Job 42:6). In the New Testament, two Greek verbs convey different aspects of repentance: me·ta·no·eʹo and me·ta·meʹlo·mai. The former, me·ta·no·eʹo, emphasizes a change in mind or attitude, a recognition that one's previous course of action was wrong and needs to be rejected (Revelation 2:5). The latter, me·ta·meʹlo·mai, focuses more on the feeling of regret or remorse that precedes or accompanies this change (Matthew 21:29).


Repentance, therefore, is not merely an intellectual acknowledgment of sin but involves a profound emotional and spiritual transformation. It is an essential step in the process of reconciliation with God, as it signifies a rejection of the past sinful life and a turning toward God’s will.



Why Is Repentance Necessary for Reconciliation with God?


The necessity of repentance stems from humanity's universal condition of sin. As the Apostle Paul writes, "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). This sin creates a separation between humanity and God, making repentance a prerequisite for reconciliation. Without repentance, there can be no genuine conversion, as sin remains unaddressed.


Repentance may apply to one's entire life course, especially for those who have lived in opposition to God's will, following the ways of the world under the influence of Satan (1 John 5:19). For others, repentance might be more specific, addressing particular sins or attitudes that have marred an otherwise righteous life (Psalm 141:3-4).


The degree of repentance required corresponds to the severity of the sin. Some sins, such as deep rebellion against God, require a profound and sustained repentance (Isaiah 31:6; Ezekiel 33:10). In contrast, lesser sins may require a more modest repentance, though all repentance must be sincere and accompanied by a genuine change in behavior (Galatians 6:1).


Repentance is not only for those who have never known God but also for those who have strayed from their relationship with Him. Israel, as God’s chosen people, often strayed from their covenant relationship, necessitating collective repentance (Jeremiah 15:19-21). Similarly, Christians who have fallen into sin must repent to restore their fellowship with God (James 4:8-10).



How Is Repentance Demonstrated in Biblical History?


Repentance has been a recurring theme throughout biblical history, with both individuals and nations called to turn back to God. For example, Jonah's preaching led the entire city of Nineveh to repent, from the king to the common people (Jonah 3:5-9). This collective repentance was recognized by God, who relented from the destruction He had planned for them.


In the history of Israel, the nation's repeated backsliding required numerous calls to repentance. Under Ezra’s leadership, the returned exiles acknowledged their collective guilt before God, leading to a renewal of their covenant relationship (Ezra 10:7-14). Similarly, the prophet Jeremiah and the prophet Daniel included themselves in their confessions of the nation’s sins, showing that even the most righteous individuals recognized the need for repentance (Lamentations 3:40-42; Daniel 9:4-5).


The importance of repentance is also emphasized in the New Testament, where John the Baptist and Jesus Christ both called the people to repent in preparation for the coming Kingdom of God (Matthew 3:1-2; 4:17). Their messages stripped away the self-righteousness and hypocrisy of the religious leaders, exposing the need for genuine repentance.



What Are the Essential Elements of True Repentance?


True repentance involves both the mind and the heart. It requires a recognition of the wrongness of one's actions and an acknowledgment that God's standards are righteous. This intellectual recognition must be accompanied by a heartfelt sorrow for sin, a sincere regret for having offended God.


Ignorance of God's will is a significant barrier to repentance. Therefore, God, in His mercy, has always provided messengers to call people to repentance, whether through prophets in the Old Testament or through the preaching of the gospel in the New Testament (Jeremiah 7:13; Mark 1:14-15).


Repentance also requires an acknowledgment that sin is ultimately against God, even when it involves wrongdoing against others. David’s confession in Psalm 51:4, "Against you, you only, have I sinned," reflects this understanding. Even sins committed in ignorance must be recognized as offenses against God, requiring repentance and forgiveness (Leviticus 5:17-19).


The process of repentance is often initiated by the conviction of sin, which the Holy Spirit brings to the heart of the sinner (John 16:8). This conviction leads to a realization of the need for change and a desire to turn away from sin. True repentance is marked by a deep sense of sorrow for having offended God, a sorrow that goes beyond mere regret for the consequences of sin.


Repentance also involves a firm determination to turn away from sin and to follow God's ways. This determination is fueled by a love for righteousness and a hatred of evil. Without this resolve, repentance is incomplete and ineffective. The example of King Rehoboam, who humbled himself under God's discipline but later returned to evil, illustrates the dangers of incomplete repentance (2 Chronicles 12:12-14).



How Does Repentance Differ from Worldly Regret?


The Apostle Paul makes a distinction between "godly sorrow" and "worldly sorrow" in 2 Corinthians 7:10. Godly sorrow leads to repentance, which in turn leads to salvation. It is a sorrow that recognizes the gravity of sin and the need for divine forgiveness. In contrast, worldly sorrow is focused on the consequences of sin rather than the sin itself. It leads to despair, bitterness, and ultimately death.


Cain's response to God's rebuke exemplifies worldly sorrow. Rather than repenting, he allowed his anger and jealousy to lead him to murder his brother Abel (Genesis 4:5-14). His regret was not for the sin he committed but for the punishment he received. This lack of true repentance marked him as one who "belonged to the evil one" (1 John 3:12).


Esau’s reaction to losing his birthright and blessing is another example of worldly sorrow. Although he wept bitterly and sought to reverse the situation, his tears were not signs of true repentance. He regretted the loss of material blessings but did not acknowledge the spiritual significance of his actions (Hebrews 12:17).


Judas Iscariot's remorse after betraying Jesus also illustrates worldly sorrow. Overwhelmed by guilt, he tried to return the money he had received for his betrayal and then took his own life (Matthew 27:3-5). His remorse did not lead him to seek forgiveness from God but instead drove him to despair and self-destruction.


True repentance, in contrast, is marked by a godly sorrow that leads to a change in behavior. It is motivated by a desire to restore one's relationship with God and to live according to His will. This godly sorrow produces a lasting transformation, as seen in the life of the Apostle Peter, who wept bitterly after denying Christ but later became a leading figure in the early church (Matthew 26:75).



What Role Does Confession Play in Repentance?


Confession is an integral part of repentance. It involves acknowledging one's sins before God and, in some cases, before others. The act of confession demonstrates a humble recognition of one's wrongdoing and a desire to make things right.


The Bible emphasizes the importance of confession in both the Old and New Testaments. David's confession in Psalm 51 is a model of sincere repentance, where he acknowledges his sin and pleads for God's mercy. The prophet Daniel also offers a prayer of confession on behalf of the people of Israel, acknowledging their sins and seeking God's forgiveness (Daniel 9:15-19).


In the New Testament, the Apostle John writes, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). This verse highlights the promise of forgiveness that accompanies genuine confession.


James also encourages believers to "confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed" (James 5:16). This practice of mutual confession fosters accountability and encourages spiritual growth within the Christian community.


However, confession is not merely a ritual or a legalistic requirement. It must be accompanied by a sincere heart that is truly repentant. The Pharisee in Jesus' parable who prayed with pride and self-righteousness was not justified, while the tax collector who humbly confessed his sin received God's mercy (Luke 18:9-14).



How Does Repentance Lead to Conversion?


Repentance is the first step toward conversion, a turning away from sin and a turning toward God. The Hebrew and Greek words for conversion (shuv and streʹpho respectively) mean "to turn back" or "to return." Conversion is more than a change in attitude; it involves a complete transformation of one's life.


This transformation is evident in the "works that befit repentance" (Acts 26:20). Genuine repentance results in a changed life, marked by obedience to God's commandments and a commitment to living according to His will.


Conversion is also a turning away from idolatry and false worship. Throughout the Bible, God calls His people to turn away from idols and to worship Him alone. The Israelites were repeatedly warned against adopting the practices of the surrounding nations, and when they fell into idolatry, God called them to repentance and conversion (1 Samuel 7:3).


In the New Testament, conversion is linked to the new birth, where a person is "born again" and receives a new heart and a new spirit (John 3:3; Ezekiel 36:26). This new birth is the work of the Holy Spirit, who regenerates and transforms the believer's life.


Conversion is also described as putting on a "new self," created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:24). This new self is characterized by a life of love, humility, and obedience to God's will.



What Are the "Dead Works" from Which Christians Must Repent?


The author of Hebrews refers to "dead works" as those actions that are spiritually lifeless and unproductive (Hebrews 6:1-2). These include not only sinful behaviors but also self-righteous efforts to earn God's favor apart from faith in Christ.


"Dead works" are contrasted with the "living works" that flow from a heart transformed by the grace of God. While the Jewish religious leaders of Jesus' time were meticulous in their observance of the Law, their works were "dead" because they lacked genuine faith and love for God (Romans 9:30-33).


True repentance involves turning away from these dead works and embracing the living faith that produces good fruit. This repentance is symbolized in baptism, which signifies the believer's death to sin and new life in Christ (Romans 6:3-4).



What Are the Consequences of Unrepentance?


The Bible warns of the severe consequences of refusing to repent. For Israel and Judah, unrepentance led to exile and destruction, as they repeatedly rejected God's calls to return to Him (Jeremiah 8:4-6; 2 Chronicles 36:11-21).


In the New Testament, Jesus pronounced judgment on the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum for their refusal to repent despite witnessing His miracles (Matthew 11:20-24). He warned that their fate would be worse than that of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment.


Unrepentance also leads to spiritual blindness and hardness of heart. Those who persist in sin without repenting become increasingly resistant to the truth, and their hearts are "hardened by sin's deceitfulness" (Hebrews 3:13).


The ultimate consequence of unrepentance is eternal separation from God. The Bible speaks of those who continue in sin without repenting as storing up wrath for themselves on the day of God's judgment (Romans 2:5). These individuals will face eternal punishment, having rejected the salvation that God offers through Christ.



Can There Be Repentance After Apostasy?


The Bible teaches that there is a point beyond which repentance is no longer possible. Those who willfully continue in sin after receiving the knowledge of the truth are described as having "fallen away" and are beyond the possibility of renewal to repentance (Hebrews 6:4-6).


This warning is not directed at those who struggle with sin but at those who have consciously and deliberately rejected Christ and His sacrifice. Such individuals have effectively crucified the Son of God all over again and exposed Him to public disgrace.


Jesus also speaks of the unforgivable sin, which is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (Mark 3:28-29). This sin involves attributing the work of the Holy Spirit to Satan, a deliberate and malicious rejection of God's grace. Those who commit this sin are beyond the possibility of forgiveness.



What Does Repentance Look Like in Practice?


Repentance is more than just an internal change; it is demonstrated through concrete actions. The Bible provides numerous examples of what true repentance looks like in practice.


In the Old Testament, King Josiah provides a model of repentance. Upon discovering the Book of the Law and realizing the extent of Judah's sin, Josiah tore his clothes in sorrow, sought God's guidance, and led the nation in a covenant renewal (2 Kings 22:11-23:25).


In the New Testament, Zacchaeus the tax collector demonstrates repentance by publicly confessing his sins and making restitution to those he had wronged (Luke 19:8). His actions show that true repentance involves not only a change of heart but also a commitment to righting the wrongs of the past.


The Apostle Paul, after his conversion, spent the rest of his life preaching the gospel and serving the church. His transformation from a persecutor of Christians to a devoted follower of Christ is one of the most powerful examples of repentance in the New Testament (Acts 9:1-22).



How Does Repentance Prepare Us for God's Kingdom?


Repentance is the gateway to entering God's kingdom. Both John the Baptist and Jesus began their ministries with the call to "repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matthew 3:2; 4:17). This call to repentance is an invitation to prepare our hearts for the coming of God's rule in our lives.


Repentance also prepares us for the return of Christ. The Apostle Peter urges believers to "repent and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus" (Acts 3:19-20).


Living in a state of repentance keeps us ready for Christ's return, as it involves a continual turning away from sin and a turning toward God. This readiness is marked by a life of holiness, obedience, and anticipation of Christ's second coming.



How Does Repentance Impact Our Relationship with Others?


Repentance not only affects our relationship with God but also has profound implications for our relationships with others. True repentance leads to reconciliation and restoration of broken relationships.


Jesus teaches that if we are offering a gift at the altar and remember that our brother has something against us, we should first be reconciled to our brother before offering our gift (Matthew 5:23-24). This instruction highlights the importance of repentance and reconciliation in our worship of God.


The Apostle Paul also emphasizes the need for reconciliation within the church. In his letter to the Corinthians, he urges the church to forgive and comfort a repentant sinner who had been disciplined, so that he would not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow (2 Corinthians 2:5-11).


True repentance also leads to a willingness to forgive others. Jesus teaches that we should forgive those who sin against us, just as God has forgiven us (Matthew 6:14-15). This forgiveness is not conditional upon the other person's repentance but flows from a heart that has experienced God's grace.



How Does Repentance Relate to Faith?


Repentance and faith are inseparable in the Christian life. While repentance involves turning away from sin, faith involves turning toward God. The two are like two sides of the same coin, each essential to the other.


In the New Testament, repentance is often paired with faith. Jesus' message was "repent and believe the good news" (Mark 1:15). The Apostle Paul also preached that people should "repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds" (Acts 26:20).


Repentance without faith is incomplete, as it only addresses the turning away from sin but not the turning toward God. Faith without repentance is equally incomplete, as it involves a belief in God without a corresponding change in behavior.


True faith, then, is always accompanied by repentance. It involves not only believing in God's promises but also acting on that belief by turning away from sin and living in obedience to God's will.


How Does God Respond to Repentance?


God's response to genuine repentance is always one of mercy and forgiveness. The Bible is full of examples of God forgiving those who turn to Him in repentance, no matter how great their sins.


The story of the prodigal son is perhaps the most powerful illustration of God's response to repentance. When the prodigal son returns home, his father runs to meet him, embraces him, and celebrates his return (Luke 15:20-24). This parable shows that God is always ready to forgive and restore those who repent.


The prophet Joel also speaks of God's readiness to forgive: "Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity" (Joel 2:13).


God's willingness to forgive is not based on our worthiness but on His grace and mercy. As the Apostle John writes, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).



How Should We Respond to God's Call to Repentance?


Our response to God's call to repentance should be one of humility, faith, and obedience. Recognizing our need for God's mercy, we should be quick to confess our sins and turn away from them.


We should also be quick to forgive others, recognizing that we, too, have been forgiven much. Jesus teaches that our forgiveness of others is a reflection of our understanding of God's forgiveness toward us (Matthew 18:21-35).


Finally, we should live in a state of continual repentance, recognizing that the Christian life is one of ongoing transformation. As we grow in our relationship with God, we will continue to see areas of our lives that need to be brought into alignment with His will.


Repentance is not a one-time event but a lifelong process. It is the ongoing work of God's grace in our lives, leading us ever closer to the image of Christ.



What Are the Eternal Implications of Repentance?


The eternal implications of repentance are profound. Those who respond to God's call to repentance and place their faith in Christ will experience eternal life in God's presence. Conversely, those who refuse to repent and continue in their sin will face eternal separation from God.


Jesus' parables often highlight the eternal significance of repentance. In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, the rich man, who lived a life of unrepentant luxury, finds himself in torment after death, while Lazarus, who suffered in this life, is comforted in the afterlife (Luke 16:19-31). This parable underscores the reality that our response to God in this life has eternal consequences.


The book of Revelation also speaks of the eternal implications of repentance. In the letters to the seven churches, Jesus repeatedly calls the churches to repent, warning that failure to do so will result in judgment (Revelation 2-3). Those who overcome and remain faithful will receive the crown of life, while those who persist in sin without repenting will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 21:8).


Repentance, then, is a matter of eternal significance. It is the means by which we receive God's grace and are brought into His eternal kingdom. Without repentance, there is no forgiveness, and without forgiveness, there is no eternal life.


Conclusion


Repentance is at the heart of the Christian faith. It involves a deep and sincere turning away from sin and a turning toward God. It is not merely an intellectual acknowledgment of wrongdoing but a profound transformation of the heart and mind that leads to a change in behavior.


The Bible's teachings on repentance are clear and consistent. From the Old Testament prophets to the New Testament apostles, the call to repentance echoes throughout Scripture. It is a call that is as relevant today as it was in biblical times.


God's response to genuine repentance is always one of mercy and forgiveness. He is ready and willing to forgive those who turn to Him in humility and faith. The eternal implications of repentance are profound, with eternal life offered to those who respond to God's call and eternal separation awaiting those who refuse.


As believers, we are called to live in a state of continual repentance, always seeking to align our lives with God's will. It is a lifelong process, a journey of ongoing transformation that leads us ever closer to the image of Christ.


Repentance is not a burden but a gift. It is the means by which we are reconciled to God and brought into His eternal kingdom. It is a journey that begins with a single step—turning away from sin and turning toward God.


About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220 books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).


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