Repentance is an inner change that leads to an outer change, i.e., recognizing one’s sin, repenting wholeheartedly, and stop doing what is wrong. When God considers that sin has gone too far, he may warn that judgment is coming, but at the same time he gives time for repentance before the judgment is carried out. At the end of time, God will pass judgment on all mankind on the Day of the Lord, and God wants all people to hear the message before then that there is deliverance from judgment through salvation in Jesus. Repentance normally happens after you have first heard about Jesus and then the Spirit within you has convicted you of the sin and guilt you carry.
Bible Verses
“2“Thus says the Lord: Stand in the court of the Lord’s house, and speak to all the cities of Judah that come to worship in the house of the Lord all the words that I command you to speak to them; do not hold back a word. 3It may be they will listen, and every one turn from his evil way, that I may relent of the disaster that I intend to do to them because of their evil deeds.” (Je 26:2–3)
“10When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God relented of the disaster that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it.” (Jon 3:10)
“13Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” (Pr 28:13)
“7Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 8And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment:” (Jn 16:7–8)
“19“Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.” (Ac 26:19–20)
“32I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”” (Lk 5:32)
“36Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” 37Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Ac 2:36–38)
“46and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.” (Lk 24:46–47)
“9The 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.” (2 Pe 3:9)
“2For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Co 6:2)
Study Questions
- How do you tell someone that they need to repent?
- Do you have any personal experience of repentance?
- Can you be saved without repentance?
- What are the “works” of repentance?
Additional Bible Verses
Matt 4:17, Luke 15:17-19, Mark 1:4, Acts 11:20-21