Repentance is deep contrition of mind and spirit over one's spiritual condition, combined with resolve to change what one is and does. The goodness of God leads one to repentance, which begins when God enables one to see himself in comparison to Him. Only then can one acknowledge that he is a sinner in need of forgiveness. Repentance is the first step in reconciliation with God. It moves one to confess his sin, and with deep desire, conform his life to God's will as revealed in the Holy Bible. Repentance occurs, not just once, but continuously as we grow in the knowledge of God.
Scripture References:
Jeremiah 17:9; Matthew 9:13; II Corinthians 7:9-11; Romans 2:4; II Timothy 2:25; Acts 20:21; Luke 13:3, 5; Psalm 51; Mark 1:15; Luke 24:47; Acts 2:37-38; 3:19; 11:18
From the Library: Repentance
Repentance: The Genuine Article (Part Six)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughJohn the Baptist prepared the way for Christ's coming by preaching a message of repentance, emphasizing that righteousness could not develop in people until they had repented. They needed to be convicted of their sins and turn from them to accept Jesus' teachings. The proof of true repentance, as John taught, is seen when a …
Repentance: The Genuine Article (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughRepentance, as conveyed through the Hebrew word *naham*, often translated as repentance in the Old Testament, involves more than mere sorrow for sin, which can be self-pity. A person might feel shame or fear for their reputation, but true repentance goes beyond emotion to produce godly change. The essence of repentance lies in …
Basic Doctrines: Repentance
Bible Study by StaffRepentance, a concept often used to instill fear, holds a profound meaning in the context of God's purpose. True godly repentance is of primary importance, linked inseparably with baptism. It signifies a change of mind about a matter, a fundamental shift in thinking. Initial repentance involves recognizing, accepting, and …
What True Repentance Is
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaThe message admonishes every member of God's church that we should constantly be in a continuous state of repentance, but that signs of the end should get us urgently in that state. Being a literal descendant of Abraham or a part of God's church and doing basic rituals is not enough to produce those fruits. Repentance doesn't …
Repentance: The Genuine Article (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughTrue repentance involves pain, particularly emotional pain. To repent is wrenching to the psyche. It really hurts because it is difficult to do.
Repentance: The Genuine Article (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughRepentance is a first step, but it is also ongoing throughout our lives. To become a true Christian, we must repent—and then we must make it a continual practice.
Repentance: The Genuine Article (Part Five)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughWe recognize our need to change when we see, not necessarily how we are, but how we compare to and fall woefully short of the perfect righteousness of God.
What Is Repentance? (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeRepentance has fallen out of favor in mainstream Christianity, yet neither genuine baptism nor remission of sins can occur until the individual repents.
For more resources, please see the library topic for Repentance