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. RitenbaughThe proof that a person has truly made a change of heart appears when his life begins to show him doing what is right. Right living is the fruit of repentance.
Basic Doctrines: Repentance
Bible Study by StaffRepentance is a condition for baptism, and ultimately of conversion and salvation. It is also a lifelong process—one never stops needing to repent.
Repentance: The Genuine Article (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughWhen we repent, we turn off the path that leads to destruction and onto the narrow path—through the strait gate—that leads to life in the Kingdom of God.
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.
Repentance: The Genuine Article (Part Four)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughWhen we look back and realize what we have done, we are led to think deeply about our actions, which can lead us into changing our future actions.
For more resources, please see the library topic for Repentance