Repentance

What it means

Repentance is a God-given change of mind and heart that turns a person away from sin and toward God, a sincere abandoning of rebellion that bears fruit in a changed life. It was the first note of both John the Baptist's and Jesus' preaching: 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand' (Matthew 4:17), and the apostles continued the call, commanding all people everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30; Acts 2:38). True repentance is more than fleeting regret or the fear of consequences; it is the godly sorrow that leads to salvation without regret, in contrast to worldly grief that produces death (2 Corinthians 7:10). It is not a meritorious work that earns God's favor but His gracious gift, for God grants repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth (2 Timothy 2:25; Acts 11:18). Like the prodigal who came to himself and returned to his father, the repentant sinner forsakes his way and finds the LORD ready to have compassion and abundantly pardon (Luke 15:17-20; Isaiah 55:7).