Can you guess what repentance means? Google defines repentance as “the action of repenting; showing sincere regret and sorrow”. But what does repentance mean in the Bible? Repentance in the Bible means to turn, to change your mind, and to turn away from sin and turn to God instead. While we sometimes experience repentance as a time of sorrow or sadness, joyful repentance is also available to followers of Jesus. It’s a good and joyful thing to turn from a life of sin and turn to God instead. Join us as we learn what the Bible says about repentance, Bible verses about repentance, why we should repent, and how to repent.
What Does the Bible Say about Repentance?
As we’ll learn through scriptures about repentance, the Bible has a lot to say about repentance. Repentance is a central theme throughout both the Old Testament and the New Testament. In a nutshell, repentance is when we turn away from our old ways and move toward Jesus instead. What are our old ways? Old ways or sinful habits are any actions, attitudes, or patterns that aren’t aligned with God’s Word, love, and purpose for you.
Repentance isn’t about just feeling bad for our mistakes; it’s about turning and choosing to make a real change in how we live. In the Old Testament, prophets like Isaiah and Ezekiel often called people to repentance. Their scriptures about repentance were full of urgency, asking people to turn back to God with all their hearts. Then, in the New Testament, Jesus Himself preached about repentance as the first step towards believing and receiving the Kingdom of God. You can think of repentance like hitting a spiritual reset button as you let go of what’s holding you back, turn to Jesus instead, and step into a new way of life in Him.
So, whether you’re just starting out in your journey with God or if you’ve been walking with Jesus for years, repentance is easy, simple, and an open door to growth, renewal, and a deeper connection with Jesus.
All through the Bible, Jesus invites you to come as you are, but not to stay that way. If you’ve never received Jesus into your heart, today is your day! You can pray the prayer of salvation and receive Jesus as Lord in our blog: This is For You
Bible Verses About Repentance
In the Bible, there is no shortage of scriptures about repentance. Bible verses on repentance highlight the importance of genuine repentance, which ultimately leads to forgiveness and a closer connection with God. Through these scriptures, you'll be encouraged to reflect on your life, seek God's mercy, and embrace a lifestyle of righteousness.
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” - Matthew 3:2
This famous scripture about repentance is a quote from John the Baptist. In Matthew 3, John is preparing the way for Jesus and warning people that the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would be coming soon. Bible verses about repentance invite us to lay down our habits of sin and choose Jesus instead. Just think: if Jesus were right in front of you, you’d choose Him over anything else! Through this picture of what repentance looks like, you can see how choosing Jesus instead of lying, stealing, or being prideful is always a better option.
But what about when you’re hurting? Jesus has got you covered. Learn more in our blog: How to Trust God When You’re Hurting
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. - 2 Peter 3:9
This Bible verse on repentance is an encouragement for us to continue in prayer for our friends, family, and coworkers who haven’t met Jesus yet. Jesus wants everyone to come to salvation in Him! To do so, people have to choose to be repentant of their sins so that they can receive Jesus’ love and a new nature. Scriptures about repentance remind us of the free gift of salvation and how, when we draw near to God, He will draw near to us (James 4:8)
Learn more about how to share your faith story with people: 3 Reasons Why Sharing Your Faith Story Matters
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, - Acts 3:19
Bible verses about repentance tell us that when we repent and turn to God, our sins are wiped out, because of the love of Jesus. No matter where you are on your journey of following God, Jesus paid for your sins. Rather than feeling stuck in shame or guilt, Jesus offers you a new way of living when you repent. Remember, the meaning of repentance in the Bible means to turn from sin and turn to God. You can’t turn to sin and turn to God in the same moment. You have to choose! When you choose Jesus, He will meet you and refresh you with His love.
Cycling through the same sin habit? Jesus offers a way out! Learn more in our blog: 4 Things to Do When You Mess Up
From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” - Matthew 4:17
This scripture about repentance is a call-back to John the Baptist saying, “Repent for the kingdom of Heaven is near,” in Matthew 3:2. Repentance in the Bible is often tied to the arrival of the Kingdom of God. As Christians, when we repent, we are able to receive Jesus’ forgiveness and advance the Kingdom of God.
Listen to our podcast with David Benham on how to advance the kingdom of God by living a life on mission for Jesus: How to Embrace Your Mission
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. - 2 Chronicles 7:14
This Bible verse on repentance comes from the Old Testament. When we turn from our old ways, God meets us with forgiveness and healing. Renewing your mind with scriptures about repentance is a great way to grow closer to God. One of the ways you can do that is by listening to songs that are based on Bible verses about repentance.
Listen to Jesus, the Healer by Lindy Cofer to renew your mind and memorize this Bible verse about repentance.
“I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” - Luke 13:3
Where in Luke does Jesus speak about repentance? In Luke 13:3, Jesus is speaking to the crowds and the Pharisees. This context for this scripture about repentance has to do with the people telling Jesus about a government official who had sinned against the Jews. Instead of naming the greatest sinner in this story, Jesus tells the crowd to repent. Bible verses about repentance show us that a lifestyle of repentance is encouraged in the Bible.
Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?- Romans 2:4
Did you know it’s God’s kindness, not his judgment, that leads you to repentance? Bible verses about repentance show us that because of the Kingdom of God, which is full of good things, we should repent. Other scriptures about repentance tell us that Jesus forgives sins, so we should repent and receive this gift. Repentance in the Bible is a choice, but it doesn’t need to be a fearful or shameful experience. Jesus showed us the riches of His kindness on the cross, and it’s a joy to repent and follow Him!
Read about how the kindness of God led our friend, Gabriel Craig, to choose Jesus in our blog: From Addict to Evangelist: How a Near-Death Experience Changes Everything
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 Bible verse on repentance also reminds us about the kindness of God. Jesus is faithful to forgive us when we come to Him in repentance and confession. Repentance in the Bible is almost always attached to Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and His love towards us. Through prayer, you can receive the love of God.
Learn more about prayer in our FREE e-Book: Let’s Talk About Prayer: Simple Steps to Connect with God
Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. - Matthew 3:8
As Christians, we can’t just talk the talk; we also have to walk the walk. This Bible verse about repentance comes from Matthew 3, where John the Baptist is rebuking the Pharisees. The Pharisees were a very religious group of Jews who were influential in Jewish beliefs and politics. The Pharisees weren’t too fond of John the Baptist or Jesus. However, Bible verses on repentance show us that all the Pharisees needed to do was repent, turn to God, and produce fruit that showed repentance and renewal in God.
Learn more about how to bear fruit as a Christian in our blog: How to Live Out Your Christian Faith by Blessing Others
Peter replied, “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. - Acts 2:38
Sometimes Bible verses about repentance are tied to baptism. Given that the meaning of repentance in the Bible is to turn from sin and turn to God, what better way to show that you belong to God than to get baptized? After someone receives Jesus into their heart, it’s common for them to be water baptized within a few days to weeks after becoming a Christian.
If you haven’t been baptized yet, call your local Church, a Christian friend, or a Christian family member and tell them that you want to get baptized! You can get baptized in a pool, a lake, the ocean, at church, or even in a bathtub.
Why We Don’t Repent
If repentance is so important, why don’t we repent? Sometimes, when life gets busy, we forget to pause, reflect on our actions, and make room for repentance in our hearts. If we aren’t walking closely to God, then we aren’t living a lifestyle of repentance. Other times, you may feel shame, guilt, or anxiety about how to communicate your struggle or habits to God. We want to encourage you: tell God what you’ve done and tell Him how you’re feeling! Psalm 139 tells us that God already knows every thought before we have it and knows every word before it’s on our tongue. He’s seen every time you’ve sinned, and He wants you to turn to Him so you can experience His love instead of condemnation.
Jesus is always ready to welcome you with open arms when you choose to repent. Remember, it’s never too late to start fresh with God!
Read about our friend, Armin Assadi, and how he went from a former crime-boss to a follower of Jesus: It’s Never Too Late: A Real Story of God’s Redemption
Why We Should Repent
As we’ve seen through our 10 Bible verses about repentance, the Bible is clear that repentance is a part of the Christian life. The fruit of repentance is a deeper connection with God, a clear conscience, and a renewed mind that chooses to believe the promises of God. When we practice a lifestyle of repentance, we become better people as we become more like Jesus and less like the world.
How to Repent & A Repentance Prayer
So, now that you’ve learned what the Bible says about repentance and why you should repent, it’s time to practice simple, easy repentance to get right with God. Here is a simple prayer to repent and turn to God:
“Father, I thank you that when I pray, you hear my voice. I want to repent and turn from my sin and turn to you instead. I am sorry for when I’ve sinned against you and done things that hurt your heart. Please give me grace and strength to fight against temptation. Help me to overcome sin and bad habits as I receive your love.
Thank you, Jesus that you have forgiven me of all of my sins. Thank you that it’s your kindness that leads me to repentance. Help me to do good things and to advance your kingdom. Keep me from selfishness and pride. Please remind me of your love every day, all the time. Help me to become more like you so that I can be your disciple. I love you, Lord!”
Conclusion
As we’ve learned, repentance isn’t just about feeling bad for our mistakes – it’s about taking the initiative to make a real change and turn to God. Repentance is like an open door for forgiveness, spiritual growth, renewal, and a deeper connection with God. You can practice a lifestyle of repentance by being quick to tell the Lord you’re sorry when you’ve sinned. Another step you can take to practice a lifestyle of repentance is to go out of your way to make things right when you’ve hurt a friend or lied to a coworker. So, no matter where you are on your journey of faith, there's no better time than now to embrace joyful repentance and receive the love and forgiveness that only Jesus Christ can offer.
