What Does Repentance Mean?

Repentance is a new mindset. This involves both sorrow over sin (2 Corinthians 7:10) and trust in God’s forgiveness (Psalm 51:12). Repentance is a change of mind from trust in our failed works to trust in Christ’s saving works. Since repentance is motivated by grace (Romans 2:4), it is inseparably connected to faith.

Repentance is not a series of actions we must do to merit God’s forgiveness or favor. It is not a work of man. Instead, repentance, like faith, is a gift of God (Acts 5:31). Commands to repent, like commands to believe, are empowered and worked by God (Acts 11:18).

This new heart now delights in a life of thanks and praise to God, motivated (2 Corinthians 5:14,15) and empowered (Galatians 2:20) by Christ.

Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

Acts 5:31

Study Repentance in the Scriptures

2 Corinthians 7:10

Psalm 51:12

Romans 2:4

Acts 5:31

Acts 11:18

2 Corinthians 5:14,15

Galatians 2:20

More on Repentance

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How Do You Know if You’ve Been Forgiven by God?

When does God forgive? How do we know if we’ve really been forgiven?

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What is Repentance?

Since repentance is so prominent in Scripture, many ask, “Have I repented enough?” Unfortunately, this is the wrong question to ask because it is rooted in a misunderstanding of repentance. So, what is repentance?

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