Repentance
Definition:
1. Meaning of the Word “Repentance”
The English word repentance translates from two biblical terms:
Hebrew: teshuvah (תְּשׁוּבָה) — literally means “return” or “turning back.”
Greek: metanoia (μετάνοια) — from meta (change) and nous (mind); it means “a change of mind, heart, and direction.”
So repentance is not simply regret or sorrow — it is a total reorientation of life, a turning away from sin and toward God.
“Repentance is not mere remorse; it is a change of mind which issues in a change of life.”
— William Barclay, New Testament Words
2. Biblical Foundations
Old Testament
Repentance in the Hebrew Scriptures is a call to return to God’s covenant.
The prophets constantly plead with Israel: “Return to the Lord your God” (Joel 2:13).
Repentance involves confession, turning from idols, and restoring faithfulness to God’s law.
“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that He may have mercy on him.” — Isaiah 55:7
New Testament
Repentance is at the very beginning of the gospel proclamation:
John the Baptist’s message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” — Matthew 3:2
Jesus’ first words in Mark’s Gospel: “Repent and believe the good news.” — Mark 1:15
Peter at Pentecost: “Repent and be baptized… for the forgiveness of your sins.” — Acts 2:38
Repentance is the gateway to grace, the door through which salvation and transformation begin.
3. Theological Dimensions of Repentance
Repentance has three interconnected dimensions in Christian thought:
A. Intellectual — A Change of Mind
Repentance begins with recognizing sin for what it is: a violation of love, truth, and communion with God.
“Repentance is the recognition that sin is not just the breaking of a rule, but the wounding of a relationship.”
— N.T. Wright
B. Emotional — A Change of Heart
It includes genuine sorrow for sin — but not despair. This sorrow (contrition) arises from love, not just fear of punishment.
“True repentance hates the sin, not merely the consequences of it.”
— Charles Spurgeon
C. Volitional — A Change of Direction
Repentance leads to action: turning from sin and choosing righteousness. It is movement — away from death toward life, away from self toward God.
“Repentance means you change your mind so deeply that it changes you.”
— Ravi Zacharias
4. Insights from Influential Christians and Theologians
St. Augustine (354–430 AD)
“The confession of evil works is the first beginning of good works.”
Augustine saw repentance as the human heart returning to God after being lost in self-love. It is not a one-time event but a continual orientation of the soul back to its source.
Martin Luther (1483–1546)
In the very first of his 95 Theses, Luther wrote:
“When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, ‘Repent,’ He willed the entire life of believers to be one of repentance.”
For Luther, repentance is not a single act but a lifelong process of turning from sin and living by faith in God’s grace. It is daily renewal, not despair.
John Calvin (1509–1564)
“Repentance is an inward matter, which has its seat in the heart and soul, but afterwards yields its fruits in a changed life.” (Institutes of the Christian Religion)
Calvin saw repentance and faith as inseparable: faith receives grace; repentance responds to grace. True repentance, for him, always bears fruit in moral renewal.
John Wesley (1703–1791)
“Repentance is a change wrought in the soul by the Spirit of God, a conviction of sin producing real sorrow and an inward turning toward God.”
Wesley emphasized that repentance prepares the way for justification — it awakens the conscience and opens the heart to grace.
C.S. Lewis (1898–1963)
“Fallen man is not simply an imperfect creature who needs improvement: he is a rebel who must lay down his arms.” (Mere Christianity)
For Lewis, repentance is surrender — the act of laying down pride and self-will and admitting that life on our own terms doesn’t work. It is both painful and liberating.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906–1945)
“Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance.” (The Cost of Discipleship)
Bonhoeffer warns that repentance cannot be bypassed. Forgiveness without change is counterfeit grace. True repentance is costly because it demands transformation.
Billy Graham (1918–2018)
“To repent means to change your mind about God, about yourself, and about sin.”
“Repentance is not just feeling sorry for your sins. It means turning away from them completely.”
Graham’s teaching always tied repentance to conversion — the beginning of a new life under Christ’s lordship.
John Piper (Contemporary)
“Repentance is the wake of faith — the turning of the boat of your life away from sin because Christ has captured your heart.”
Piper emphasizes that repentance is not mere moral reform but the joyful turning that follows seeing the beauty and worth of Christ.
Graham Cooke (Contemporary)
“Repentance is not about punishment. It’s about rethinking. God invites us to think like Him so we can live like Him.”
Cooke reframes repentance as a change of perception — stepping into God’s mindset of grace and identity, not just escaping guilt.
5. The Two Sides of Repentance: Turning and Returning
Repentance is twofold:
Turning from sin — renouncing self, idols, and disobedience.
Turning to God — embracing His mercy, truth, and love.
It’s not primarily about escape from punishment, but restoration of relationship. It is God-centred, not sin-centred.
“Repentance is not when you cry; repentance is when you change.”
— Leonard Ravenhill
6. Repentance and Grace
Repentance does not earn forgiveness — it is the fruit of grace already at work in the heart.
God’s kindness leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4). It’s not punishment that softens the heart, but love.
“Repentance is the beautiful side of grace — the invitation to begin again.”
— Max Lucado
7. The Ongoing Life of Repentance
For Christians, repentance is not a one-time doorway but a continual rhythm of life:
Daily reorientation toward God.
Constant renewal of mind and heart.
Ongoing surrender of pride and self-will.
“The Christian life is a long obedience in the same direction.”
— Eugene Peterson
Repentance is that steady re-turning — the humility that keeps the heart open to transformation.
8. Summary
Literal meaning
To change one’s mind, heart, and direction.
Biblical sense
Turning from sin and returning to God.
Nature
Both emotional (sorrow) and volitional (decision).
Source
Inspired and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Result
Forgiveness, renewal, and restored relationship with God.
Opposite
Pride, denial, and spiritual stagnation.
In short:
Repentance is not God’s demand that we grovel in shame — it is His invitation to come home.
Biblical Imagery & Metaphors:
• Turning your face toward the sunrise.
• A traveller finding the right road again.
• Cleaning a cluttered house.
In Daily Faith:
Repentance brings relief and renewal. It’s not punishment; it’s coming home.
In Daily Life: Living Out Repentance
Repentance is not merely a one-time act, but a continuous turning toward God that shapes our lives each day. It’s a grace-filled journey of transformation, where we shift our hearts, minds, and actions in response to God's love and mercy. The daily practice of repentance involves reorienting ourselves toward God, turning from sin, and seeking His guidance in all areas of life. Here’s how to live out repentance day by day:
1. Repentance as a Change of Mind— Rethinking Sin
Repentance starts in the mind. It begins with recognizing and acknowledging sin for what it is — not just breaking a rule, but the breaking of our relationship with God. Every day, we are called to examine our thoughts and attitudes, and to choose God's way over our own.
Romans 12:2
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Daily practice:
Begin your day by asking God to renew your mind and help you see the world as He does.
Recognize areas where you may be thinking according to the world’s standards (pride, selfishness, fear) and intentionally realign with God’s truth.
When you’re tempted to justify sin, pause and rethink: What is this action costing my relationship with God?
2. Repentance as a Change of Heart— Embracing Sorrow for Sin
Repentance is not only an intellectual acknowledgment but a heartfelt sorrow for the ways we’ve hurt God and others. True repentance involves brokenness over sin, but not despair. This sorrow is a product of love — a recognition that sin damages our relationship with the One who loves us deeply.
2 Corinthians 7:10
“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”
Daily practice:
Reflect on moments where your actions or attitudes have grieved God or hurt others.
Allow genuine sorrow for sin to move you, not into self-pity, but into humility and gratitude for God’s grace.
When you feel sorrow, take time to express your repentance in prayer, trusting that God's forgiveness restores you.
3. Repentance as a Change of Direction — Turning Toward God
Repentance is not only about feeling sorry for sin; it’s a decision to actively turn away from sin and toward God. Every day, we have opportunities to reorient our lives toward God's will, surrendering our selfish desires and following His leading.
Acts 3:19
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”
Daily practice:
Identify areas where you’re still holding onto sin, whether it’s anger, pride, jealousy, or selfishness, and make a conscious decision to turn from them.
Ask God for the strength to walk in His ways today — choosing obedience, humility, and love over sin.
When you feel weak, remember that repentance is not about perfection but about direction — moving closer to God each day.
4. Repentance and the Ongoing Journey— A Lifelong Reorientation
Repentance is not a one-time event; it’s a continual process of daily renewal. Martin Luther famously said that the whole life of a Christian should be one of repentance. This daily turning to God involves humility, self-examination, and the willingness to continually yield to His work in our hearts.
Ephesians 4:22–24
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
Daily practice:
Start each day with a prayer of surrender: “God, I submit my heart, mind, and actions to You today. Help me follow Your ways.”
Regularly check in with your soul. Are there areas where you’re slipping into old patterns of sin or self-reliance? Repent and reorient back toward God.
Stay accountable to others in your community who can encourage and challenge you in your walk of repentance.
5. Repentance and Grace— A Gift, Not a Burden
Repentance is often misunderstood as something harsh or burdensome. But in reality, it is a grace-filled opportunity to experience God’s love and mercy. Repentance leads us into the arms of the Father, who is ready to forgive and restore us. It is not a means of punishment but an invitation to healing and renewal.
Romans 2:4
“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?”
Daily practice:
Embrace repentance as a joyful opportunity to experience God's kindness and renewal, not as a duty to fulfil.
When you repent, trust that God’s grace is sufficient to cover your sin. Rejoice in His forgiveness rather than feeling condemned.
Allow God's kindness to lead you to repentance daily, knowing that each moment is an invitation to be made new.
6. Repentance and Community— Encouraging One Another
Repentance is not meant to be a solitary journey but a communal one. We are called to confess our sins to one another and encourage each other in repentance and faith. Community provides the support and accountability needed for genuine transformation.
James 5:16
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”
Daily practice:
In your relationships, be honest about your struggles and sins. Confess when you’ve fallen short and seek support and prayer from others.
Offer encouragement to those in your community who are struggling with repentance, reminding them of God’s grace and mercy.
Consider regular times of fellowship where you can reflect on God’s work in your lives and hold each other accountable in love.
7. Repentance and Transformation— Living Out the Fruit of Repentance
True repentance leads to a transformed life. It’s not enough to merely confess sin; we are called to bear fruit that reflects our changed hearts. This means living out the practical implications of repentance in how we treat others, how we approach challenges, and how we steward our time and resources.
Matthew 3:8
“Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.”
Daily practice:
Ask yourself daily: “How can I live out the fruit of repentance today?” Look for tangible ways to demonstrate love, humility, and obedience.
Choose actions that reflect a heart turned toward God, whether it’s serving others, forgiving those who’ve wronged you, or prioritizing your relationship with God.
Recognize that repentance is about alignment — aligning your life with God's will and seeing every action as an opportunity to honour Him.
Repentance as a Heart That Turns Toward Home
Repentance, at its heart, is a return to the Father. It is not a process of punishment but of being brought back into God’s loving arms. Just as the prodigal son found his way home, so too does every repentant heart find its way back to the Father’s embrace. Let every act of repentance be a reminder that, no matter how far we wander, the invitation to return home is always open.
Luke 15:11–32 (The Parable of the Prodigal Son)
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”
Daily practice:
Remember that repentance is a journey back to God’s embrace, where love, mercy, and restoration await.
Let each turning toward God remind you that His arms are open wide, no matter how far you’ve gone.
In summary
Repentance is a daily practice — a continual turning toward God in thought, heart, and action. It’s not about perfection but about direction: moving ever closer to God, embracing His forgiveness, and living out the transformation He brings. Repentance is the beginning of healing, renewal, and deeper communion with the Father.
Scripture References:
Acts 3:19 (NIV)
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”
Luke 15:11–32 (NIV) – The Parable of the Prodigal Son
Jesus continued:
“There was a man who had two sons.
The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.
“Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.
After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need.
So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs.
He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!
I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.
I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’
So he got up and went to his father.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate.
For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
“Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing.
So he called one of the servants and asked what was going on.
‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’
“The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him.
But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends.
But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’
“ ‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.
But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ ”
Psalm 51 (NIV) – A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet went to him after he had committed adultery with Bathsheba
1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.
4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge.
5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
6 Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place.
7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity.
10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you.
14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, you who are God my Savior, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.
15 Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise.
16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
17 My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.
18 May it please you to prosper Zion, to build up the walls of Jerusalem.
19 Then you will delight in the sacrifices of the righteous, in burnt offerings offered whole; then bulls will be offered on your altar.