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Repentance

Repentance is a Godward turning of mind, heart, and life away from sin and toward obedience.

RepentanceSalvation

Formal Definition

Repentance is the Spirit-enabled turning from sin to God involving grief over sin, changed thinking, and obedient reorientation.

Key Scriptures

Matthew 4:17
Acts 2:38
Acts 3:19
2 Corinthians 7:10

Explanation

Repentance is more than regret or embarrassment. It is a real turning toward God that changes allegiance, conduct, and direction. Scripture joins repentance and faith closely, not as identical acts, but as inseparable responses to the gospel.

Scripture Index

Matthew 4:17
Luke 15:17–24
Acts 2:38
Acts 3:19
2 Corinthians 7:10

Subtopics

Turning from sin
Godly sorrow
Changed allegiance

Application / Why It Matters

Believers continue to live repentantly, not only at conversion but throughout discipleship.

Historical / Church Reflection

Repentance has been central to preaching, catechesis, and spiritual formation across Christian history.

Viewpoints / Debates

Differences sometimes concern the order of repentance and faith and how repentance relates to sanctification.

Related Topics

AtonementThe atonement is Christ’s saving work in His death and resurrection to reconcile sinners to God.RegenerationRegeneration is the new birth by which God gives spiritual life to those dead in sin.AdoptionIn Christ, believers are brought into God’s household as beloved sons and daughters.GraceGrace is God’s unearned favor and powerful action toward sinners.