What Is Repentance?

Question: What does “repentance” mean, and why is it important for us?

Answer:

The word repentance comes from the verb to repent, which means “to turn around” or “to change direction.” Spiritually speaking, repentance means turning away from sin and turning back to God with a sincere heart. It involves feeling genuine sorrow for wrongdoing, confessing that sin, and asking for forgiveness. This act marks the beginning of a transformed life.

The Biblical Meaning of Repentance

According to the Bible, a person who repents acknowledges that they have sinned against God and chooses to abandon that sinful way of life. Instead, they seek God’s mercy and begin a new path of obedience and faith. Repentance is the first step in drawing closer to God. Without it, there is no true reconciliation with Him.

Jesus and John the Baptist both began their ministries with a call to repentance. The message was clear: Repentance is not optional—it is essential.

Matthew 3:1–2 (NIV)
“In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’”

Matthew 4:17 (NIV)
“From that time on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’”

This call was directed at people who were living in sin—idol worshippers, adulterers, murderers, drunkards, the immoral, and the unjust. Repentance meant abandoning those lifestyles and turning to righteousness, because the kingdom of God does not admit those who continue to live in sin without turning away from it.

Repentance Must Bear Fruit

True repentance is not just about words—it must be demonstrated through a changed life. This is what the Bible refers to as “bearing fruit in keeping with repentance.”

Luke 3:8 (NIV)
“Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.”

This means that once someone has repented, they should strive to live in a way that reflects their commitment to Christ. Repentance is not genuine if a person returns to the same sinful patterns that they once turned away from.

Why Is Repentance Important?

It restores our relationship with God.
Sin separates us from God. Repentance bridges that gap.
It prepares us for eternal life.
Without repentance, we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.
It transforms our character.
The Holy Spirit works in a repentant heart to bring about lasting change.
It demonstrates humility and obedience.
A repentant person admits their need for God’s grace.

A Personal Invitation

Have you repented of your sins and invited Jesus into your life? If not, today can be the day of your salvation. All it takes is a sincere heart and a willingness to turn away from sin. Jesus is ready to forgive you and make you new.