What The Bible Says About Repentance


Bibliaon Team
Bibliaon Team
Created and reviewed by our editors

Repentance is the key to moving on in life. When we repent, we acknowledge our sins and reject them, we choose to live differently. With God's help, repentance leads us to a new life. The Bible emphases the need for repentance and even explicitly mentions the positive outcome if one repents. Here are a few scriptures on repentance in the Bible.

Acts 3:19-20

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus.

- Acts 3:19-20

Repentance is a fundamental step in our lives. Without repentance, there is no forgiveness, and without forgiveness, there is no drawing near to God. He wants to forgive you; come before Him.

1 John 1:9

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

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

God Forgives Those Who Repent. God is faithful; trust in Him. When we genuinely repent, God forgives us. He cleanses our hearts and purifies us from all sin. Now, for this, it is necessary for us to humbly confess our sins. Know this: God is willing to forgive you.

Ezekiel 18:32

For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live! Ezekiel 18:32

For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!

- Ezekiel 18:32

Sin leads to death, but repentance leads to life. When we repent and believe in Jesus as our savior, we receive forgiveness and eternal life. Repentance delivers us from death!

Luke 5:31-32

Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.
I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

- Luke 5:31-32

Sin is like a disease that infects and destroys us. But repentance is the first step towards healing. Jesus is the doctor who saves the life of those who repent.

Acts 2:38

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

God forgives those who repent and gives a special blessing: the Holy Spirit. When we repent, we are saved and receive the Holy Spirit into our hearts. He guides us and teaches us to live for God.

Matthew 3:2

and saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.' Matthew 3:2

and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."

- Matthew 3:2

The kingdom of heaven is near. And only those who are saved can enter it. Repentance opens the door to eternity, so we can enjoy all the goodness and righteousness of God. If you haven't repented of your sins yet, don't wait until tomorrow!

Psalm 38:18

I confess my iniquity;
I am troubled by my sin.

- Psalm 38:18

Repenting of Sin Is Moving Forward It may seem counter-intuitive, but when we confess our sins, we move forward and not backward. Sin is exactly what prevents us from growing in faith and drawing closer to God. When we ask God for forgiveness, the Lord breaks down the barrier that sin created.

Proverbs 28:13

Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper,
but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

The Lord is merciful to those who confess their sins and move away from it. But when you hide your sins and continue living in them you turn away from God. When you truly repent and confess your sins you receive forgiveness from God.

Joel 2:12-13

Even now,” declares the Lord,
“return to me with all your heart,
with fasting and weeping and mourning.”

13 Rend your heart
and not your garments.
Return to the Lord your God,
for he is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and abounding in love,
and he relents from sending calamity.

- Joel 2:12-13

The Lord doesn't want our repentance to be simply an outward action; He wants us to have a change of heart. The Lord is compassionate and full of love for us. He asks us to come let go of our sinful way and come back to Him with a renewed heart.

Isaiah 1:18

“Come now, let us settle the matter,”
says the Lord.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool.

- Isaiah 1:18

When you confess your sins and seek God's forgiveness, He washes away your sins and guilt. Our passionate and forgiving God calls us to repent. He offers us the gift of salvation.

Luke 15:7

I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

- Luke 15:7

Heaven celebrates when even a single person repents and turns away from their sins. Never forget this - that our Lord is a forgiving God and He has sent His son to save us and redeem us from our sins.

2 Peter 3:9

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 states a simple fact that God’s delay is mercy - giving us more time to repent. God does not want us to perish in our sins. He is patient with us; and time and time again gives us various opportunities to repent, ask for forgiveness, confess our sins and come under His holy covenant.

Revelation 3:19

Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.

- Revelation 3:19

Has it ever crossed your mind, why does God rebuke us and discipline us? The truth is that God corrects us because He loves us and is waiting for us with arms wide open as we humbly repent and turn to Him.

Hosea 14:1-2a

Return, Israel, to the Lord your God. Your sins have been your downfall! Take words with you and return to the Lord.

- Hosea 14:1-2a

God calls us to turn from our wicked ways and repent. Repentance doesn't mean only verbal confession of your sin; it entails that you turn away from your sin and return to the Lord - in spirit and body.

James 4:8-10

8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

- James 4:8-10

Repentance is all about confessing our sins, asking God for forgiveness, humbling ourselves before the Lord. When we turn from our wicked ways and look to the Lord, He will lift us up. Remember that God is waiting for you with open arms.

Mark 1:15

“The time has come,” He said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

- Mark 1:15

Believing in the good news of Christ is the reason for our Salvation. When we confess our sins, turn from our old ways and believe that Jesus Christ, the son of God died to set you and me free - we are securing our eternal future with the Lord..

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?

- Romans 2:4

Let us remember that God’s kindness is not permission to sin—it’s a call to repent. When we repent we are recipients of God's goodness, His pure love and promise of eternal life.

Job 42:6

Therefore I despise myself
and repent in dust and ashes.

- Job 42:6

In the Bible we read about Job who was righteous, even Job in all his righteousness, recognized the need to repent before a holy God. Don’t let sin draw you away from God. Instead, repent and draw closer to Him..

Revelation 2:5

Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.

- Revelation 2:5

When we sin, we call short of the glory of God. God calls us to repent. A repentant heart draws us closer to God. When we draw ourselves closer to God, we experience His agape love for us.

2 Corinthians 7:10

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

- 2 Corinthians 7:10

When we repent and cast all our sins to the Lord, we are blessed with salvation through the message of the Good News where even if we die we live in Christ - our Redeemer, our Saviour. But if we live in sin without repenting, we are going to feel nothing but guilty.

Ezekiel 18:30

Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall.

- Ezekiel 18:30

When you repent you protect yourself from destruction. Sin is the cause of the downfall of man - right from the times of Adam and Eve. Therefore it is important to turn away from anything that makes us hesitate to get into God's presence.

Luke 13:3

I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.

- Luke 13:3

God forgives those who repent. Jesus emphasizes that repentance is not optional; it’s essential. When we repent, our sins are forgiven - when we continue to live in sin, being ignorant of the Truth, we will perish.

Acts 17:30

In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.

- Acts 17:30

Repentance is not just an invitation—it is a command for everyone. The Lord wants everyone to repent of their sins and draw closer to Him.

Psalm 51:17

My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart
you, God, will not despise.

- Psalm 51:17

A repentant heart is the offering God values most. When you repent and change your ways, you are break down barriers that sin has created in your life - this draws you closer to the Lord.

Jeremiah 24:7

I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart.

- Jeremiah 24:7

If we are open our hearts to God and allow Him to work in us - He transforms us from within so we can truly repent and follow Him. In His forgiveness we have life eternal.

Zechariah 1:3

‘Return to me,’ declares the Lord Almighty, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the Lord Almighty.

- Zechariah 1:3

Our God is a forgiving God and He want His people to follow Him. God's mercy is immediate for those who turn back to Him. So o let us return to God without delay and receive His goodness and mercy.

Read some powerful Bible stories where repentance leads to joy and blessing

Bibliaon Team
Bibliaon Team
Bibliaon's Editorial Team consists of mature Christians with several years of experience in Bible teaching and in writing, all with a genuine commitment to Jesus and the Word of God.