What exactly is repentance?
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
—Matthew 4:17 (ESV)
The word “repentance” sounds old-fashioned or harsh to many people, but it is a central and powerful concept in the Bible. Repentance literally means turning around, radically changing your life, and turning from sin to God. It is not a religious obligation or superficial regret, but an inner change of heart, mind, and direction. Jesus began His ministry with this call:
The reason for repentance: Why is repentance necessary?
The Bible is clear: all people have sinned and therefore fall short of the holiness necessary to be with God.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
—Romans 3:23
God is holy and righteous, and sin separates us from Him. Without repentance, we remain under God’s judgment. Repentance is therefore necessary for reconciliation with God.
“Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”
—Luke 13:3
Repentance is not an option, but a necessity. It is the doorway to salvation.
The goal of repentance: What changes when I repent?
Repentance is not an end goal, but a beginning. It is the moment when you give up your old life and receive new life in Christ. The goal is:
Forgiveness of sins: (Acts 3:19)
“Repent, therefore, and be converted, so that your sins may be blotted out.”
Relationship with God: You become His child (John 1:12)
Walking in a new life:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”
—2 Corinthians 5:17
Receiving the Holy Spirit: Who guides and changes you from within (Acts 2:38)
What happens if I don’t repent?
The Bible is not vague on this. If you don’t repent:
You remain under God’s judgment (John 3:36)
You remain separated from Him (Isaiah 59:2)
You receive no forgiveness (Acts 17:30-31)
You cannot enter eternal life (Revelation 21:8)
Repentance is not just a religious act; it determines your eternal destiny.
Repentance in Christianity vs. Other Religions
Many religions teach that you can go to heaven by doing good deeds or being a “good person.” While this seems logical from a human standpoint, the Bible shows that it is not.
“By the works of the law no one will be justified in his sight.”
—Romans 3:20
Why doesn't it work?
God’s standard is perfectly holy. No one meets it on their own (Romans 3:10).
Sin must be atoned for. Good works do not erase guilt. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Only Jesus can save.
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
—John 14:6
So the Christian faith doesn’t teach that we can be good enough, but that Jesus is good enough—and that we must repent to Him to be saved.
What repentance is not
It’s not just regret or emotional remorse.
It’s not just changing behavior without inner change.
It’s not just following religious traditions or just attending church.
True repentance is a change of heart that leads to a new life with Jesus as Lord.
How do I repent?
Acknowledge that you have sinned. (1 John 1:9)
Believe that Jesus died for your sins and rose again. (Romans 10:9)
Turn away from your sins. Consciously choose to live differently.
Entrust your life to Jesus. (Acts 2:38)
Ask Him to guide you and fill you with His Spirit. 7. A Loving Call
God calls everyone—including you—to repentance. Not to condemn you, but to save you, restore you, and give you new life.
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise … but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”
—2 Peter 3:9
Questions to Ponder:
What does repentance mean to me personally?
Have I truly turned to God, or do I trust in my good deeds? What sins still prevent me from truly surrendering to Jesus?
What do I want to change in my life today to follow God?