What does the Bible say about repentance?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that repentance is God-given turning from sin to God, flowing from faith in Christ and bearing the fruit of a changed life. Jesus began His ministry by calling people to repent and believe, and He warned that all likewise perish apart from repentance (Matthew 4:17; Luke 13:3). Peter calls sinners to repent and turn so that their sins may be blotted out, and to receive the forgiveness offered through Christ (Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19). God patiently commands all people everywhere to repent, not delighting in their destruction (2 Peter 3:9; Acts 17:30). True repentance includes confessing sin, forsaking it, and producing fitting fruit, while trusting God's faithful mercy and cleansing (1 John 1:9; Proverbs 28:13; Matthew 3:8).
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Acts 3:19 3 votes
“Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, so that there may come times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord,
- Matthew 4:17 3 votes
From that time, Jesus began to preach, and to say, “Repent! For the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”
- 2 Peter 3:9 3 votes
The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some count slowness; but he is patient with us, not wishing that anyone should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
- Acts 2:38 2 votes
Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
- 2 Chronicles 7:14 2 votes
if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
- Matthew 3:8 2 votes
Therefore produce fruit worthy of repentance!
- Acts 17:30 2 votes
The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked. But now he commands that all people everywhere should repent,
- Luke 13:3 2 votes
I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all perish in the same way.
- 1 John 1:9 2 votes
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
- Proverbs 28:13 2 votes
He who conceals his sins doesn’t prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
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