Explain Bible

What does the Bible say about starting over again?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that God graciously gives repentant sinners a new beginning through faith in Jesus Christ, not because they can remake themselves, but because he forgives, renews, and preserves his people. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, those united to Christ are called new creations, while 1 John 1:9 promises forgiveness and cleansing to those who confess their sins. Isaiah 43:18-19 shows God doing a new work for his people, and Acts 3:19-20 connects repentance with times of refreshing from the Lord. Though suffering and past failures may remain, Romans 8:28 and Psalms 138:8 assure believers that God is working according to his good purpose and will complete what he has begun.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Isaiah 43:18-19

    [18] Don't remember the former things, neither consider the things of old. [19] Behold, I will do a new thing; now shall it spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:17

    Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new.

  • Jeremiah 29:11

    For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says Yahweh, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope in your latter end.

  • Revelation 21:4

    He will wipe away from them every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more. The first things have passed away."

  • 1 John 1:9

    If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

  • Job 11:13-20

    [13] "If you set your heart aright, Stretch out your hands toward him. [14] If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away, Don't let unrighteousness dwell in your tents. [15] Surely then shall you lift up your face without spot; Yes, you shall be steadfast, and shall not fear: [16] For you shall forget your misery; You shall remember it as waters that are passed away, [17] Life shall be clearer than the noonday; Though there is darkness, it shall be as the morning. [18] You shall be secure, because there is hope; Yes, you shall search, and shall take your rest in safety. [19] Also you shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid; Yes, many shall court your favor. [20] But the eyes of the wicked shall fail, They shall have no way to flee; Their hope shall be the giving up of the spirit."

  • Romans 8:28

    We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.

  • James 5:16

    Confess your offenses to one another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effective, earnest prayer of a righteous man is powerfully effective.

  • Acts 3:19-20

    [19] "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, [20] and that he may send Christ Jesus, who was ordained for you before,

  • Psalms 138:8

    Yahweh will fulfill that which concerns me; Your loving kindness, Yahweh, endures forever. Don't forsake the works of your own hands.

Related topics

Go deeper

Ask Explain Bible AI about starting over again and get a fuller answer from a Reformed theological perspective.

Ask what the Bible says about starting over again