Introduction

From the Old Testament prophets to John the Baptist, Jesus, Peter, Paul, and the early disciples, repentance has been a central message. It is, perhaps, the Bible’s most consistent theme. If every messenger from God has preached repentance, it’s important we understand what it means and take it seriously.

The word repent means to change direction—like driving the wrong way, then stopping, turning around, and going the right way. Repentance is more than just confessing sin to God; it is a firm decision to turn away from sin and never return to it. It means making practical changes, like throwing away cigarettes, getting rid of harmful habits, and rejecting false teachings.

Biblical faith is also more than agreeing mentally that Jesus is real and rose from the dead. True faith is trusting Jesus fully, which leads to love and obedience.

Repentance — Scripture Discussion

Matthew 4:17

“From then on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.’” (NLT)

  1. What does this scripture say about God?
    God is a righteous King whose Kingdom is near, inviting sinners to enter.
  2. What does it say about me/man?
    We are sinners in need of turning back to God.
  3. Is there something to obey?
    Yes, to repent and turn to God.
  4. How do we obey?
    By acknowledging our sin, changing direction, and submitting to God’s rule.
  5. Is there sin to avoid?
    Yes, ignoring God’s call to repentance.
  6. Is there hope to put faith in?
    Yes, the nearness and availability of God’s Kingdom.

Acts 17:30–31

“God overlooked people’s ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now he commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him. For he has set a day for judging the world with justice by the man he has appointed, and he proved to everyone who this is by raising him from the dead.” (NLT)

  1. About God: God is just and will judge the world through Jesus.
  2. About man: Everyone is called to repent—no exceptions.
  3. Command to obey: Repent and turn to God.
  4. How to obey: Turn from sin and put faith in the risen Jesus.
  5. Sin to avoid: Ignoring the call to repent.
  6. Hope to hold: Jesus, raised from the dead, is both Judge and Savior.

Luke 3:7-14 (Summary)

John the Baptist calls for genuine repentance proven by actions like sharing with those in need, honesty, and contentment.

  1. About God: God desires genuine repentance shown by changed lives.
  2. About man: Repentance means action, not just words.
  3. Command to obey: Show fruits of repentance by generosity and honesty.
  4. How to obey: Share with those in need, be honest at work, avoid greed.
  5. Sin to avoid: Hypocrisy, greed, dishonesty.
  6. Hope to hold: God will forgive and transform those who truly repent.

Luke 24:47

“There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.” (NLT)

  1. About God: God offers forgiveness to all nations.
  2. About man: We all need forgiveness, which comes through repentance.
  3. Command to obey: Repent to receive forgiveness.
  4. How to obey: Humble yourself and trust Christ.
  5. Sin to avoid: Rejecting God’s forgiveness.
  6. Hope to hold: Forgiveness is available for all who repent.

Acts 2:36-39

Peter tells the crowd: repent, be baptized for forgiveness, and receive the Holy Spirit.

  1. About God: God fulfills promises through Jesus and gives the Holy Spirit.
  2. About man: We need salvation through repentance and baptism.
  3. Command to obey: Repent, be baptized, receive the Holy Spirit.
  4. How to obey: Believe in Jesus, turn from sin, obey His commands.
  5. Sin to avoid: Rebellion against Jesus.
  6. Hope to hold: Forgiveness and the Holy Spirit are given to those who obey.

2 Corinthians 7:8-11

Paul describes godly sorrow that leads to repentance without regret.

  1. About God: God uses godly sorrow to lead us to repentance.
  2. About man: True repentance produces eagerness to live rightly.
  3. Command to obey: Allow sorrow over sin to lead to change.
  4. How to obey: Confess, turn from sin, pursue righteousness.
  5. Sin to avoid: Worldly sorrow that leads to despair instead of change.
  6. Hope to hold: Godly sorrow leads to salvation and peace.

James 4:4-10

James calls believers to humble themselves, resist the devil, and purify their hearts.

  1. About God: God gives grace to the humble and draws near to those who draw near to Him.
  2. About man: We can be double-minded, loving the world more than God.
  3. Command to obey: Submit to God, resist the devil, repent.
  4. How to obey: Humble yourself, confess sin, reject worldly desires.
  5. Sin to avoid: Pride, friendship with the world, rebellion.
  6. Hope to hold: God will lift you up when you humble yourself.

James 5:16

“Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” (NLT)

  1. About God: God hears prayer and brings healing.
  2. About man: We need honest confession and community.
  3. Command to obey: Confess sins and pray for one another.
  4. How to obey: Be honest about struggles and seek prayer.
  5. Sin to avoid: Hiding sin and isolating oneself.
  6. Hope to hold: God answers prayer and heals.

Faith — Scripture Discussion

Romans 1:16-17

“For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, ‘It is through faith that a righteous person has life.’” (NLT)

  1. About God: God’s power brings salvation to all who believe.
  2. About man: We are made right with God through faith.
  3. Command to obey: Believe in the Good News.
  4. How to obey: Put your trust in Jesus.
  5. Sin to avoid: Shame or disbelief in the gospel.
  6. Hope to hold: Faith brings life and righteousness.

Romans 3:23-28

“For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous…We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ.” (NLT)

  1. About God: God is gracious and just, making us righteous by faith.
  2. About man: All have sinned and need grace.
  3. Command to obey: Have faith in Jesus.
  4. How to obey: Trust Jesus for righteousness.
  5. Sin to avoid: Pride and self-righteousness.
  6. Hope to hold: God’s grace justifies us through faith.

Ephesians 2:8-10

“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (NLT)

  1. About God: Salvation is a gift of grace, not earned by works.
  2. About man: We are created anew to do good works God prepared.
  3. Command to obey: Believe and live out good works.
  4. How to obey: Trust Jesus and walk in obedience.
  5. Sin to avoid: Boasting or trusting in works.
  6. Hope to hold: Salvation and new life are God’s gifts.

Hebrews 11:6

“And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” (NLT)

  1. About God: God rewards those who seek Him in faith.
  2. About man: Faith is essential to please God.
  3. Command to obey: Believe in God and seek Him sincerely.
  4. How to obey: Trust God daily and seek Him through prayer and His Word.
  5. Sin to avoid: Doubt and unbelief.
  6. Hope to hold: God rewards sincere faith.

Three Steps to Repentance

  1. Realize your guilt — acknowledge your sin before God.
  2. Turn away from sin — make a conscious decision to stop sinning.
  3. Turn to God — respond by baptism, receiving the Holy Spirit, fasting, prayer, Bible reading, and fellowship.

Forgiveness Teaching

Forgiveness is crucial to walking in repentance and faith.

The Parable of Forgiveness (Matthew 18:21-35)

Jesus teaches that we must forgive others as God has forgiven us.

  • To be forgiven, we must forgive (Matthew 6:15).
  • Forgiveness means the debt is fully paid and released.

Four Reasons to Forgive

  1. God forgives us completely, so we must forgive others.
  2. People act out of ignorance or brokenness; Jesus prayed, “Forgive them, for they don’t understand.”
  3. Hurt people hurt others, but healed people heal others.
  4. God will settle all accounts on the Day of the Lord.

How to Walk Through Forgiveness

  • Forgive mother, father, self, and anyone else as needed:
    1. “I forgive ___ for…”
    2. “I forgive ___ for making me feel…”
    3. “I break agreement with the lie that I am ___.”
    4. “I receive the truth that I am ___.”

Key Passage

“Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” — Acts 2:38 (NLT)

May God bless your readers as they explore repentance, faith, and forgiveness — turning fully toward Jesus, the author and perfecter of our salvation.