TOPIC 17 OF 47
Repentance
Called away from sin and back to the forgiveness of Christ.
THE MAIN TRUTH
Repentance is a change of heart and mind that turns us away from sin and back to God in Christ.
The teaching
From the book · pages 50–53
Repentance is a change of heart and mind that turns us away from sin and back to God in Christ. God’s Word calls us to repent, and through that call the Holy Spirit works repentance in us.
The Spirit gives us a changed heart in which, first, we are convicted of our sin and sincerely regret it because of the judgment of God’s Law. Then, second, the Spirit creates faith in us through the hearing of the Gospel, so that we put our trust in Christ Jesus, our Savior. Repentance involves these two parts: conviction of sin through God’s Law and the assurance of faith through the Good News that we are completely forgiven by Christ.
As a result, by the Spirit we desire to live free from sin and to obey God’s Word. Repentance is a condition of the heart without which no one can hope to be saved. God’s grace and kindness seek to lead all people to repentance, but a person may harden their heart and resist the Spirit’s work. This changed heart and mind of repentance is to be experienced throughout the entire life of the baptized believer, from beginning to end.
Scripture foundations
All Scripture excerpts from this topic are presented below in the book’s order. Ellipses and bracketed explanations follow the manuscript. Select a reference to read the surrounding passage in the EHV.
Reading these passages together
Notice how repentance includes both conviction of sin and trust in the Gospel. God’s kindness leads us to return, while the resulting change of life is the fruit of his forgiving mercy.
16 Scripture excerpt groups
SCRIPTURE 01
Matthew 4:17 ↗
“From that time, Jesus began to preach: ‘Repent, because the kingdom of heaven is near.’”
Book page 51
SCRIPTURE 02
Joel 2:13 ↗
“Tear your heart and not your clothing. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in mercy, and he relents from sending disaster.”
Book page 51
SCRIPTURE 03
Acts 20:21 ↗
“I have solemnly testified to both Jews and Greeks about repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Book page 51
SCRIPTURE 04
Romans 3:20; 2 Corinthians 7:10 ↗
“. . . through the law we become aware of sin.” “In fact, godly sorrow produces repentance, which leads to salvation, leaving no regret.”
Book page 51
SCRIPTURE 05
Luke 15:17-24 ↗
“When [the lost son] came to his senses, he said, ‘. . .I am dying from hunger! I will get up, go to my father. . .’ . . .The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick, bring out the best robe and put it on him . . . this son of mine was dead and is alive again.’”
Book page 51
SCRIPTURE 06
Acts 3:19; Mark 1:15 ↗
“Therefore repent and return to have your sins wiped out . . .” “Repent, and believe in the gospel.”
Book page 51
SCRIPTURE 07
Acts 13:38 ↗
“. . . let it be known to you that through this Jesus forgiveness of sins is being proclaimed to you . . .”
Book page 52
SCRIPTURE 10
Romans 2:4 ↗
“. . . the purpose of God’s kindness is to lead you to repentance. . .”
Book page 52
SCRIPTURE 11
Hebrews 3:7-8 ↗
“Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: ‘Today if you hear his voice do not harden your hearts. . .’”
Book page 52
SCRIPTURE 12
Acts 5:31; 11:18 ↗
“God exalted [Jesus] to his right hand as Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and the forgiveness of sins.” “. . . So then, God has granted repentance that results in life also to the Gentiles.”
Book page 52
SCRIPTURE 13
2 Peter 3:9 ↗
“The Lord . . . is patient for your sakes, not wanting anyone to perish, but all to come to repentance.”
Book page 52
SCRIPTURE 14
1 John 1:8-9 ↗
“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Book page 52
SCRIPTURE 16
Revelation 2:4-5 ↗
“. . . You have forsaken your first love. Remember . . . the state from which you have fallen! Repent and do the works you did at first.”
Book page 53
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture passages are from the Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version (EHV), copyright 2019 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission, as noted in the manuscript.
PERSONAL REFLECTION OR GROUP DISCUSSION
Reflect and pray
How are sorrow for sin and trust in Christ related in repentance?
Why is changed behavior a fruit of repentance rather than payment for forgiveness?
Where is God’s Word calling you to return to him today?
A prayer
Merciful God, give us honest repentance and confident trust in Jesus. Forgive our sins, soften our hearts, and produce in us the fruits of your mercy. Amen.