Bible Study - Repentance

 

Repentance – A Call to Turn Back to God

Repentance is a foundational theme in the Bible, calling people to turn away from sin and return to God. It is not just feeling sorry but involves a complete transformation of heart, mind, and actions.

Acts 3:19 – “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”

The Bible uses two primary words for repentance:

Hebrew (Old Testament): Shuv – Meaning "to turn back" or "return." (Ezekiel 18:30)

Greek (New Testament): Metanoia – Meaning "a change of mind" that leads to a change in behavior. (Matthew 3:8)

True Repentance is Genuine sorrow for sin (2 Corinthians 7:10), A complete turning from sin to God (Acts 26:20) and it Leads to transformation (Romans 12:2)

False Repentance is Feeling guilty but not changing (Matthew 27:3-5 - Judas) and Regret due to consequences, not love for God (Exodus 9:27-30 - Pharaoh)

It is Commanded by God

• Mark 1:15 – “Repent and believe the gospel.”
• Acts 17:30 – “God commands all people everywhere to repent.”

It is required for Salvation

• Luke 13:3 – “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”
• 2 Peter 3:9 – “God is patient… not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

Steps to True Repentance

A. Recognizing Sin

• Psalm 51:3 – “For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.”
• Acknowledging our sin before God is the first step.

B. Feeling Godly Sorrow

• 2 Corinthians 7:10 – “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret.”
• Genuine repentance comes from a broken heart. (Psalm 51:17)

C. Confession of Sin

• 1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.”
• Confession must be sincere and specific.

D. Turning from Sin & Changing Behavior

• Isaiah 55:7 – “Let the wicked forsake his ways and the unrighteous their thoughts.”
• Acts 26:20 – “Repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with repentance.”

Biblical Examples of Repentance

A. The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)

• He recognized his sin (v. 17).
• He confessed to his father (v. 18-19).
• He returned home and changed his ways (v. 20).
• The father welcomed and restored him (v. 22-24).

B. King David (Psalm 51)

• After his sin with Bathsheba, David repented sincerely.
• He prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God” (Psalm 51:10).

C. Nineveh (Jonah 3:5-10)

• The people repented after Jonah’s warning.
• God showed mercy and spared them.

The Blessings of Repentance

1. Forgiveness of sins (Acts 3:19)
2. Restoration of relationship with God (Luke 15:22-24)
3. Spiritual renewal and joy (Psalm 51:12)
4. Freedom from sin’s power (Romans 6:6)

 

A Daily Life of Repentance

Repentance is not just a one-time event; it’s a daily practice.

🔹 Luke 9:23 – “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”

🔹 1 Corinthians 10:12 – “If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!”

Practical Steps:

Examine your heart daily (Psalm 139:23-24)
Confess sins immediately (1 John 1:9)
Live by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16)

God’s grace is available to all who turn to Him. Will you repent today and follow Jesus with all your heart?

🔹 Isaiah 1:18 – “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”