What Is Repentance?
What Is Repentance? Repentance is a genuine change of mind and heart about sin, turning away from it and toward God.
Key verse: Acts 3:19 (KJV)
Repentance is a genuine change of mind and heart about sin, turning away from it and toward God.
Repentance is a genuine change of mind and heart about sin, turning away from it and toward God.
"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord." — Acts 3:19 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Repentance (Greek: metanoia) literally means 'a change of mind,' but biblical repentance involves far more than intellectual acknowledgment. It encompasses a deep sorrow for sin (2 Corinthians 7:10), a turning away from sinful behavior, and a turning toward God. John the Baptist preached, 'Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand' (Matthew 3:2), and Jesus began His ministry with the same message (Mark 1:15). Repentance is not merely feeling bad about getting caught or fearing consequences — it is a God-given awareness that sin offends a holy God. Acts 17:30 declares that God 'now commandeth all men every where to repent.' True repentance produces 'fruits meet for repentance' (Matthew 3:8) — visible changes in behavior and attitude. It is a gift from God (Acts 11:18, 2 Timothy 2:25), not something manufactured by human willpower. Repentance and faith are two sides of the same coin — one turns from sin while the other turns to Christ.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Confession & Repentance?
What the Bible teaches about confessing sin, repentance, and receiving God's forgiveness.
Key Scripture References
"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord."
"For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death."
"And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
How Are You Saved According to the Bible?
Salvation comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ — not by works or human effort.
What Is the Gospel?
The gospel is the 'good news' that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again, offering salvation to all who believe.
Can God Forgive Any Sin?
Yes — the Bible teaches that God's grace is sufficient to forgive any sin when a person repents and believes in Christ.
What Is the Unforgivable Sin?
The unforgivable sin, or blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, is the persistent, willful rejection of the Spirit's testimony about Jesus Christ.
Why Did Jesus Have to Die on the Cross?
Jesus died as a substitutionary sacrifice to pay the penalty for human sin and reconcile humanity to God.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
What Does Repentance Look Like?
Sin & Salvation
Repentance vs. Remorse — What's the Difference?
Sin & Salvation
Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling
Will L. Thompson • 1880
Just As I Am
Charlotte Elliott • 1835
Bible Verses About Sin
10 curated KJV verses
Bible Verses About Cleansing from Sin
10 curated KJV verses
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Acts. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Acts on day 309 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Is Repentance?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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