What Is Repentance — In Biblical Context
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)
The Biblical Context
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.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Acts 3:19, sits inside Acts 3. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"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."
Supporting Passages
"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."
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