The Truth about Repentance
In the Old Testament, repentance meant regret and called for the action of turning away from sin. In the New Testament, repentance means changing your mind and turning to God, agreeing with Him, which requires humility and faith.
Religion uses repentance as regret, shame, or condemnation with the fear of rejection in their attempt to get people to submit to God.
In the New Testament, Jesus came to show us repentance as an invitation to wholeness and love with God. True repentance establishes your value and self-worth in Christ. It reveals to your heart how much God loves and treasures you.
“Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4).
“But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice.' For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance” (Matthew 9:13).
“To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities” (Acts 3:26).
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15).
