If we were to ask what repentance is, we would probably be told that we should turn away from sin and live a more Godly life. This is true, but the Bible makes it clearer than that. In answer to what repentance is Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” We are told to become a new person in 2 Corinthians 5:17. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, the old has gone, the new has come!”
The Bible also has some definite requirements for what must be included in repentance. They are as follows:
- Faith - “The time has come,” he said. “The
- Humility - “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” James 4:10
- Prayer - “Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord.” Acts 8:22A
- Sorrow for Sin - “Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.” Job 42:6
Finally, the Bible makes it clear that we are to show that we are a repentant sinner by the deeds that we do. In Matthew 3:8 John the Baptist says, “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” Paul repeats this same command in Acts 26:20B when he says, “I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.”
As you can see it is not easy to repent. We can only begin and continue with a sincere heart and mind and do the very best we can. When we stumble, we must confess our sin, repent, and continue on knowing that Jesus is our Lord and Savior and that He is with us every step of the way.
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