Repentance

Repentance is a change of mind and heart that turns away from sin and turns toward God. It is not merely feeling sorry but involves a genuine transformation of direction.

Acts 3:19 commands, "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord." Second Corinthians 7:10 distinguishes true repentance: "For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death." Jesus declared in Luke 13:3, "I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish." Acts 17:30 reveals that God "now commands all men everywhere to repent." Repentance is not optional but is an essential response to the gospel.

Repentance is not a one-time event but an ongoing posture of the Christian life — continually turning from sin and toward God. Godly sorrow over sin, as opposed to mere regret over consequences, leads to genuine change. Repentance opens the door to forgiveness, restoration, and the refreshing presence of God.