What Is Repentance?

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2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

Luke 13:3 ^“I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

Think

Imagine standing at a crossroads, where one path leads to life and the other to destruction. This is where we all find ourselves when we encounter the truth of the Gospel. It’s not enough to just know the right path; we have to make a choice. Conversion is about more than simply recognizing what’s right—it’s about turning away from what’s wrong and choosing the way of life. Repentance and faith are not just steps we take; they’re the very heartbeat of true conversion.

Repentance is more than just feeling bad about our mistakes. It’s a deep, personal sorrow that leads us to turn away from the things that separate us from God. John Wesley said it best: “True repentance is a thorough change of heart and life; a universal change from all sin to all holiness.” It’s about recognizing that the old way of living, no matter how comfortable, leads nowhere good. It’s about letting go of the things that keep us chained to the past and stepping into the freedom God offers.

But repentance alone isn’t enough. We must also turn toward Christ in faith. Faith is more than just believing in our minds; it’s trusting Jesus with our whole hearts, knowing that only he can save us. Susanna Wesley (John’s mother and a woman of deep faith) once said, “There are two things to do about the gospel—believe it and behave it.” This faith isn’t just about agreement with the facts; it’s about leaning into God with everything we are, trusting him to transform us from the inside out.

Repentance and faith together are the keys that unlock the door to true conversion. We can’t fully turn to Christ without first turning away from the sin that holds us back. And we can’t truly repent without reaching out in faith to the One who offers us new life. If you’re at that crossroads today, take heart. God is offering you a new beginning. Turn away from the old life, and with faith, step into the new life that Christ has prepared for you. This is where the journey truly begins—where life, real life, takes root and flourishes forever.

Apply

Have you ever truly repented of your sin and turned to Jesus as your Savior? You can do it at this moment! If you have made that initial faith and repentance step at the moment of conversion, it doesn’t stop at conversion. Faith and repentance are attitudes we foster and mature throughout our Christian life.

Pray

Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I repent of areas and things that are wrong or that I have withheld from you. I need your strength as I leave them behind and turn to you. Help me trust you completely and have faith that you will guide me and transform my heart. In your name. Amen.