Last Updated on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 11:46 AM
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FOUNDATIONAL MEANING
Matthew 4:17
“From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Mark 1:15
“And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.”
REPENTANCE PREACHED BY JOHN THE BAPTIST
Matthew 3:1–2
“In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Luke 3:8
“Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father…”
REPENTANCE REQUIRED FOR SALVATION
Luke 13:3
“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”
Luke 13:5
“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”
Acts 2:38
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…”
Acts 3:19
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out…”
GOD COMMANDS ALL MEN TO REPENT
Acts 17:30
“And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:”
REPENTANCE IS A GIFT FROM GOD
Acts 5:31
“Him hath God exalted… to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.”
2 Corinthians 7:10
“For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of…”
2 Timothy 2:25
“…if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;”
REPENTANCE CONNECTED WITH FORGIVENESS
Luke 24:47
“And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations…”
FRUITS OF REPENTANCE
Acts 26:20
“…that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.”
PARABLES ON REPENTANCE
Luke 15:7
“I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth…”
Luke 15:10
“Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.”
WARNING TO THE CHURCH (CONTINUED REPENTANCE)
Revelation 2:5
“Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent…”
Revelation 3:19
“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.”
OLD TESTAMENT CALLS TO REPENTANCE
Ezekiel 18:30–31
“Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.
Cast away from you all your transgressions…”
Isaiah 55:7
“Let the wicked forsake his way… and let him return unto the LORD…”
Joel 2:12–13
“Turn ye even to me with all your heart…
And rend your heart, and not your garments…”
2 Chronicles 7:14
“If my people… shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways…”
WHAT YOU’RE SEEING (IMPORTANT)
From these passages, repentance is shown as:
- A command (not optional)
- A turning (not just feeling sorry)
- Connected to forgiveness
- Producing visible fruit (change)
EXAMPLES OF TRUE VS FALSE REPENTANCE
TRUE REPENTANCE
Luke 15:18–20 (Prodigal Son)
“I will arise and go to my father…”
Marks:
- Acknowledges sin
- Turns back
- Takes action
- Is restored
Acts 19:18–19
“…they came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.”
Marks:
- Confession
- Public turning
- Change in behavior
FALSE REPENTANCE
Matthew 27:3–5 (Judas)
“…repented himself… and went and hanged himself.”
Marks:
- Regret without return to God
- No transformation
Exodus 9:27 (Pharaoh)
“I have sinned this time…”
But continued in hardness
Marks:
- Temporary confession
- No lasting change
1 Samuel 15:24–30 (Saul)
“…I have sinned…”
Yet sought honor before men
Marks:
- Concern for appearance
- Not true obedience
This continues to build a complete, scriptural framework:
Repentance is not merely sorrow:it is a turning, a returning, a transformation evidenced in life.
EXHAUSTIVE PASSAGES : NEW TESTAMENT
JOHN THE BAPTIST : REPENTANCE INTRODUCED
Matthew 3:7–8
“But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:”
Luke 3:3
“And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;”
Luke 3:10–14
“And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?
He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none…
Then came also publicans… And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.
And the soldiers likewise demanded… And he said unto them, Do violence to no man… and be content with your wages.”
Repentance produces specific changed behavior.
JESUS’ TEACHING ON REPENTANCE
Matthew 9:13
“…for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
Matthew 11:20–21
“Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:
Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works… had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago…”
Luke 5:32
“I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
Luke 15:17–20 (Prodigal Son turning)
“And when he came to himself, he said… I will arise and go to my father…
And he arose, and came to his father…”
Luke 16:30
“…Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.”
Luke 17:3–4
“Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day… and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.”
COMMISSION: REPENTANCE TO BE PREACHED
Luke 24:46–47
“And said unto them, Thus it is written…
And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations…”
BOOK OF ACTS : REPENTANCE IN THE EARLY CHURCH
Acts 5:30–31
“The God of our fathers raised up Jesus…
Him hath God exalted… for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.”
Acts 8:22
“Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.”
Acts 11:18
“Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.”
Acts 13:24
“When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.”
Acts 19:4
“John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him…”
Acts 20:21
“Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.”
This is one of the clearest summaries:
Repentance toward God + faith toward Christ
Acts 26:20
“…that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.”
EPISTLES : DOCTRINAL TEACHING ON REPENTANCE
Romans 2:4
“…not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?”
2 Corinthians 7:9–10
“Now I rejoice… that ye sorrowed to repentance…
For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.”
2 Timothy 2:25–26
“In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance…
And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil…”
Hebrews 6:1
“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works…”
Hebrews 6:4–6
“…if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance…”
Hebrews 12:17 (Esau)
“…he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.”
2 Peter 3:9
“The Lord is… not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
REVELATION : FINAL CALLS TO REPENTANCE
Revelation 2:16
“Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly…”
Revelation 2:21–22
“And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
Behold, I will cast her into a bed… except they repent of their deeds.”
Revelation 9:20–21
“…yet repented not of the works of their hands…
Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.”
Revelation 16:9
“…and they repented not to give him glory.”
Revelation 16:11
“…and repented not of their deeds.”
This is sobering:
Even under judgment, many refuse to repent.
DEEPER WORD CONNECTIONS (INSIGHT BUILT FROM ALL PASSAGES)
From both Testaments together:
Repentance consistently includes:
- Turning from sin (behavior)
- Turning to God (direction)
- Confession (acknowledging truth)
- Humbling oneself
- Obedience following
It is never presented as:
- Mere regret
- Words without change
- Emotional sorrow alone
CLEAR SIDE-BY-SIDE : TRUE vs FALSE REPENTANCE
TRUE REPENTANCE
Turns FROM sin
→ Ezekiel 18:21
Turns TO God
→ Isaiah 55:7
Produces fruit
→ Matthew 3:8
Confesses honestly
→ Psalm 51
Makes things right
→ Luke 19:8
Endures (continues)
→ Revelation 3:19
FALSE REPENTANCE
Feels sorry but does not change
→ Pharaoh (Exodus)
Seeks image or approval
→ Saul (1 Samuel 15)
Has sorrow without life change
→ Judas (Matthew 27)
Wants blessing without transformation
→ Esau (Hebrews 12)
Refuses despite warning
→ Revelation (end times)
A THREAD THROUGH ALL SCRIPTURE
From beginning to end:
Repentance is not presented as optional.
It is not partial.
It is not hidden.
It is:
A turning of the whole person
A response to God’s call
“FRUITS MEET FOR REPENTANCE”
The phrase comes from:
Matthew 3:8
“Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:”
Luke 3:8
“Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance…”
“Fruits” = visible evidence
“Meet/Worthy” = fitting, appropriate, corresponding to repentance
So Scripture defines repentance not by words:but by what follows.
WHAT THOSE “FRUITS” ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE
1. Turning from Sin (Real Change in Direction)
Ezekiel 18:21
“But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed… he shall surely live…”
Not partial turning:“all his sins”
2. Forsaking Sin (Not Returning to It)
Isaiah 55:7
“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts…”
Both actions (way) and thoughts (inner life)
3. Confession + Forsaking Together
Proverbs 28:13
“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”
Confession alone is not fruit
Confession + forsaking = fruit
4. Changed Conduct (Specific, Practical Obedience)
Luke 3:10–14
“What shall we do then?
He that hath two coats, let him impart…
Exact no more than that which is appointed…
Do violence to no man… be content with your wages.”
Repentance answers the question:
“What must I do differently now?”
5. Restitution (Making Wrong Things Right)
Luke 19:8
“…if I have taken any thing… I restore him fourfold.”
True repentance repairs where possible
6. Obedience to God’s Commands
Ezekiel 18:21
“…and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right…”
Not just stopping sin:starting righteousness
7. Humility and Brokenness
Psalm 51:17
“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart…”
Repentance produces inward humility
8. Persevering Change (Not Temporary)
Revelation 2:5
“Remember therefore… and repent, and do the first works…”
Returning to former obedience:not momentary emotion
SUMMARY OF FRUITS
“Fruits meet for repentance” =
- Turning from sin
- Forsaking sin
- Confessing honestly
- Changing behavior
- Making restitution
- Obeying God
- Living humbly
- Continuing in that change
WHAT PREVENTS REPENTANCE (FULL SCRIPTURAL PATTERN)
Scripture is very clear:people often do not repent, even when warned.
Here are the causes:
1. Hardened Heart
Exodus 8:15
“…he hardened his heart…”
Hebrews 3:13
“…lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.”
Repeated sin → dull conscience → resistance to truth
2. Love of Sin (Preference for Darkness)
John 3:19
“…men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”
Not ignorance:preference
3. Pride
Jeremiah 13:15
“Hear ye, and give ear; be not proud: for the LORD hath spoken.”
Pride refuses to admit wrong
4. Refusal to Acknowledge Sin
Jeremiah 8:6
“…no man repented him of his wickedness, saying, What have I done?”
Repentance begins with:
“What have I done?”
5. Deception
Revelation 9:20
“…yet repented not…”
2 Timothy 2:25–26
“…that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil…”
Deception blinds people to their need
6. Sorrow Without God (Worldly Sorrow)
2 Corinthians 7:10
“…the sorrow of the world worketh death.”
Feeling bad ≠ turning to God
7. Delay / Procrastination
Romans 2:5
“But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath…”
Delay strengthens resistance
8. Desire to Keep Control
Luke 16:30
“…if one went unto them… they will repent.”
They demand proof:but still refuse
9. Ignoring God’s Goodness
Romans 2:4
“…the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance…”
Some experience mercy:but do not respond
10. Habitual Sin
Jeremiah 13:23
“Can the Ethiopian change his skin… then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil.”
Repetition makes repentance harder:but not impossible
FINAL CLARITY
Across all Scripture:
TRUE REPENTANCE
- Turns
- Changes
- Continues
- Produces fruit
FALSE RESPONSE
- Delays
- Excuses
- Feels but does not change
- Hardens over time
REPENTANCE AFTER SALVATION vs INITIAL REPENTANCE
Scripture shows a clear distinction between:
Initial repentance (at conversion)
and
Ongoing repentance (within the life of a believer)
Both are necessary, but they function differently.
INITIAL REPENTANCE (AT CONVERSION)
This is the turning that brings a person from sin to God for the first time.
Acts 3:19
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out…”
This repentance is connected to:
- Conversion
- Forgiveness
- New beginning
Acts 2:38
“Repent, and be baptized every one of you… for the remission of sins…”
Repentance here is the doorway into remission of sins.
Acts 20:21
“Repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.”
This defines initial salvation response:
Turning to God + believing Christ
2 Corinthians 7:10
“For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation…”
Leads to salvation (initial turning)
CHARACTERISTICS OF INITIAL REPENTANCE
- Turning from sin to God
- Receiving forgiveness
- Entering new life
- Foundational change of direction
REPENTANCE AFTER SALVATION (ONGOING IN THE BELIEVER)
Scripture shows that believers are still called to repent.
Not for initial salvation:but for restoration, correction, and continued fellowship.
Revelation 2:5
“Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works…”
Spoken to the church (already believers)
Revelation 3:19
“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.”
Repentance is part of ongoing correction
James 5:19–20
“Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;
Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death…”
Indicates believers can stray:and must return
1 John 1:8–9
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves…
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us…”
Ongoing confession and cleansing
Luke 17:3–4
“If thy brother trespass against thee… and if he repent, forgive him…
and seven times in a day turn again… I repent…”
Repeated repentance within relationship
CHARACTERISTICS OF ONGOING REPENTANCE
- Conviction after failure
- Confession of sin
- Turning back quickly
- Restoration of fellowship
- Continued obedience
KEY DISTINCTION
INITIAL REPENTANCE
- From unbelief to faith
- From sin to God
- Leads to salvation
- Once-for-all turning (foundation)
ONGOING REPENTANCE
- Within relationship with God
- From specific sins or drift
- Leads to restoration
- Repeated as needed
IMPORTANT BALANCE FROM SCRIPTURE
Repentance is not:
- A one-time act only
- Nor a constant re-conversion
It is:
- A foundational turning
- Followed by a life of continued turning when needed
HEBREWS WARNING (MISUNDERSTOOD WITHOUT THIS DISTINCTION)
Hebrews 6:1
“…not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works…”
Foundation is laid once
But life is built on it
PATTERN THROUGH ALL SCRIPTURE
At the beginning:
Turn completely to God
Throughout life:
Continue walking in that direction
Return quickly when you stray
FINAL CLARITY
True life in God looks like:
- A real beginning (repentance unto life)
- A continual sensitivity to sin
- A willingness to turn again whenever needed
Not:
- One moment only
- Nor endless empty repetition
But:
A living relationship marked by truth, correction, and growth
Usage in the KJV bible:
repent used 46 times.
repentance used 26 times.
repented used 32 times.
repentest used once.
repenteth used 5 times.
repenting used once.
repentings used once
First Reference: Exodus 13:17
Last Reference: Revelation 3:19
Strong's Concordance:
H5162 Used 17 times
H7725 Used 3 times
G3338 Used 3 times
G3340 Used 21 times