Confession of sins is both commanded and frequently illustrated. When one is guilty of various sins, "he must confess in what way he has sinned" in order to receive atonement and forgiveness. Thus, confession belongs to repentance and is needed for divine forgiveness. A great prophecy/ promise is given in the Book of Isaiah: "The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their sins".

In the New Testament, the key term for repentance is metanoia - It has two usual senses: a "change of mind" and "regret/remorse." In both books of Mark and Matthew Jesus began his public proclamation with the call "Repent." In addition, Paul is said to have preached to both Jews and Gentiles/Greeks to "turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus"

Repentance is only a condition of salvation and not its meritorious ground. The motives for repentance are chiefly found in the goodness of God, in divine love, in the pleading desire to have sinners saved, in the inevitable consequences of sin, in the universal demands of the gospel, and in the hope of spiritual life and membership in the kingdom of heaven.

True repentance leads a person to say, "I have sinned" and prove it with a 180-degree change of their direction.

Repentance requires true brokenness.

Repentance is NOT asking the Lord for forgiveness with the intent to sin again.

Repentance is an honest, regretful acknowledgement of sin with commitment to change.

Repentance leads us to cultivate godliness while eradicating habits that lead into sin. Learn more about the true meaning of repentance in the Scriptures and Bible verses below.

. Luke 3:8

Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you , God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham.

12. Luke 5:32

I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.

21. Luke 17:4

And if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, “I repent,” you must forgive him.

22. Luke 24:47

And that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.