6733 repentance, nature of

Scripture stresses the necessity of repentance from sin if individuals and communities are to have full fellowship with God. It also uses the term to refer to God’s relenting of sending judgment on his people, usually in response to human repentance.

Repentance is a requirement for fellowship with God

2Ki 17:13; 1Th 1:9 See also Ps 34:14; Isa 55:7; Ac 14:15; Jas 4:7-10

Repentance involves turning from sin

Sorrow for sin Ps 51:17; 2Co 7:8-10 See also Job 42:6; Ps 34:18; Isa 57:15; Isa 66:2; Joel 2:12-13; Lk 18:13

Confession of sin Lk 15:17-19 See also Lev 5:5; Ps 51:1-3; Pr 28:13; Hos 14:1-2

Forsaking specific sins Ezr 10:10-11; Eze 14:6; Ac 15:19-20

Making appropriate restitution Nu 5:6-7; Lk 19:8

Repentance involves turning to God

Faith in God Isa 30:15 See also Lk 22:32; Ac 11:21; Ac 20:21; Ac 26:18

Obedience Eze 18:21-23 See also Mal 3:7-10

Repentance demonstrated by actions Ac 26:20 See also Isa 1:16-17; Da 4:27; Mt 3:8 pp Lk 3:8; Lk 3:10-14

Repentance must be sincere

Jer 3:10; Jer 24:7 See also 1Ki 8:46-50 pp 2Ch 6:36-39; Ps 78:34-37; Hos 6:1-4

The repentance of God

Jer 26:3 See also Ex 32:14; Ps 106:45; Hos 11:8; Joel 2:13; Am 7:1-6

See also