You might have heard the word repentance before, but what does it actually mean? It’s not a word we use much in everyday life, and it can sound a little intimidating. Is it about feeling bad for mistakes? Following a bunch of religious rules? Or is it about something better?
In the Bible, repentance has less to do with guilt—and more to do with growth. It’s a turning point and an opportunity to change.
If we want to live out true repentance and help others do the same, we need to understand what it really means. So let’s dive into what the Bible has to say about repentance and what it means for you and me today.
Below, you’ll also find an example prayer for repentance.
What Is Repentance?
... “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Matthew 3:2 NIV
Repent: this word appears throughout Scripture and is commonly used to describe a key part of becoming a Christian. So what does it mean?
One way to look at repentance is to visualize yourself doing a “spiritual 180.” Walking in one direction, then turning 180 degrees to walk in the opposite direction.
Another way to describe repentance is pursuing something and then turning to pursue God. Or others may describe it as the process of engaging with sin, then deciding to no longer participate in those destructive actions.
3 Verses About Repentance
In the context of the following verses, these definitions seem to come together:
... “Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven has come near.” Matthew 3:2 NIV
“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out ...” Acts 3:19 ESV
“No, I tell you; but unless you all repent, you will all likewise perish.” Luke 13:3 ESV
But how did Jesus and the authors of the Bible understand genuine repentance and teach it to others?
Let’s Define Biblical Repentance
Biblical repentance is an ongoing, never-ending process in which an individual is in constant pursuit of God.
In the New Testament, when Jesus or the apostles would call someone to repentance, they were calling them to refocus their heart and mind on the things of God. This would start with a choice to follow Jesus; leading to a lifetime of others-focused action.
True Repentance Changes Our Focus
The word used in the verses above is metanoeō (μετaνοεω). This is a Greek word that translates to “repent.” In Greek, this word means “to change one’s mind or purpose, and repent.”
The best way to translate metanoeō, in all of its uses, is to change your mind and to change the focus of your heart. The verb tense that metanoeō is used in, most often, shows that this is an ongoing, never-ending process in which a person is in constant pursuit of God.
The use of metanoeō in these verses was meant to shift the focus of the people being taught. Why? Because they were prioritizing something other than God’s will for their lives.
For them, it could have been comfort, money, success, praise, power, or any number of other things fighting for their attention. No matter what it was, God’s invitation was to lay it down in exchange for a life of following Jesus.
God offers each of us the same choice—to turn our focus away from anything that might distract us from our purpose and commit to a new direction for our lives. But how do we repent? We can start by remembering it’s a gift.
God’s Gift of Repentance
We focus on the wrong things, fail, and sin. That’s the human story. But God loved us so much that He came in human form through the person of Jesus to free us from sin through His death, burial, and resurrection. Anyone who repents from their old life, trusts Jesus’ sacrifice, and commits to live and love like Jesus, inherits new life in Him.
Have you accepted God’s free gift of salvation through faith? If so, you know the joy of getting the opportunity to repent, turning from sin toward new life in Christ Jesus.
If you’ve accepted Jesus, feel free to jump to the next section. But if not, I encourage you to pray this repentance prayer below. Then, let us know you prayed by clicking the button below.
A Prayer of Repentance
Dear God, I’ve focused on the wrong things and failed countless times. But today, I’m turning to You. I believe You died the death I deserved on the cross, and rose again to give me new life. I repent from my life of sin and commit my life to following Your way. Thank You for making me new. In Jesus’ name, amen.
If you prayed that prayer, congratulations! You’ve been made new in Jesus, and your life will never be the same. If you fill out that form above, someone will reach out to you shortly with a helpful guide for following Jesus, plus opportunities for next steps.
How to Live a Life of Repentance
Jesus and other biblical authors chose repentance and redirection, and encouraged the people around them to choose it, too. This redirection starts on the inside, and slowly begins to transform our habits and actions. But those changes may not have been as obvious or visible as we might expect.
In 1 Samuel, we read how “... The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 NIV
This verse shows us that while people often focus on external actions and appearances, God looks at the intentions and condition of the heart. We see this again with the greatest commandment:
... “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22:37-39 NIV
In the same way, Pastor Craig Groeschel shared in his message series Habits of a Healthy Heart that true repentance is more than turning away from sin. It’s focusing on God with your whole heart. When we let God change our heart, our habits will follow.
Creating Space for Daily Repentance
Our responsibility is to create the space for the Holy Spirit to work within us, and to be obedient as He begins transforming us. A repentant heart will desire more of God and eventually, and naturally, lead to a change of lifestyle.
There are so many ways to create space for repentance in your own life. Spiritual practices like prayer, reading the Bible, and solitude transform our hearts to be more aligned with Jesus’ way of living. Here are a few to consider:
Pray regularly: Lord, thank You for the way that You draw me closer to You. You shape and mold the desires of my heart. Reveal to me any areas in my mind, heart, and soul that do not align with You so that I may turn my heart back to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Meditate on Scripture: Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 NIV
Sing Worship: Listen to a worship song and fix your heart on God, intentionally turning your heart, mind, and soul toward Him.
Remember, repentance has less to do with guilt and more to do with growth. It’s a God-given tool to help us break free from distractions and sins that keep us stuck. So embrace repentance and start living in freedom today!
Reflect or Discuss
How does this definition of repentance compare to your previous thoughts?
How would you describe the importance of repentance in your own life?
How can you encourage those around you to see repentance as Jesus described?