Lord’s Library editors answer the question “What does the Bible say about repentance?” with specific Bible references.
Have you ever asked yourself the question “What does the Bible say about repentance?” If you have, you’re definitely not alone! And since the Bible helps Christians form a foundational understanding of important topics, it’s imperative that one know how Scripture describes repentance in different contexts. The Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines repentance as “Real penitence; sorrow or deep contrition for sin, as an offense and dishonor to God, a violation of his holy law, and the basest ingratitude towards a Being of infinite benevolence. This is called evangelical repentance and is accompanied and followed by amendment of life.”
Now armed with a basic definition of repentance, Lord’s Library editors thought it would be a helpful exercise to provide Biblical context. As a result, we compiled this short resource which captures all notable mentions of the word repentance, as well as its other forms. If you’ve been wondering what the King James Bible says about repentance, scroll on for additional detail.
Note: If you want to know what the Bible says about repentance and 206 other important topics (to be exact), our editors recommend Spencer Smith’s Doctrine Matters: Bible Topic Guidebook.
What Does the Bible Say About Repentance?
Luke 5:32
“I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
Luke 24:47
“And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”
2 Timothy 2:25
“In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;”
Acts 5:31
“Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.”
Hebrews 12:17
“For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.”
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, and of faith toward God,”
Acts 11:18
“But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.”
Luke 15:7
“I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.”
Matthew 9:13
“But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
2 Peter 3:9
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
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