Scriptures on Repentance

Jesus taught us, through his ultimate sacrifice, the importance of repenting for our sins to enter into the Kingdom of God. Throughout the Bible, the word of God stresses the importance of turning away from sin and wickedness and surrendering our lives to our Lord. 

The act of repenting begins with God’s calling, and He does not call the righteous, he calls sinners. He gives us the opportunity and an open door to return to him when we have strayed from a righteous path. When we repent, we invite the Lord to restore us through abundant forgiveness and thereby reconciling with our Christian faith. 

But what does the Bible say about repentance? When we study scripture we can clearly see the importance of continuously self-examining our actions and calling on God to forgive us. This keeps us humble, frees us from the torment of sin, and brings us closer to Jesus.

The verses on repentance reiterate that God’s love and capacity for forgiveness know no bounds. There is no need to fear admitting your wickedness as the Lord is not slow to hear your prayers. He will wipe away your sin and will heal your spirit. 

When you’re facing difficult times and you fear that you have strayed off of the path that God has chosen for you, turn to these scriptures on repentance to give you strength.  Here is a list of 17 scriptures on repentance. I'll also give an explanation and talk about the meaning of these bible verses.

 

1. If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. -  2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV 

Here we see the importance of prayers and of seeking God, and we are assured that He will listen. We should always pray with humility and continuously face up to our wrongdoings when we hold conversations with God. 

People who request forgiveness are, in God’s eyes, “my people who are called by my name”. These people are treasured and chosen to do the work of God on earth and that is something that is accessible to everyone, should they choose a path of repentance. 

2. Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. - Proverbs 28:13 ESV

 

3. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. - 1 John 1:8-9 ESV 

These two repentance Bible verses serve as a reminder that we are all sinners and we should not pretend as if we live completely righteous lives. When we live in the name of Jesus Christ and have faith in our Lord, we cannot deceive ourselves or God about our sins. 

Rather, we should be honest about our sins and wrongdoings as only by admitting our sins can we receive the forgiveness of the Lord. 

4. But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord. - Acts 3:18-19 ESV   

‘Times of refreshing’ refers to relief from trouble to experience relaxation and relief. And so we learn in this Bible verse about repentance that when we turn to God and repent He will forgive us our sins — they will be wiped away, and we will be made clean. 

 5. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. - 2 Peter 3:9 ESV

 

 6. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners. - Matthew 9:13 ESV 

With these Bible verses about repentance, we are seeing into the heart of God - a God of mercy. Our Father does not seek perfection, he seeks for his children to humble themselves and pray, to return to him so that they may experience his love and forgiveness. 

We are loved even when we fail, even as sinners — especially as sinners. There is always space for us to pray and seek restoration. 

 7. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. - Revelation 3:19 NIV

Sometimes God exercises discipline as a loving father. We must remember that though discipline may be painful, it ultimately is for our own good so that we may receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This verse shows us that God invests in us, even when we sin, and our duty is to repent with sincerity. 

 8. Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. - Luke 17:3 ESV

We must be alert and aware of our loved ones sinning and help them to find repentance. It is not for us to judge the sins of others when we are sinners ourselves. However, we are advised in this verse to recognize sin and to give our forgiveness as freely as God gives His when our brothers and sisters repent. 

9. Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents. - Luke 15:10 ESV

10. Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. - Luke 15:7 ESV 

In the book of luke, we find two bible verses that remind us just how powerful the act of repentance is. Repenting for our sins is so powerful that the heavens and all the angels of God will celebrate when we come to call for forgiveness. 

The heavens literally erupt in joy when we choose to turn away from sin and live by the laws of God. But why is there so much joy in the heavens? When you repent, your slate is wiped clean, and you are saved. This is nothing short of a miracle. 

 

 

 

11. Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? - Romans 2:4 NIV 

This scripture on repentance contains an important lesson about God’s kindness. We cannot mistake God’s kindness as complacency in accepting our sins. No one will escape God’s judgment of their sins and we should never think that we are exempt from this judgment. 

Most importantly, truly understanding and accepting God’s goodness is what will lead us to repentance. By nature we are all sinners, yet even so God patiently waits to accept us with love to heal us from all unrighteousness when we repent.  

12. Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. - Isaiah 55:6-7 ESV 

To seek the Lord means to pray and this repentance verse is an invitation for sinners to do just that. Here the word ‘call’ is used, to reiterate that no special language is required to seek God, to speak to Him, and confess your sins. 

When you seek the Lord you will begin to shed your sins simply in the act of calling Him. We are reminded here of God’s infinite capacity for forgiveness. When you feel overwhelmed, are plagued with feelings of guilt, or believe you are living an unholy life, turn to this scripture to remind yourself that God will hear you from heaven and will forgive you for your wrongdoings. 

There is no sin too great that it cannot be cleansed by the love and pardon of God. 

13. And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. - Acts 2:38 ESV

To truly accept Jesus into our hearts and lives, we should each repent and be baptized. Only then can we be born again and receive the Holy Spirit and one day reach the Kingdom of God. 

 

 

14. From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. - Matthew 4:17 ESV  

 15. And saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” - Mark 1:15 ESV

These two Bible verses on repentance portray direct quotes from Jesus demonstrating a sense of urgency for sinners to repent and believe that salvation has arrived. It is a reminder for us to prepare for the kingdom of Heaven by seeking forgiveness for our sins and to cleanse our spirit of the wrongs we have committed so that we may be accepted into heaven. 

 16. “But if a wicked person turns away from all his sins that he has committed and keeps all my statutes and does what is just and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die. None of the transgressions that he has committed shall be remembered against him; for the righteousness that he has done he shall live. Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord God, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live? - Ezekiel 18: 21-23 ESV

By reading this verse we know that the door to repentance is always open as long as we face God and turn away from our sins. When we choose to confess our sins, the Lord will cleanse us of our wrongdoings. 

The word of God in this scripture reiterates that regardless of the extent of our sins, He wishes us to come to repentance so that we may live. Our past sins will be forgotten and our righteous acts celebrated.

 

 

 17. And he told them: Thus it is written, that Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. - Luke 24:45-67 NIV

Humans have been corrupted by sin ever since Adam and Eve turned their back on God on that fateful day in the Garden of Eden. To reunite us with God, Jesus sacrificed himself, accepting the punishment of all our sins. This sacrifice was a gift to us, and a demonstration of the depth of God’s love. 

In this scripture, in the book of Luke, we are reminded of God’s almighty power to triumph over death. We are also held accountable for the ultimate sacrifice. Repenting in the name of Jesus is our duty. 

Return to the Lord Through Bible Verses About Repentance

The Lord will never leave you and He rejoices with the angels in heaven when you call upon him to repent. He invites sinners to turn from their wicked ways to seek relief, restoration, and forgiveness when they repent for the Kingdom of Heaven. 

These Bible verses about repentance serve as a reminder that we are natural sinners and the act of repenting is not a once-off thing, but a continuous practice to be open with God. He knows what is in your heart and those that hide from their sin will not be granted mercy. Yet, those who ask for forgiveness will rejoice in God’s pardon. 

I hope that these verses on repentance restore your willingness to return to God when you have lost your way and that they comfort you in the mission to live a righteous life with Jesus.