How do I repent?
Repentance is simply agreeing with God about your sin and turning to Him. Discover the path back to freedom.
20 Bible studies address this question
What the Bible Says
These Bible studies explore Scripture passages that speak to this question. Each study will give you insight and practical application.
A Prayer for Cleansing and Renewal
David's profound psalm of repentance after his sin with Bathsheba. This deeply personal prayer reveals the path from guilt to restoration through God's mercy.
Nathan Confronts David
Nathan the prophet confronts David with a parable about a stolen lamb. David confesses his sin. Though forgiven, he faces consequences: the child will die, and violence will plague his house.
The Joy of Forgiveness
David celebrates the blessedness of forgiven sin, describing both the misery of hiding guilt and the relief of confession, then inviting others to trust in God's steadfast love.
Repentance, the Narrow Door, and Jerusalem's Tragedy
Jesus calls for urgent repentance, illustrated by tragedies and the parable of the barren fig tree. He heals a crippled woman on the Sabbath and teaches about the kingdom through mustard seed and leav...
Godly Sorrow Leads to Repentance
Paul rejoices that his severe letter led to godly sorrow and genuine repentance. His joy is complete because Titus was encouraged by the Corinthians' reception and response.
Samuel Leads Israel to Victory
After twenty years, Samuel calls Israel to repentance. They destroy their idols, and God thunders against the Philistines at Mizpah, inaugurating Samuel's leadership as judge over Israel.
Nineveh Repents
God calls Jonah a second time. He goes to Nineveh and proclaims: "Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!" The entire city—from king to cattle—repents in sackcloth and ashes. God sees the...
The Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, and Prodigal Son
When criticized for receiving sinners, Jesus tells three parables of stunning grace. A shepherd leaves ninety-nine sheep to find one lost. A woman searches until she finds her lost coin. A father welc...
Tola, Jair, and Israel's Renewed Apostasy
Two minor judges provide stability; then Israel's idolatry leads to Philistine and Ammonite oppression and genuine repentance.
A Rebellious Nation Called to Repentance
Isaiah opens with a stunning indictment of Judah. God's own people have rebelled worse than animals who know their master. Yet even in judgment, God offers hope: "Though your sins are like scarlet, th...
John the Baptist Prepares the Way
John the Baptist emerges in the wilderness, calling Israel to repentance and baptizing those who confess their sins. Jesus comes to be baptized, and heaven opens with the Father's voice and the Spirit...
John the Baptist and Jesus' Baptism
John the Baptist preaches a baptism of repentance in the wilderness, preparing the way for the Lord. Jesus is baptized, and heaven opens as the Spirit descends and the Father declares, "You are my bel...
The Guilt Offering and Specific Sins
Leviticus 5 continues with cases requiring sin offerings and introduces the guilt offering (asham), which addresses violations that require both atonement and restitution. This chapter shows that some...
Restoration and the Choice of Life
Moses promises restoration after exile, describes the accessibility of God's commands, and calls Israel to choose life over death.
David's Census and the Plague
David sinfully orders a census of Israel. God sends a plague killing 70,000. At the threshing floor of Araunah, where David builds an altar, the plague stops.
A Prayer of One Afflicted
David cries out under the weight of sin's consequences, describing physical suffering and abandonment by friends, yet holding onto hope in God alone.
The Righteous and the Wicked
Proverbs 28 presents stark contrasts between the righteous and the wicked, exploring themes of justice, integrity, confession, and the consequences of our choices.
Isaiah's Vision and Commission
In the year King Uzziah died, Isaiah sees the Lord in breathtaking majesty. Overwhelmed by his own sinfulness, he is cleansed by a burning coal and commissioned to preach—even though the people will...
Come, Everyone Who Thirsts
One of the Bible's most gracious invitations: come to the waters, buy without money, seek the LORD while He may be found. God's thoughts and ways are higher than ours, and His word accomplishes its pu...
The Word of Life
John opens his letter by declaring the Word of Life—what was heard, seen, and touched—inviting readers into fellowship with the Father and Son. Walking in light means confessing sin and experienci...
Still Have Questions?
The Bible has answers for every aspect of life. Keep exploring, or reach out to our pastoral team for personal guidance.