What is repentance and is it necessary for salvation?

Answer

Many people interpret repentance as “turning away from sin.” While regretting sin and turning from it are connected to repentance, they do not precisely define the term. In the Bible, repent means “to change one’s mind.” The Bible teaches that genuine repentance leads to a change in behavior (Luke 3:8-14;Acts 3:19). Paul, summarizing his ministry, states, “I preached that they should repent and turn to God, demonstrating their repentance through their actions” «but shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judæa, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. », (Acts 26:20). The concise biblical definition of repentance is “a change of mind resulting in a change of action.”

So, what is the relationship between repentance and salvation? The book of Acts particularly emphasizes repentance in the context of salvation (Acts 2:38;Acts 3:19;Acts 11:18;17:30;20:21;26:20). Repenting for salvation involves changing your perspective on sin and Jesus Christ. In Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost (Acts chapter 2), he concludes by urging the people to repent «Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. », <a href="https://www.bibliatodo.com/en/bible/king-jame

(Acts 2:38). Repent from what? Peter addresses the people who turned away from Jesus, saying, “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God has made that same Jesus, whom you have crucified, both Lord and Christ.” (Acts 2:36). They are urged to reconsider their sin and their view of Christ, acknowledging Him as both “Lord and Christ.” Peter calls for a change in their perspective, to regret their past denial of Christ, and to accept Him as their Messiah and Savior.

Repentance entails recognizing past erroneous beliefs and committing to correct thinking in the future. The repentant individual reevaluates the mindset previously held. This involves a shift in attitude and a new approach to understanding God, sin, holiness, and obedience to God’s will. Genuine repentance stems from “godly sorrow,” and it “results in salvation” (“For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.”, 2 Corinthians 7:10).

Repentance and faith are interconnected aspects of the same process. One cannot place faith in Jesus Christ as the Savior without first changing their perspective on sin and understanding who Jesus is and His work. Whether it involves repentance from deliberate rejection or from ignorance and apathy, it signifies a change of mindset. In terms of salvation, biblical repentance involves shifting from rejecting Christ to believing in Him.

Repentance is not a task performed to earn salvation. No one can earn their way to heaven through repentance or any other action. It is a change of mind and heart that leads to a transformation in one’s life, turning from sin and turning towards God.

Sinners cannot repent and come to God unless God draws that person to Himself «No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. », (John 6:44). Repentance is a gift from God—it is only possible because of His grace (Acts 5:31;Acts 11:18). No one can repent unless God grants repentance. All of salvation, including repentance and faith, is a result of God drawing us, opening our eyes, and changing our hearts. God’s patience leads us to repentance «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. », (2 Peter 3:9), as does His goodness «Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? », (Romans 2:4).

While repentance is not a work that earns salvation, repentance leading to salvation does result in works. It is impossible to truly change your mind without changing your actions in some way. In the Bible, repentance results in a change in behavior. That is why John the Baptist called people to “produce fruit in keeping with repentance” «Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: », (Matthew 3:8). A person who has truly repented of sin and exercised faith in Christ will show evidence of a changed life (2 Corinthians 5:17;Galatians 5:19-23;James 2:14-26).

To see what

Repentance is exemplified in real life through the story of Zacchaeus. He was a man who engaged in cheating, stealing, and living luxuriously with his dishonest earnings—until he encountered Jesus. At that moment, he experienced a profound change of heart: “Look, Lord!” exclaimed Zacchaeus. “I will give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone, I will repay them four times over” «And Zacchæus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. », (Luke 19:8). Jesus joyfully declared that salvation had arrived at Zacchaeus’s house, affirming that even the tax collector was now “a son of Abraham” (verse 9)—highlighting Zacchaeus’s faith. The swindler transformed into a benefactor; the thief sought to make amends. This is repentance intertwined with faith in Christ.

Repentance, when properly understood, is essential for salvation. According to the Bible, repentance involves a change of heart regarding one’s sin—no longer treating sin lightly but abandoning it as one “flees from the coming wrath” «But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? », (Matthew 3:7). It also entails a change of perspective concerning Jesus Christ—no longer subjecting Him to ridicule, dismissal, or neglect; instead, embracing Him as the Savior to hold onto, the Lord to worship, and adore.