Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  6000 Sin and salvation  »  6600 Aspects of salvation  »  6732 repentance  »  6733 repentance, nature of

Scripture stresses the necessity of repentance from sin if individuals and communities are to have full fellowship with God. It also uses the term to refer to God's relenting of sending judgment on his people, usually in response to human repentance.

Repentance is a requirement for fellowship with God

2 Kings 17:13; 1 Thessalonians 1:9 See also Psalm 34:14; Isaiah 55:7; Acts 14:15; James 4:7-10

Repentance involves turning from sin

Sorrow for sin

Psalm 51:17; 2 Corinthians 7:8-10 See also Job 42:6; Psalm 34:18; Isaiah 57:15; Isaiah 66:2; Joel 2:12-13; Luke 18:13

Confession of sin

Luke 15:17-19 See also Leviticus 5:5; Psalm 51:1-3; Proverbs 28:13; Hosea 14:1-2

Forsaking specific sins

Ezra 10:10-11; Ezekiel 14:6; Acts 15:19-20

Making appropriate restitution

Numbers 5:6-7; Luke 19:8

Repentance involves turning to God

Faith in God

Isaiah 30:15 See also Luke 22:32; Acts 11:21; Acts 20:21; Acts 26:18

Obedience

Ezekiel 18:21-23 See also Malachi 3:7-10

Repentance demonstrated by actions

Acts 26:20 See also Isaiah 1:16-17; Daniel 4:27; Matthew 3:8 pp Luke 3:8; Luke 3:10-14

Repentance must be sincere

Jeremiah 3:10; Jeremiah 24:7 See also 1 Kings 8:46-50 pp 2 Chronicles 6:36-39; Psalm 78:34-37; Hosea 6:1-4

The repentance of God

Jeremiah 26:3 See also Exodus 32:14; Psalm 106:45; Hosea 11:8; Joel 2:13; Amos 7:1-6

See also

1025  God, anger of
1070  God, joy of
1120  God, repentance of
5492  restitution
5801  brokenness
5952  sorrow
6020  sin
6624  confession of sin
6650  finding
6740  returning to God
8020  faith
8453  obedience