What Is Biblical Repentance? A Scriptural Understanding of True Repentance

Ask the average person what biblical repentance means, and you’ll get a variety of answers. 

Some think it’s just feeling sorry for sin. Others believe it’s about making up for past mistakes through good deeds. And then there are those who assume repentance is a one-time decision—something you do when you “get saved” and never think about it again.

But what does the Bible actually say about biblical repentance? Is it just an emotional response? A religious ritual? Or is it something far deeper—something that defines the Christian life from start to finish?

In this article, we’ll dig into Scripture to see what repentance truly is, why it’s necessary for salvation, how it changes a person, and why it remains a daily necessity for every believer.

The True Meaning of Biblical Repentance

Repentance Means a Change of Mind and Heart

The Greek word for repentance, metanoia, literally means “a change of mind.” But in the biblical sense, it’s not just about changing opinions—it’s a complete reorientation of the heart, mind, and will toward God.

Jesus began His earthly ministry with a simple yet profound command:

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Matthew 4:17)

Repentance is not just regret over sin—it is turning from sin and toward God. It’s a radical transformation that impacts everything: how we think, how we live, and where our affections lie.

False Repentance vs. True Repentance

Many people feel sorry for their sins, but sorrow alone is not biblical repentance. Paul makes this distinction clear:

“For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world brings about death.” (2 Corinthians 7:10)

Worldly sorrow is regret over consequences—getting caught, facing embarrassment, suffering loss. But true repentance grieves sin because it offends a holy God.

Examples from Scripture:

• Judas vs. Peter – Judas felt remorse and took his own life (Matthew 27:3-5). Peter wept bitterly but returned to Christ (Luke 22:61-62).
• King Saul vs. King David – Saul justified his sin and lost the kingdom (1 Samuel 15:24-28). David confessed his sin and sought God’s mercy (Psalm 51:1-4).

True repentance produces a changed life, not just temporary remorse.

The Necessity of Repentance for Salvation

Jesus and the Apostles Commanded Repentance

Repentance is not optional—it’s a command from God.

• Jesus: “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:3)
• Peter: “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” (Acts 2:38)
• Paul: “God is now proclaiming to mankind that all people everywhere are to repent.” (Acts 17:30)

Repentance and Faith Are Inseparable

Repentance and faith are two sides of the same coin. You cannot truly believe in Jesus without turning away from sin. That’s why Jesus said:

“Repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:15)

Faith in Christ without repentance is dead faith. A person cannot cling to sin and Christ at the same time—one must be forsaken for the other.

The Ongoing Struggle of Repentance – Romans 7 and the Battle Within

Here’s where many people get confused. If biblical repentance means turning away from sin, why do Christians still struggle with sin?

The apostle Paul gives us an honest, firsthand look at this reality in Romans 7. He openly admits the battle between the old nature (flesh) and the new nature (Spirit):

“For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not.” (Romans 7:18)

Even after salvation, we still live in fallen bodies. We desire righteousness, yet sin still pulls at us.

Paul continues:

“For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.” (Romans 7:19)

Does this mean repentance is pointless? Not at all. In fact, Romans 7 proves that repentance is a lifelong process. We may stumble, but the difference between a believer and an unbeliever is conviction. Those who belong to Christ fight against sin—they don’t surrender to it.

Paul eventually cries out in frustration:

“Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?” (Romans 7:24)

His answer? Jesus Christ. True repentance is not about trying harder—it’s about clinging to Christ, knowing that He alone delivers us.

“Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:25)

Romans 7 confirms that biblical repentance is not sinless perfection—it’s a life of continually turning away from sin and toward Christ.

The Danger of Rejecting Repentance

Hardening the Heart

Repeatedly rejecting God’s call to repentance leads to a hardened heart.

“Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” (Hebrews 3:15)

The Judgment to Come

God is merciful, but He is also just. There is a day when repentance will no longer be possible.

“God has fixed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed.” (Acts 17:31)

Those who reject biblical repentance will face judgment.

How to Cultivate a Repentant Heart

Be Sensitive to Sin

Pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal hidden sins.

“Search me, God, and know my heart; put me to the test and know my anxious thoughts.” (Psalm 139:23)

Confess and Forsake Sin Daily

“Whoever conceals his wrongdoings will not prosper, but the one who confesses and abandons them will find compassion.” (Proverbs 28:13)

Walk in Obedience

“Therefore, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1)

Rely on God’s Grace

“For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13)

The End of the Matter

Biblical repentance is more than sorrow for sin—it’s a turning away from sin and a turning to Christ. It is necessary for salvation, evidenced by a changed life, and an ongoing practice in the believer’s walk.

If you’ve never truly repented, now is the time. Don’t harden your heart—turn to Christ today. And if you are a believer, keep walking in repentance daily, knowing that God’s mercy is abundant.

“Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” (Acts 3:19)

My purpose in writing these articles is to help new Christians to better understand their Bibles as well as to help those whom the Lord is drawing to himself to answer the nagging questions that present themselves to all on this journey.

Let me know if I can answer other questions for you or how I can pray for your particular situation. If you prefer a video format, check out my YouTube channel.

Would you like to know more about the biblical doctrine of election? Check out my free pamphlet Chosen by Grace.

Blessings in Christ,
Wally