Repentance, in a biblical sense, involves a change of mind that leads to a change of direction, prompted by regret over past actions. It is a turning from disobedience to obedience, from falsehood to truthfulness, and in the context of salvation, from unbelief to belief in the gospel. This change of mind encompasses intellectual, emotional, and volitional aspects. Intellectually, it involves a change of view toward sin. Emotionally, it includes genuine sorrow for sin and a desire for pardon, as exemplified in Psalm 51 and 2 Corinthians 7:9-10. Volitionally, it entails a change of will, demonstrated by turning away from sin and turning to God.

However, repentance is not merely acknowledging one’s sinfulness or simply confessing wrongdoings. The Bible provides examples of individuals who recognized their sin but did not genuinely repent. Repentance involves a transformation that goes beyond mere acknowledgment or confession.

Repentance and salvation are distinct, yet interconnected. Mark 1:15, Acts 3:19, and Acts 26:20 highlight the distinction between repentance, conversion, and turning to God. Judas’s remorse in Matthew 27:3 illustrates that repentance alone does not lead to salvation. Repentance has various applications in Scripture, including human relationships (Luke 17:3), the lives of believers (Revelation 3:19, 2 Corinthians 12:21), and the preaching of evangelists. Evangelists like John the Baptist, Jesus, and the early disciples preached repentance to prepare people’s hearts to believe in Christ. Biblical theology emphasizes that repentance is a crucial aspect of the salvation process, leading to a recognition of one’s need for a Savior and a willingness to embrace God’s forgiveness.