39 Bible Verses About Repentance

There are many Bible verses about repentance that tell us about repentance and its consequences. These verses in the Bible make it very clear that if a person turns from his faults and follows the straight way, God will forgive him, grant him eternal life, and send him to heaven rather than hell. These verses from the Bible explain the value of repentance and the best outcomes that can be achieved through it. The Bible also contains several examples of people whose lives teach us the importance of repentance. They include Jonah, Zacchaeus, Paul, Peter, and David.

Calling For Repentance

Verse#1

Therefore, you Israelites, I will judge each of you according to your own ways, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Ezekiel 18:30

Explanation

God warns the Israelites in this verse that they must repent of their misdeeds because God will punish them based on their actions. A good reward waits the one who performs great things. The reward for bad deeds will be bad. However, God will forgive a person’s misdeeds and protect him from suffering, if he repents of his wrongdoing.

Verse#2

Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Isaiah 55:7

Explanation

According to Isaiah in this verse, people who are evil should turn from their ways, and those who are thinking the wrong ideas should turn back to God. When people turn from their sins, God will forgive and show them kindness.

Verse#3

“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Joel 2:12-13

Explanation

In this bible verse, God says that people should ask God for forgiveness from the depths of their hearts, fast, and cry for forgiveness of their sins. Cleanse your heart and return to God, then God will have mercy and be kind to them, because God is merciful and kind. In this verse, this characteristic of God is described that He is very quick to love, but He is not quick to anger, nor is he quick to send trouble.

Verse#4

Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Hosea 6:1

Explanation

Hosea writes in this Bible verse that we have done terrible things that have broken us apart. However, God will cure us, mend our wounds, and bring us back to health if we ask for forgiveness. The impure heart will be cleansed by him.

Verse#5

Therefore tell the people: This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Return to me,’ declares the Lord Almighty, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the Lord Almighty.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Zechariah 1:3

Explanation

God says that people should repent from their sins and come back to him. If a person does this, God will forget everything and turn back to them. This suggests that God will bless them and remove their sins.

Verse#6

From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

Book

New-Testament

Reference

Matthew 4:17

Explanation

Jesus warned that the moment for human judgments will be very soon in this verse. Therefore, repentance is necessary for people to have their sins forgiven and to avoid punishment. When the time comes for judgment, justice will rule. The rewards for good deeds will be paradise, while the rewards for wicked deeds will be awful. However, forgiveness will be granted to those who turn from their misdeeds. Jesus is encouraging that we should repent our sins before the resurrection.

Verse#7

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

Acts 3:19

Explanation

Paul states that we need to turn to God and repent in this verse. God will forgive our sins and bestow new blessings upon us if we turn from our sins.

Verse#8

Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

Revelation 3:19

Explanation

Jesus states in this verse that he criticizes his disciples in order to help them to avoid sin and make the right decision to choose a straight path. Jesus states in this verse that only those who are loved get correction in order to protect them from the Day of Judgment’s punishment. As a result, it is crucial for a person to repent and select the correct path.

Verse#9

“The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

Book

New-Testament

Reference

Mark 1:15

Explanation

Jesus claims in this verse that God promises people who turn from their sins that they will receive good news. Therefore, as the time of judgment is approaching, one should turn from their sins.

Verse#10

I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

Luke 13:3

Explanation

Jesus states in this bible verse that a person will suffer a severe punishment if he passes away before turning from his sins. People should therefore turn from their wrongdoings. The wicked will perish both here and in the afterlife.

Mercy of God by Repentance

Verse#11

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

2 Chronicles 7:14

Explanation

In this bible verse, God says that those who believe in God should be humble and pray to God. If they will pray to God, seek Him, be good and avoid bad deeds then God will hear their prayers and forgive their sins. In this verse, God promises that if someone asks for forgiveness for his sins, prays and does not commit sins, then God will grant his country prosperity.

Verse#12

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Psalm 51:1-2

Explanation

David claims in this verse that God is incredibly forgiving. He is praying to God to forgive all of his sins and show him mercy. David prays for forgiveness and purification from God. This was David’s repentance prayer.

Verse#13

“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Isaiah 1:18

Explanation

According to this verse, God will forgive a person who begs for forgiveness of his sins. Red color indicates sin. According to God, these red sins will turn as white as snow. It means that all of his faults will be forgiven by God.

Verse#14

Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Micah 7:18-19

Explanation

In this verse, Micah prays to God that no one is like God. God forgives sins. There is none other than Him who can forgive sins. God is great. He is not quick to anger but quick to show mercy. Therefore, He will surely have mercy on us, He will forgive our sins. If a person has many sins, but he hopes for God’s mercy and asks Him to forgive his sins, even if they extend to the depths of the sea, God forgives those sins.

Verse#15

The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Psalm 103:8-12

Explanation

In this biblical verse, David describes the greatness of God and says that God is very kind. He is not quick to anger but always loves his servants. He gets rid of his anger. If a person asks forgiveness for his sins, he forgives them. God does not take revenge. Those who fear and love God, God loves them too much. If a person commits many sins, God can forgive his sins too.

Verse#16

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

1 John 1:9

Explanation

John states in this verse that God will forgive, cleanse, and lead us to the correct road if we admit the sins we have committed and ask for forgiveness. God is incredibly fair and faithful. He treats His servants with mercy at all times.

Verse#17

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

Ephesians 1:7

Explanation

Paul claims in this verse that we receive God’s grace and our sins are forgiven by the blood of Jesus. Jesus deserves our gratitude. We would still be in the dark if Jesus hadn’t come.

Verse#18

He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

Titus 3:5

Explanation

Paul claims that God has shown us mercy and forgiveness in this verse. It wasn’t because we were good people, but God is forgiving. He offered us an opportunity to begin again.

Verse#19

For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”

Book

New-Testament

Reference

Hebrews 8:12

Explanation

God guarantees in this biblical verse that people who turn from their crimes and ask for forgiveness will be forgiven and their crimes will not be recalled again.

Verse#20

I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

Luke 15:7

Explanation

According to Jesus, there will be a variety of individuals in heaven. Some people will have never sinned and never had to repent, but there will also be others who have sinned in the past but have turned to God in repentance. They’re being compared. According to this bible verse, the one who turned from sin and repented will be happier than the person who has never committed sins and repented.

Result of Repentance

Verse#21

Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

Explanation

In this verse, God says that if a person repents, God saves him. A man should remain silent and have full faith in God, that is the strength of a man. This verse teaches us that we should not worry and have faith in God because faith in God is the real power.

Repentance And 14 Biblical Personalities

David

David felt deeply embarrassed of the sins he had committed. God forgave his crime because he repented and asked for forgiveness.

“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge.” (Psalm 51:1-4)

Peter

Peter had denied Jesus and later repented and received guidance from God. He shed tears for his sin.

“Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.” (Matthew 26:75)

Jonah

Jonah disobeyed God and went without God’s command, so a fish ate him. When Jonah was in the belly of the fish; he was too scared. He asked God for forgiveness for his disobedience, God forgave him and took him out of the belly of the fish.

“From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God. He said: “In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry.” (Jonah 2:1-2)

Paul

Paul frequently denied Jesus and did not believe in him, but after realizing the truth and seeing how wonderful Jesus was, he asked for forgiveness of his sins and became a Christian.

As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” (Acts 9:3-6)

Manasseh

As a king, Manasseh had committed numerous sins. He pleaded to God and begged for forgiveness because he was deeply sorry for his actions, and God granted him forgiveness.

“In his distress he sought the favor of the Lord his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his ancestors. And when he prayed to him, the Lord was moved by his entreaty and listened to his plea; so he brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord is God.” (2 Chronicles 33:12-13)

Mary Magdalene

Mary also realized that she had sinned. She asked for forgiveness for her sins and sat at the feet of Jesus. He asked forgiveness of his sins sitting at the feet of Jesus.

“A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.” (Luke 7:37-38)

Ninevites

When the Ninevites heard about the preaching of Jonah and considered his teachings, they adopted the straight path and asked for forgiveness for their sins. They also kept fasts to ask for forgiveness for their sins.

“The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. When Jonah’s warning reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust. This is the proclamation he issued in Nineveh: “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Do not let people or animals, herds or flocks, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink. But let people and animals be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.” When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.” (Jonah 3:5-10)

Tax Collector

Text collectors were a sinful job because they charged more money from people and kept their profits. He apologized for his sins and asked God for mercy.

But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ (Luke 18:13)

Zacchaeus

Zacchaeus also realized when he met Jesus that he was very sinful and that he should give his money and wealth to the poor so that he would be purified and his repentance would be accepted.

“But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham.” (Luke 19:8-9)

Job

Job questioned God because he didn’t understand why he was facing so many challenges. When God responded to his inquiries, he came to the conclusion that man was too weak to understand what God wanted to do. The knowledge of the hidden and unseen is known only to God. At which point he expressed regret and acknowledged his misguided assumption.

“Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.” (Job 42:6)

Samson

Samson lost all of his power after disobeying God because he fell in love with Delilah. Samson apologized to God and planned to obey God’s instructions in the future. After receiving his strength from God, Samson used it to defeat his enemies.

Then Samson prayed to the Lord, “Sovereign Lord, remember me. Please, God, strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes.” Then Samson reached toward the two central pillars on which the temple stood. Bracing himself against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other, Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” Then he pushed with all his might, and down came the temple on the rulers and all the people in it. Thus he killed many more when he died than while he lived.” (Judges 16:28-30)

Ezra

Ezra loved the Israelites very much and prayed to God for forgiveness of their sins.

And prayed: “I am too ashamed and disgraced, my God, to lift up my face to you, because our sins are higher than our heads and our guilt has reached to the heavens. From the days of our ancestors until now, our guilt has been great. Because of our sins, we and our kings and our priests have been subjected to the sword and captivity, to pillage and humiliation at the hand of foreign kings, as it is today.” (Ezra 9:6-7)

Adulteress

Many women were involved in adultery. When they were caught, these women asked Jesus for forgiveness and promised that they would change their lives and give up this sinful activity.

Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:10-11)

Thief on Cross

When the thief was crucified for his sins, he confessed his sins and asked God for forgiveness and prayed for heaven. Jesus accepted his prayer and said that he will be given paradise.

Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom,”Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:42-43)

Frequently Asked Questions

From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” (Matthew 4:17)

“The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15)

From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” (Matthew 4:17)

“I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.” (Acts 20:21)

“Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13)

Conclusion

By reading these Bible verses We learn that a person is attracted to sin since it is human nature. Even though people may sin, God wants them to turn from their sins and follow the straight way. He should turn from his misdeeds if he does them again. Repentant people will have a greater rank than those who have never sinned and repented because God loves them who repent. These biblical verses instruct us to truly repent and follow God’s instructions.