REPENTANCE

The Bible and Lutherans teach that repentance is an acknowledgment of sin and sincere regret for it. A repentant sinner also trusts that God will forgive sin for Jesus’ sake. Repentance is a condition of the heart without which no one can hope to be saved. Every truly repentant sinner is assured of God’s free and full pardon. Therefore, he or she will seek to forsake a sinful life and to live a holy life for God.

Isaiah 55:6,7 Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

Mark 1:15 [John said] "Repent and believe the good news."

Matthew 4:17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."

2 Corinthians 7:10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret.

Luke 18:13,14 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.” [Jesus said] "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."