Shayla: Must I repent? What is repentance? How can I repent?

Meforshim:

Yes, repentance is necessary to spiritual health. Repentance principally means to change your mind and ways, but it can also be accompanied by regret or remorse for having done what is wrong. Until we recognize that we are on the wrong path, that our way isn’t working, and that we need to change directions, there is no hope for us.

In the parable of the prodigal son, his repentance is described as “coming to his senses.” When he did, he realized how stupid he’d been, decided to change his ways and humbly returned to his father.

• Luke 15:17-20 HCSB When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired hands have more than enough food, and here I am dying of hunger! 18 I'll get up, go to my father, and say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. 19 I'm no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired hands.' 20 So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him.

Repentance is a major portion of the Good News of the Gospel. The fact that God will allow us to repent and will take us back is good news indeed!

• Luke 24:46-47 HCSB He also said to them, "This is what is written: the Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead the third day, 47 and repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Jesus came to die on the cross, taking the penalty of our sins upon Himself, precisely in order to give us the privilege of repentance!

• Acts 5:30-31 HCSB The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had murdered by hanging Him on a tree. 31 God exalted this man to His right hand as ruler and Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

Repentance is a major part of our testimony as Christians and our teaching as elders of the church.

• Acts 20:21 HCSB I testified to both Jews and Greeks about repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus.