This is a very interesting interview of a young man about his faith. Josh says he had “tried” Christianity right after 9/11, but then he “fell away” from the faith. What is true or false conversion?

What Is Repentance?

Repentance is turning away from sin and self and looking to God for forgiveness and salvation. It’s basically “to turn from evil, and to turn to the good,” or change one’s mind. The Bible tells us that true repentance will result in a change of action. You will instinctively hate sin and is necessary for salvation.

  • True repentance leads a person to say, “I have sinned” and prove it with a 180-degree change of their direction.
  • Repentance requires true brokenness.
  • Repentance is NOT asking the Lord for forgiveness with the intent to sin again.
  • Repentance is an honest, regretful acknowledgement of sin with commitment to change.
  • Repentance leads us to cultivate godliness while eradicating habits that lead into sin.

Bible Verses on Repentance

Acts 2:38 (NKJV): Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 3:19 (ESV): Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.

2 Corinthians 7:10 (ESV): 10 For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.

Acts 5:31 (NKJV): 31 Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.

2 Peter 3:9 (NKJV): The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

Romans 2:4 (NKJV): Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. – Luke 15:10

Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. – 2 Chronicles 7:14

As the Lord’s servant, you must not quarrel. You must be kind toward all, a good and patient teacher, who is gentle as you correct your opponents, for it may be that God will give them the opportunity to repent and come to know the truth. – 2 Timothy 2:24-25

This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.” – Isaiah 30:15

But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when His righteous judgment will be revealed. – Romans 2:5