What is repentance?

Why does the Bible say we should repent before being baptized?

Some might ask why one doesn't just go ahead with baptism, once he realizes that it is necessary. The BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. instructs us that we must first repent of sin (Acts 2:38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
See All...), which is an essential and invaluable part of our preparation for receiving God's Spirit. In Jeremiah 4:3For thus saith the LORD to the men of Judah and Jerusalem, Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns.
See All..., God illustrates the process and helps us to understand its value by comparing it to a farmer preparing the soil before planting seed.

Just like it takes time to properly prepare a field, so also it takes time to come to repentance, time to come to understand how the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. applies in your everyday life, time to recognize and admit the ways that you have sinned, time for you to turn your life around. All of these matters are part of the process of repentance.

You may be surprised to learn that the word "repentance" doesn't mean sad, sorry or regretful, even though these adjectives appropriately describe the attitude we need to have in coming to repentance. In 2 Corinthians 7:10For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
See All..., Paul refers to a godly sorrow that produces genuine repentance and a "worldly" sorrow that does not produce the right result. The word "repent" itself literally means "to turn." More than just turning away from sin, repentance requires that we turn toward God, that we do our best to live as He expects us to live. Consider what John the Baptist said to some who came to him for baptism: "Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance" (Matthew 3:8Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
See All...).

Showing our repentance through our actions doesn't mean that we are attempting to earn salvation, which is not possible. Nothing we can do can make up for the sins we have committed. Only Jesus Christ's sacrifice can pay the penalty of death we have earned. Rather, showing repentance through our actions is part of the process. Some people receive the "seed" (the word of the Kingdom, Matthew 13:18-23 [18] Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.
[19] When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.
[20] But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;
[21] Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
[22] He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
[23] But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

See All...) in a rush of enthusiasm only to lose interest after a while. It is a serious matter to start on the Christian way of life and later turn away from it. Jesus warned that doing so could literally cost us our eternal life (Luke 14:26-35 [26] If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
[27] And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.
[28] For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
[29] Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,
[30] Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.
[31] Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?
[32] Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.
[33] So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.
[34] Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned?
[35] It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

See All...). True repentance insures our mind and heart are thoroughly prepared to receive God's Holy Spirit. Continuing Christ's farming analogy from Matthew 13, true repentance helps ensure a good spiritual "crop."

Some wrongly believe that conversion takes place by a momentary prayer of commitment, and that requiring obedience to specific laws is "legalism" and contrary to living under grace. However, God is in the forefront of repentance: "…the kindness of God leads you to repentance?" (Romans 2:4Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
See All..., Modern King James Version).

It may be helpful to draw an analogy between a convicted criminal receiving a pardon for his offense and a convicted sinner receiving a pardon for his spiritual offense. Is the pardoned criminal now free to ignore the law completely? To the contrary, he is expected to be a law-abiding citizen. The authorities would not grant him a pardon if they thought he would be anything less than that. Similarly, a convicted sinner who receives a pardon is expected to be a good "spiritual citizen," abiding by the laws of God. And he must demonstrate his commitment to that kind of "good citizenship" before he receives his pardon, that is, God's forgiveness through Christ.

In the course of attempting to turn your life around spiritually, you will often find that you come up short. Please do not let that discourage you. It is only confirmation that you need the additional help of God's Holy Spirit to be able to obey Him.

In conclusion, be sure to ask God directly to give you repentance. The BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. shows that coming to repentance is unnatural to the human mind and nature; that it must come from God (2 Timothy 2:25In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
See All...). So, add that request to your regular prayers. If you continue to respond to God, He will continue to give you spiritual understanding and lead you into a Father-son relationship.

Please take full advantage of the many BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. helps and online resources we offer. We would also be happy to answer any questions not covered by our Frequently Asked Bible Questions or publications . Just e-mail your questions to info@ucg.org .