Repentance in Christianity

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Repentance in Christianity means feeling real sorrow for sin and turning away from sin to live in a way that pleases God. It is connected to confession and forgiveness in many traditions, and it can be a step in salvation, though when exactly repentance fits into that process differs among denominations.

The idea comes from the Hebrew Bible, where the term means “turn away.” In the New Testament, John the Baptist called people to repentance, Jesus preached repentance as part of the gospel, and the apostles taught it. Metanoia, the Greek word often translated as repentance, generally means turning away from sin and turning toward God.

Different Christian traditions explain repentance in different ways:

- Catholic theology teaches interior conversion—a change of heart—sorrow for sin, a firm decision to change, and acts of penance; reconciliation is needed for serious sins.
- Lutheran theology treats repentance as part of living faith and a real change of life in response to the gospel.
- Reformed (Calvinist) teaching defines repentance as a true turning of life to God, arising from fear of God, involving putting to death the old self and living by the Spirit.
- Methodists describe repentance as knowing sin, feeling sorrow, confessing it, and forsaking it, leading to sanctification.
- Free Grace theology offers several views: some see repentance as a change of mind equivalent to faith; others view it as turning from sin but not required for salvation, while still encouraging it for fellowship with God.
- Non-denominational and evangelical groups often teach that repentance is necessary for salvation and new birth, and they may offer it as a focus in worship and invitations to faith.

Many liturgical churches emphasize repentance during Lent, but they also urge believers to live a life of repentance year round.