Repentance—Why It Matters

“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” Acts 3:19 

Repentance has two basic applications in Scripture—repentance for salvation and repentance for Christian living.

Repentance for salvation is the initial turning from sin and self toward God through faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus began His public ministry with these words:

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:15

The Apostle Paul explained that God Himself initiates this change:

“If God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth.” 2 Timothy 2:25

Just like faith, repentance is not something we generate on our own. It is a gift from God (Acts 11:18); and we respond by yielding to it. When someone hears the gospel and feels that pull to surrender—that’s the invitation to repent. The fog clears, and the path to salvation becomes visible. The wise don’t wait; they walk through the open door.

True repentance is a divine invitation to reconcile us through salvation into a relationship with God.

After we are born again, God replaces our soul’s desire for the sins that imprison us—with a desire for His heart.

For the believer, repentance doesn’t stop at salvation. It is part of everyday life. While we don’t lose our salvation when we sin, we do lose peace, joy, and the ability to sense a closeness with God. That’s why Jesus told the church in Laodicea:

“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.” Revelation 3:19

This was directed to believers, not unbelievers. Why? Because our enemies still seek to entangle us in sin. Repentance is the way we stay close to God. Just as sin once separated us from salvation, it now interrupts our fellowship. But God lovingly calls us back—and repentance is how we return. In 2 Corinthians 7:10–11 Paul praises the church for responding to correction with genuine repentance. He describes what it looks like:

“Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter.” 2 Corinthians 7:10–11

This repentance is not a one-time act; it’s a lifestyle of surrender and renewal. It realigns our hearts, shapes our desires, and fuels our transformation. Yet too often, repentance is seen as a price we pay. But it’s not a punishment—it’s a pathway to restoration. It’s the doorway to God’s presence. Without it, we stay in the spiritual pigsty. But with it, we return to the Father’s table.

Repentance leads us into times of refreshing. (Acts 3:19) It’s the path to peace, joy, and clarity. Our flesh resists because it is no better than the day we were born again. But God invites us to surrender so He can give us something better—Himself.

It’s impossible to turn toward the light without turning away from the darkness. 

If you’re not born again, and you feel the Spirit stirring your heart, don’t delay. Today is the day of salvation. (2 Corinthians 6:2) If you’re already saved but far from God, you don’t have to stay in the fog. Repentance is your way home.

God rejoices when we repent. Like the father in the story of the prodigal son, He runs toward us when we turn toward Him. Repentance is not cleaning yourself up to get to God; it’s turning to God so that He can do what only He can do: cleanse, restore, and renew. 

When we repent, we are not just escaping the shackles of sin—we are entering into the presence of peace. We are stepping into the “times of refreshing” that only come from being close to God. Every moment we delay turning back to Him, we delay the restoration and joy He wants to give us. It doesn’t matter how far you’ve gone, how long it’s been, or how messy your past looks. 

When godly repentance is working in our lives—we experience a constant refreshing of God’s presence.

Today’s Challenge:

Spend time with God today and ask Him to reveal anything in your heart or habits that needs to change. Don’t resist His correction—receive it with joy, knowing it leads to peace, healing, and deeper intimacy with Him. If you have someone you know who needs to repent—pray for God to send it to them.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of repentance. Thank You that I don’t have to be perfect to come to You—I just have to be willing to turn away from sin. Help me to recognize the areas where I’m walking away from You, and give me the courage and humility to change. Teach me to live a life of continual repentance, not out of fear but because I love You. Fill me with Your peace and refresh me in Your presence. Please grant the gift of repentance to _____ who is not following You or who may not know You as Lord and Savior. In Jesus’ name, Amen.