Definition of “Repent”
To feel self-reproach, compunction, or contrition for past conduct: feel regret, or change one’s mind, with regard to past action in consequence of dissatisfaction with it or its result.
The apostles commanded sinners to repent.
Acts 2: 38: “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of the Jesus Christ for the remission of sin, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
When Jesus began His ministry, He preached the doctrine of repentance.
John the Baptist required repentance of those who came to him to be baptized.
Repentance implies real Godly sorrow.
Luke 18:10 -14: 10. “Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 11.The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 12. I fast twice in the week; I give tithes of all that I possess. 13. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 14. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”
Luke 15:21: “And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.”
The Spirit of God must first convict man of his sins before man can repent.
John 6:44: “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.”
Sins need not be confessed before men. They must be confessed to God who alone has power to forgive sins.
I John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Repentance requires that restitution be made.
Matthew 6:14 &15: “14.For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15.But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
The act of repentance is two-fold. It means not only the turning away from sin but also the turning to God for forgiveness.
Isaiah 55:7: “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.”