Why I’m Studying Repentance

I’m collecting verses and notes on repentance to better understand:

  • The relationship between repentance and faith
  • Ongoing vs initial repentance
  • How genuine repentance shows up in a believer’s life

Key Verses

Acts 2:38

And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Notes:

  • Command to repent and be baptized.
  • Tied explicitly to forgiveness of sins and receiving the Holy Spirit.
  • Context: Peter’s sermon after Pentecost, people “cut to the heart.”

2 Corinthians 7:10

For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.

Notes:

  • Distinction between godly grief and worldly grief.
  • Godly grief → repentance → salvation without regret.
  • Worldly grief might just be regret over consequences, not sin.

Luke 13:3

No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.

Notes:

  • Universal language: “unless you repent.”
  • Jesus ties repentance directly to avoiding perishing.
  • Not just for “really bad people” – addressed to everyone.

Themes I’m Seeing

  • Repentance is not optional; it’s presented as essential.
  • There’s a heart component (godly grief), not just behavior change.
  • Repentance is tightly joined with faith and salvation, not a separate “add-on” work.

Questions to Keep Studying

  • How do I distinguish between conviction and mere guilt?
  • How does ongoing, daily repentance relate to assurance of salvation?
  • What does “bearing fruit in keeping with repentance” practically look like in my life?