The Doctrine of Repentance

Repentance is the foundational requirement for a soul to turn toward God. It is a holy decree and a necessary turning of the heart, where a person acknowledges their transgression and makes a conscious decision to forsake sin and follow the Lord.

The Necessity of Repentance

We believe that repentance is not a suggestion, but a command from God to all people. Without a sincere turning from sin, there is no path to reconciliation with the Creator.

• Luke 13:3: "I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish."

• Acts 17:30: "And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent."

The Working of Godly Sorrow

True repentance is birthed through godly sorrow. It is more than the regret of the world; it is a heart-wrenching realization of one's offense against a Holy God. This sorrow is the catalyst that "worketh repentance to salvation."

2 Corinthians 7:10 "For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death."

The Fruits of Repentance

We believe that true repentance will be evidenced by a change in conduct and a desire for righteousness. It is the spiritual "death" to the old man, preparing the believer for the burial of baptism and the resurrection of the new life.

• Matthew 3:8: "Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance."

• Acts 3:19: "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord."

The First Step of the Gospel

In the New Testament pattern, repentance is the essential first response to the preaching of the Word. It opens the door for the remission of sins and the promise of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 2:38 "Then 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."