What does it mean to be saved and to have the Holy Spirit living within us? What is required for that to take place? Is it just a simple prayer asking Him into our hearts or are there more details to it than that? So many have a misconception that a simple prayer is all that is necessary to be heaven-bound without regard for necessary transformation that must take place within our souls. Scripture gives the details as to what God requires of us, and along with true desire comes a willingness to agree to His terms. That desire is not natural or of our own free will, but by God’s grace in individually giving us that desire for Him. It is His will and His sovereign work in preparing our hearts, as He is glorified in that, rather than us taking credit for our own decision (Ephesians 2:8-9). Essential to what God desires to work in us, and the focus of this study, is a true heart of repentance in the midst of our naturally sinful hearts.
To define repentance, it is a turning away from sin, disobedience or rebellion and turning back to God. True repentance is a “godly sorrow” for sin, an act of turning around and going in the opposite direction. This type of repentance leads to a fundamental change in a person’s relationship to God. 2 Corinthians 7:10-11 – 10“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 man: 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.” – It is vital for us to know where our hearts lie and what kind of sorrow we subscribe to, giving us an indication of the trueness of our faith. I am including Pastor John MacArthur’s commentary on the above-mentioned verse: godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation. “Godly sorrow” refers to sorrow that is according to the will of God and produced by the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 2:25). True repentance cannot occur apart from such a genuine sorrow over one’s sin. The word “leading” is supplied by the translators; Paul was saying that repentance belongs to the realm or sphere of salvation. Repentance is at the very heart of and proves one’s salvation: unbelievers repent of their sin initially when they are saved, and then as believers, repent of their sins continually to keep the joy and blessing of their relationship to God (1 John 1:7-9). sorrow of the world produces death. Human sorrow is unsanctified remorse and has no redemptive capability. It is nothing more than the wounded pride of getting caught in a sin and having one’s lusts go unfulfilled. That kind of sorrow leads only to guilt, shame, despair, depression, self-pity, and hopelessness. People can die from such sorrow (Matthew 27:5). – I would highly suggest referencing the scripture verses in this study as well as the entire bible with commentaries from a solid biblical teacher.
Primary to you proceeding with this study, you must believe that all of scripture is the inerrant word of God. Verses that tell us so are Proverbs 30:5-6, Galatians 2:11-12, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:20-21 and Revelation 22:18-19. If we do not believe scripture to be absolute truth even though God says that it is, picking and choosing what we think to be true brings us to a point where truth is whatever we want it to be. This leads us into having no foundation of truth, as we are called to believe that the bible is God’s word and therefore truth. Following this commentary, scriptural evidence is included that describes what it means to live separate from God. There are verses that give insight into the sin that leads to death. Giving in to the sin that leads to death is the direction that people who live separated from God will take. Once we perceive through scripture that we as humans are naturally inclined to live separate from God through the deceitfulness of Satan because of his rule over this world, scripture relating to our need to repent of our sinfulness is made clear and indicates to us the direction we must take as believers in Jesus Christ. We must examine our hearts (2 Corinthians 13:5) and God’s word also reveals the evidence of sincerity of our repentance, which occurs within the hearts of His children. The last group of scriptures following the commentary will reveal our role as followers of Christ in turning others away from sin.
Here are four points indicating that true repentance has taken place in one’s life regarding specific issues of sin:
1. Confession of the sin to persons of accountability, the church and persons affected by the sin in order to restore the trust and confidence of; by making genuine repentance known.
2. Turning away from that sin and aggressively pursuing righteousness which is an attitude that ends indifference and complacency to sin and any complacency that exists in regard to evil and deception.
3. Time must pass as evidence or proof of true confession and repentance.
4. Although the person is forgiven when the above points are adhered to in the heart and with God, the person may always be in danger in those particular area(s) of sin and the consequences of that/those sin(s) could be ongoing.
If we become aware that a change of attitude, feelings and/or beliefs is necessary, we must begin to dedicate all those things to God in prayer and in action. James 1:22 states, 22“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” We must confess our sin before God, believing it is wrong and truly desiring and asking God to change our hearts in reference to our evil desire(s). Asking God for His forgiveness and believing His forgiveness is necessary. In Mark 11:24, Jesus says, 24“Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” He lovingly demands that we believe Him in what He says. We should align our prayers towards God’s will, knowing the scriptures point us to that. Our hearts must truly desire to turn away from sin and strive towards pursuing righteousness. It is no doubt a battle that must be fought as the evil one will continue to attack us in our weaknesses. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 10:31, 31“Therefore, whether we eat or drink, or whatever we do, do all to the glory of God.” – We must focus on God and not our sin. I have noticed in my own life that for years when my sin was my focus, I didn’t get far in conquering it. When my intimacy with the Lord grew, so did my hatred for living in ways that opposed God and the sinful areas of my past began to dissipate. When God becomes the focus and there is growth in that relationship, sin will decrease as we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives. We will continue to battle sin in our lives as believers in Christ because we are still attached to our “flesh” while we live in this world. When the struggle remains in specific areas of sin, God has not yet been made the focus or is yet fully trusted in that area, I know from experience and the word of God. It is necessary for a person to understand the depth of their sin and the depth of the price that was paid for their sin by Jesus Christ. Once that occurs within our hearts, the desire and action to persevere in dedicating our lives to God in the tribulations that we will face will encourage us to take the focus off of ourselves and in turn, glorify God as we begin to understand the grandness of who He truly is.
Verses Relating To Separation From God:
Matthew 7:13-27 – 13“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. 15 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them. 21 Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ 24 Therefore whoever hears these saying of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these saying of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was it’s fall.”
James 1:22-27 – 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. 26 If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. 27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.
1 John 1:6-7 – 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
1 John 2:4-6 – 4 He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.
1 John 2:21 – 21 I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth.
1 John 2:28-29 – 28 And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. 29 If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him.
1 John 3:24 – 24 Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.
Revelations 3:3 – 3“Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.”
Revelations 16:9 – 9 And men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent and give Him glory.
Revelations 16:11 – 11 They blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and did not repent of their deeds.
Verses Relating to Giving Into Sin Which Leads to Death
Ezekiel 18:23-31 – 23“Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die?” says the Lord GOD, “and not that he should turn from his ways and live? 24 But when a righteous man turns away from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and does according to all the abominations that the wicked man does, shall he live? All the righteousness which he has done shall not be remembered; because of the unfaithfulness of which he is guilty and the sin which he has committed, because of them he shall die. 25 Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not fair.’ Hear now, O house of Israel, is it not My way which is fair, and your ways which are not fair? 26 When a righteous man turns away from his righteousness, commits iniquity, and dies in it, it is because of the iniquity which he has done that he dies. 27 Again, when a wicked man turns away from the wickedness which he committed, and does what is lawful and right, he preserves himself alive. 28 Because he considers and turns away from all the transgressions which he committed, he shall surely live; he shall not die. 29 Yet the house of Israel says, ‘The way of the Lord is not fair.’ O house of Israel, is it not My ways which are fair, and your ways which are not fair? 30 Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways,’” says the Lord GOD. “Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin. 31 Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,” says the Lord GOD. Therefore turn and live!”
Ezekiel 33:11 – 11“Say to them: ‘As I live,’ says the Lord GOD, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’
Ephesians 4:17-24 – 17 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; 19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20 But you have not so learned Christ, 21 if indeed you have heard Him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
2 Timothy 2:19 – 19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart form iniquity.”
James 1:14-15 – 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
2 Peter 2:21-22 – 21 For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22 But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: “A dog returns to his own vomit,” and, “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.”
Verses Relating to Our Need For Repentance
Jonah 3:10 – 10 Then God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God relented from the disaster that He had said He would bring upon them, and He did not do it.
2 Chronicles 7:14 – 14“if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
Proverbs 28:13 – 13 He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.
Isaiah 1:16-17 – 17“Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, rebuke the oppressor; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow.”
Matthew 3:7-10 – 7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, 9 and do not think to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. 10 And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”
Matthew 4:17 – 17 From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Mark 1:15 – 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”
Luke 3:8-9 – 8 Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. 9 And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”
Luke 13:3 – 3“I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.”
Acts 2:38 –38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 3:19 – 19 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 17:30-31 – 30 Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, 31 because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained.
Acts 26:20 – 20 but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.
Romans 2:4-6 – 4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? 5 But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6 who “will render to each one according to his deeds”
Romans 3:23 – 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
2 Corinthians 5:17 – 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
2 Corinthians 12:21 – 21 lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and I shall mourn for many who have sinned before and have not repented of the uncleanness, fornication, and lewdness which they have practiced.
Galatians 5:19-21 – 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
1 Timothy 4:1-2 – 1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron,
James 2:14-26 – 14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,’ but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe – and tremble! 20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? 23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend o God. 24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. 25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
2 Peter 3:9 – 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
1 John 1:9 – 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Revelations 2:21-23 – 21 “And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. 22 Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulations, unless they repent of their deeds. 23 I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.”
Revelations 3:19 – 19 “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.”
Verses Relating to Evidence of True Repentance
Psalm 26:2 – 2 Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my mind and my heart.
Psalm 32:5 – 5 I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and You forgave the iniquity of my sin.
Psalm 38:18 – 18 For I will declare my iniquity; I will be in anguish over my sin.
Luke 5:5-11 – 5 But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” 6 And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. 7 So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” 9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; 10 and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” 11 So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.
Luke 6:44 – 44“For every tree is known by its own fruit, For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush.”
Luke 15:18-19 – 18“I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, 19 and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”
Acts 26:20 – 20 but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.
2 Corinthians 7:10-11 – 10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. 11 For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly man: 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.
James 5:16 – 16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
Verses Relating to Role of Christ Follower To Turn Others Away From Sin
Proverbs 24:11 – 11 Deliver those who are drawn toward death, and hold back those stumbling to the slaughter.
Matthew 18:15-17 – 15“Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ 17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.”
James 5:19-20 – 19 Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, 20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.
1 Corinthians 5:5 – 5 deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
Galatians 6:1 – 1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
2 Thessalonians 3:6 – 6 But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us.
1 John 5:16 – 16 If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that.
Verses Relating to Inerrancy of Scripture
Proverbs 30:5-6 – 5 Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. 6 Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.
John 17:17 – 17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
Galatians 1:11-12 – 11 But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. 12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 – 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Peter 1:20-21 – 20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
Revelation 22:18-19 – 18 For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
Birdog's Kingdom of God Studies 
Hi, I enjoyed reading your article on true repentance, and all the scripture you give to confirm the truth! Repentance is so hard and truly takes the power of Christ to do. The Lord had personally taught me what repentance looks over the years and I’m still learning 🙂
I believe godly repentance is pretty clear when a believer is broken and contrite over their sin. What’s in the heart comes out.
Some extra evidence of true repentance that I have learned are a desire to confess all sin, not just the sin one was caught in, and a willingness to accept the consequences for their sin, a desire to do what it takes to make it right, and patience in allowing others to forgive as the offender rebuilds trust.
I’m know there’s a lot more, these just came to kind as I was reading what you shared.
God is so good to teach His children things through His word and the Spirit .
It’s encouraging to see all the articles you wrote sharing God’s truth. I trust the Lord is using it greatly !
Thank you for your kind words that also encourage! I think repentance can seem very difficult for us, as so often, sinful desire often does not go away. Over the years, I realize that we remain in these bodies of death (Romans 7:24) until we enter heaven, and true Christians are constantly repenting of their sin(s). We are in agreement with scripture, that the believer has a broken and contrite spirit over their sin in addition to the other things you have come to realize. God is good…I know I do not deserve His mercy in any way…there are no words to express what He gives the believer!