Question 13: What does it mean to repent?

Answer:

To repent is to turn away from sin with sorrow and hatred for it, and to turn toward God in faith, obedience, and love. True repentance involves a change of heart, confession of sin, and a desire to live a holy life by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Psalm 51:17, Ezekiel 18:30–31, Mark 1:15, Acts 3:19, 2 Corinthians 7:10)

Full Scripture References

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” — Psalm 51:17 (BSB)

“Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each one according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so that your iniquity will not become your downfall. Cast away from yourselves all the transgressions you have committed, and fashion for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit.” — Ezekiel 18:30–31 (BSB)

“‘The time is fulfilled,’ He said, ‘and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!’” — Mark 1:15 (BSB)

“Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” — Acts 3:19 (BSB)

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” — 2 Corinthians 7:10 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

Repentance is the Spirit-empowered response of the human heart to the conviction of sin and the call of God’s mercy. It is more than mere regret or emotional sorrow—it is a turning: away from sin and self, and toward God and righteousness. True repentance begins with godly sorrow, recognizing the offense of sin against a holy and loving God, and moves to a deliberate decision to forsake sin and pursue holiness.

Jesus began His public ministry with the call: “Repent and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15). This message remains at the heart of the Christian faith. Repentance and faith are two sides of the same coin. We cannot truly turn toward Christ without turning away from sin. Anglican liturgy reflects this rhythm in the General Confession, where we pray: “We acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness… the remembrance of them is grievous unto us.” This is the heartfelt attitude of repentance.

Repentance also involves confession, both to God and, when appropriate, to others we have wronged. Psalm 51, the classic penitential psalm, reveals David’s deep personal confession and longing for renewal. In the Anglican tradition, private confession is not mandatory but is available as a means of grace, particularly for those burdened by serious sin. The Absolution pronounced by the priest in public or private settings assures the penitent of God’s mercy in Christ.

True repentance leads to a transformed life. It is not a one-time act but an ongoing pattern in the Christian walk. As the Book of Common Prayer exhorts in the Exhortation before Communion: “Examine your lives and conduct by the rule of God’s commandments, that you may perceive wherein you have offended… and whether you truly repent.” Repentance is both the gateway into the Christian life and the continual path of growth in holiness.

As Bishop J.C. Ryle once said, “Repentance is not something we can do in our own strength. It is a grace that must be given to us. But it is also a duty we are responsible to pursue.” By the Holy Spirit’s power, repentance is not a crushing burden but a gracious invitation to be restored, cleansed, and conformed to Christ.

Early Church Fathers on Catechism Question

St. Clement of Rome (1st century AD) wrote: “Let us fix our eyes on the blood of Christ, and realize how precious it is to His Father. It was poured out for our salvation and brought the grace of repentance to the whole world.” — 1 Clement 7

Clement connects repentance directly to Christ’s atoning work—repentance is God’s gift offered through the cross. St. Justin Martyr (c. 100–165 AD) said: “This then is what we teach: that repentance is the gateway through which all men must enter to come to God.” — First Apology, 61

Justin emphasizes repentance as the necessary doorway to fellowship with God and the beginning of the Christian life. St. Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130–202 AD) taught: “Unless man had overcome sin, he could not have been crowned. And the only way to overcome sin is to repent, and to turn back to God through Christ.” — Against Heresies, 4.37.7

Irenaeus links repentance with spiritual victory, showing its role in the believer’s journey toward holiness. St. John Chrysostom (c. 349–407 AD) preached: “Repentance is a medicine which destroys sin. It is a gift from heaven, a wonderful force which transforms the soul.” — Homily on Repentance and Almsgiving

Chrysostom describes repentance not as condemnation, but as God’s healing remedy for the broken soul. St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD) wrote: “Repentance is the movement of a contrite heart, turning away from sin and returning to the love of God.” — Sermon 19

Augustine captures the relational essence of repentance: a heart turning from sin and back into God’s loving embrace.