Bible Study: The Importance of Repentance
Introduction:
From Genesis to Revelation, repentance has always been at the heart of man’s relationship with God. The Word of God shows us that God is both just and merciful—but His mercy is extended only to those who turn back to Him in genuine repentance. Whether under the Old Covenant or the New Covenant, the call to repentance is not optional—it is essential for forgiveness, restoration, and salvation.
The Psalmist declares,
“God is a just judge, and God is angry with the wicked every day. If he does not turn back, He will sharpen His sword…” (Psalm 7:11-12, NKJV).
Here, “turning back” signifies repentance—a confession of sin, a change of heart, and a return to God. From wicked kings to fallen disciples, we see a consistent truth: God honors repentance and restores the brokenhearted who return to Him.
1. Repentance in the Old Testament
Repentance was not just a New Testament concept. Under the Old Covenant, we see how deeply God desired His people to repent when they went astray.
King Manasseh – A Wicked King Restored (2 Chronicles 33)
King Manasseh was described as one of the most wicked kings in the history of Judah. He intentionally provoked God, engaged in witchcraft, consulted mediums, and defiled the temple of God. His rebellion brought judgment, and God allowed the Assyrians to capture him and make him a slave.
But in his affliction, the Bible says,
“Now when he was in affliction, he implored the Lord his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers…” (2 Chronicles 33:12-13, NKJV).
God, in His mercy, heard his plea and restored him to his kingdom—not because of works, but because of true repentance.
King David – A Man After God’s Heart (2 Samuel 12)
King David, though described as a man after God’s own heart, committed adultery and murder. But when the prophet Nathan confronted him, David did not make excuses. Instead, he said,
“I have sinned against the Lord.” (2 Samuel 12:13, NKJV).
God forgave him—but it came after confession and repentance.
2. Repentance in the New Testament
In the New Covenant, repentance remains central to our salvation. Acts 2:38—the foundation of Apostolic doctrine—starts with the word:
“Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…” (Acts 2:38, NKJV).
Repentance is the first step toward being born again.
Peter – Denial and Restoration (Luke 22, John 21)
Peter denied Jesus three times, yet he was not cast aside forever. The Bible says,
“Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord… So Peter went out and wept bitterly.” (Luke 22:61-62, NKJV).
This was true repentance, and later, Jesus not only restored Peter but entrusted him with the keys to the Kingdom.
The Thief on the Cross (Luke 23:39–43)
Though he had lived a sinful life, the thief on the cross recognized Christ’s innocence, confessed his wrongs, and said,
“Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” (Luke 23:42, NKJV).
In his final moments, he repented and believed, and Jesus replied,
“Today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
This proves that it’s never too late to repent, as long as there is breath in our body.
Samson – Strength Through Repentance (Judges 16)
Samson, anointed from birth, lost his strength and anointing due to pride and disobedience. After his capture and humiliation, he turned back to God. The Bible says his hair began to grow again—a symbol of restoration. Samson prayed,
“O Lord God, remember me, I pray! Strengthen me, I pray, just this once…” (Judges 16:28, NKJV).
God answered his prayer, and Samson was used one last time to bring victory over the Philistines.
3. Daily Repentance Is Necessary
Repentance is not a one-time act—it’s a daily lifestyle. Paul wrote,
“I die daily.” (1 Corinthians 15:31, NKJV).
Jesus taught us to pray daily for forgiveness (Matthew 6:12). The Bible declares,
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23, NKJV).
The flesh is weak. Even as we strive to walk in the Spirit, we still stumble at times. That’s why Apostolic believers repent daily—not because we live in condemnation, but because we live in pursuit of Christlikeness.
The Bible says,
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16, NKJV).
To repent means to change your mind, heart, and direction—to confess sin as sin and strive to walk upright. We do not excuse our faults; we acknowledge them, forsake them, and trust the mercy of Jesus.
Conclusion:
Repentance is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of humility and obedience. It is the gateway to forgiveness, restoration, and transformation. Whether it was David, Peter, Manasseh, or the thief on the cross, God responded with mercy when there was true repentance.
As Apostolic Pentecostals, we preach Acts 2:38—and the first command is “Repent”. That message has not changed. From the beginning to the end of Scripture, repentance is vital for salvation and relationship with God.
Let us be a people who repent daily, walk humbly, and strive to be more like Jesus. Not with excuses, but with sincerity. The throne of grace is open—run to it boldly. God is merciful to all who repent.
“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise… but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9, NKJV)
