Catechism Question 33
What is repentance?
Repentance is when a person becomes aware of their sin, grieves over and hates it, and turns from their sin to God, seeking mercy in Christ.
Focus and Purpose of this Question
In this question, we define true repentance. Since salvation is found only in repentance and faith in Christ, it is critical that we understand repentance and faith accurately.
Note that there are three parts to true repentance. First, there is knowledge of the fact of our own sin. Second, there is an internal response to our sin (grief and hatred). Third, there is an active turning away from sin and toward God. True repentance has all of these elements. Simply understanding that we sin is not repentance, nor is knowing our sin and being sorry for it. Real repentance always includes turning from our sin to God.
Additional Questions:
What is true repentance?
How do we repent?
Scripture References:
Joel 2:12–13
“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” 13 Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.
2 Corinthians 7:9–10
For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. 10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
Isaiah 55:6–7
Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. 7 Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.
Questions for Further Discussion:
Is simply knowing that we are sinners the same thing as repentance?
What is the difference between being sorry for our sin and repenting of our sin? Is it enough to simply be sorry for our sin?
Why must true repentance include not only turning from our sin but also turning to God?
Additional Information:
This question is based on question 87 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism, and question 29 of the New City Catechism.
For additional information, see the teachings “Biblical Confession and Repentance” (August 28, 2018), “The Joy of Confession and Forgiveness” (September 4, 2018), and “What It Means To Be A Disciple” (July 13, 2008).
Suggested Worship Song:
God Be Merciful to Me – Psalm 51 (by Richard Redhead, 1853, scripture Psalm 51)
God, be merciful to me,
On thy grace I rest my plea;
Plenteous in compassion thou,
Blot out my transgressions now;
Wash me, make me pure within,
Cleanse, O cleanse me from my sin.
My transgressions I confess,
Grief and guilt my soul oppress;
I have sinned against thy grace
And provoked thee to thy face;
I confess thy judgment just,
Speechless, I thy mercy trust.
I am evil, born in sin;
Thou desirest truth within.
Thou alone my Savior art,
Teach thy wisdom to my heart;
Make me pure, thy grace bestow,
Wash me whiter than the snow.
Broken, humbled to the dust
By thy wrath and judgment just,
Let my contrite heart rejoice
And in gladness hear thy voice;
From my sins O hide thy face,
Blot them out in boundless grace.
Gracious God, my heart renew,
Make my spirit right and true;
Cast me not away from thee,
Let thy Spirit dwell in me;
Thy salvation’s joy impart,
Steadfast make my willing heart.
Sinners then shall learn from me
And return, O God, to thee;
Savior, all my guilt remove,
And my tongue shall sing thy love;
Touch my silent lips, O Lord,
And my mouth shall praise accord.