As we read about the biblical patriarchs, it is easy to set them on a pedestal and view them as super godly. We see them with faith so strong that they can boldly stare into the mouths of lions, defy Pharaoh, and battle nations. It seems like some had such a love for God that they were willing to sacrifice all, even their only son.
David can seem like one of those kinds of men, filled with faith that led him to bold action.
But we should never forget that all of the people in the Bible, no matter how godly they were, were also sinners in need of repentance.
Repentance is one of the marks of a believer. When Martin Luther wrote his 95 Theses, he placed this as number one: “When our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, said ‘Repent,’ He called for the entire life of believers to be one of repentance.”
But what exactly is repentance?
James P. Boyce’s Brief Catechism of Bible Doctrine (1886) gives a simple and accurate definition. “Repentance is sorrow for sin, accompanied by a determination, with the help of God, to sin no more.”
Let’s break it down:
1. Seeing
Some things are painful to look at and our sin is one of them. We need to take a careful look at our words, actions, and hearts. If you are a sinner like me, you will find a lot of ugliness. The only way we begin to see our sins is through the truth of God’s Word and the ministry of the Holy Spirit (Heb. 4:12; John 16:8).
2. Sorrow
Once we truly see our sin we will feel sorrow. This is not the superficial sadness of getting caught. It is what Thomas Watson called a “holy agony” of the soul. The Bible calls it a broken heart (Ps. 51:17). Speaking to God, David says in Psalm 51:4, “… against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight.” Despite the people he had wronged, David understood that ultimately he had sinned against his holy God. This goes for us as well. When we bark at our kids, speak disrespectfully to our spouses, waste our money or neglect our bodies, we are sinning against God and this should break us.
3. Confession
With sorrow comes confession. Repentance always includes a sincere and remorseful confession of the wrong that we have spoken, acted, or even thought. Sometimes it means confessing it to others. But it always means confessing our sins to God; owning what you have done without making excuses. Confession glorifies God (Josh. 7:19), humbles us, and makes us more dependent on Jesus. Confessions is a means in which our hearts are softened.
4. Hatred
This is one of those times in our lives when it is okay to hate. Sin is a satanic destroyer that brings ruin to man and creation, and the only feeling appropriate to have concerning sin is holy hatred (1 John 3:8; Zech. 3:4-5; Ps.119:104). We should hate it as it grieves the Lord and damages our lives.
5. Turning
Lastly, we must turn away from our sin and turn towards God (Acts 26:20).
Repentance does not make a person perfect. You will never perfectly repent this side of heaven. It also does not save us because we are already saved. But repentance is an ongoing, daily activity for us because we remain sinners in need of daily mercy.
One thing to remember is that repentance is not a way to manipulate God into blessing you and giving you what you want. It is not a way to earn favor with God or a way to make Him “happy” with you. You can’t manipulate God into being good. He already is good. He already loves you more than you can imagine and He always blesses his people.
Repentance is a gift for us. It keeps our hearts soft towards others so that bitterness doesn’t take root. And it keeps our eyes focused on Christ and His work on the cross because we become very aware that we are helpless in our sin and we’re in need of divine help.
Looking To Jesus,
.

Awesome post on repentance! Thank you Jen!?
I needed that! Beautifully written. Thank you.
At VBS recently I was able to counsel kids after the Bible lesson. When I asked each of them why they came to talk to me they replied with a statement about their sin. What a blessing to see God working in their hearts, desiring forgiveness of sin!
Enjoyed reading this recently on gotquestions.org “The mighty fall hard, and David’s fall included adultery, lying and murder. He had sinned against God and he admits it in 2 Samuel 12:13: “David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the LORD.’ And Nathan said to David, ‘The LORD also has put away your sin; you shall not die.’” But admitting our sin and asking for forgiveness is only half of the equation. The other half is repentance, and David did what we should all do: repent of our sins. Psalm 51 is David’s prayer of repentance to God: “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!” (Psalm 51:1-2).”
David repented well. Lord, may I always have a heart of repentance! Show me today a thing that is not of You!!!
This blog today definitely gave me what I need to grow further into GODS commandments. We do not have to commit a crime in the laws of the world to be a sinner, just by what comes out of our mouth, hearts, how we treat others, and our thinking can cause sin in our lives. One must be careful in their walk with GOD. I repent to you today LORD for anything that has come out of my mouth, heart, and mind. I remember earlier in our reading we were ask to place this scripture so that we can see it everyday. The LORD looks at our hearts, and man looks at the outer image! Thank you for today’s message.
Wow! That was beautifully written and very well explained! Thanks Jen!
Great post Jen!! Thank you for your words this morning. I needed them!
God bless you! I appreciated the break down of repentance and what it truly looks like. I believe the Lord’s Prayer is so profound in that it includes the words, “forgive us our sins”. This was a reminder to me to pray this daily, to confess my sin, ask for forgiveness and repent. Thank you!
Thank you. What a wonderful gift from our Lord. I needed this lesson on repentance. May God continue to bless this ministry and the people it touches. To God be the glory.
Sorry to be off subject, I’ve read where the fall study, “You Are Forgiven” begins, August 29th. Can someone tell me when the book/journal will be available for purchase?
Thanks so much! God Bless 🙂
Truly, I have never felt the understanding of repentance as I do upon reading this! So much to truly think about, meditate on am despondent to in my heart, mind and deeds.
Thank you for listening king it is. The study post today about forgiveness!
Wow…..
People need to mend their ways and return to God now more than ever to avoid suffering from His rightful judgement.
Please read my blog: 5 Ways to Come Back to God
Hope this help, Thank you!