Bible Verses By Topic

13 Bible Verses About Repentance (KJV)

Repentance is not punishment; it is the doorway home. Here is what the Bible says about turning back to God and finding mercy.

What the Bible says about repentance

“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.”
Acts 3:19
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
1 John 1:9
“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”
Psalm 34:18
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”
Isaiah 1:18
“For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of.”
2 Corinthians 7:10
“Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?”
Ezekiel 18:30-31

God calls us to turn from our transgressions and get a new heart, that iniquity would not be our ruin.

“And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.”
Mark 1:15

Jesus began his ministry calling people to repent and believe the gospel, for the kingdom was near.

“And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.”
Joel 2:13

God asks us to rend our hearts and not our garments, returning to a Lord who is gracious and merciful.

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”
Proverbs 28:13

Whoever confesses and forsakes sin finds mercy, while covering it up only brings loss.

“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”
Luke 13:3

Jesus warns plainly that without repentance we perish, making the turn toward him urgent.

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
2 Peter 3:9

The Lord is patient, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.”
Revelation 3:19

Christ rebukes and chastens those he loves and calls them to be zealous and repent.

“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”
James 4:8-10

Drawing near to God with humbled, cleansed hearts is met by his lifting us up.

Repentance simply means turning back. God meets the returning heart not with a lecture, but with mercy and refreshing.

How these verses point to Christ

Repentance is turning from sin back to God, and it is only good news because of Jesus. He came to call sinners, not the righteous, and his cross makes our return possible. When we turn to him, we do not meet a scowling judge but a waiting Father who runs to embrace us. Christ paid the debt so that every honest turning is welcomed with mercy, joy, and a fresh start in him.

Take this to heart, and to God

Read it in the app, ask for prayer, and see how Christ has met others here.

Open the BibleAsk for prayerSee what God is doing

People also ask

What does the Bible say about repentance?
Scripture calls us to turn from sin and back to God (Acts 3:19), promising forgiveness and cleansing to all who confess (1 John 1:9).
What is true repentance?
A genuine change of heart and direction, turning from sin back to God, which Scripture says leads to salvation and refreshing (2 Corinthians 7:10, Acts 3:19).
Does God forgive when I repent?
Yes. 1 John 1:9 promises He is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse everyone who confesses and turns to Him.
More ScriptureVerses about holinessVerses about sufferingVerses about trials and hard timesVerses about sharing your faithVerses about serving othersVerses about workVerses about truthVerses about God's faithfulnessVerses about purityVerses about confidenceVerses about relationshipsVerses about the crossVerses by what you are facing
Enter Living Breadprayer, Scripture, a family near you