Repentance
What does the Bible teach about repentance?
The Bible teaches that repentance is a change of mind and heart that indicates regret for all sins and turns toward trust in Jesus and his offer of forgiveness.
In repentance and rest is your salvation
Isaiah 30:15
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.
Acts 3:19
What does Mormonism teach about repentance?
In Mormonism, repentance is a series of steps Mormons must take, including feeling sorry for the sin, never committing the sin again, making restitution for the sin, enduring any punishment for the sin, keeping all of God’s commands, and forgiving anyone who sins against you.
It is not enough to simply try to resist evil or empty your life of sin. You must fill your life with righteousness and engage in activities that bring spiritual power.
Spencer W. Kimball, Quoted in Sharing the Gospel Course Manual
Nevertheless, he that repents and does the commandments of the Lord shall be forgiven.
Doctrine and Covenants 1:32
Why this Matters
Repentance is not about abandoning sin. It’s about abandoning any trust in our own works. Repentance, through and through, is turning completely away from trust in one’s goodness to trust in Jesus’ perfection for us.
Repentant people don’t think they have to quit sinning to remain in God’s good graces. God knows they can’t. Repentant people remain trusting completely in what Jesus has already done for them. So much so that they can remain confident of God’s favor even when they do sin.
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Summary
Christianity
A change of mind and heart away from sin and towards trust in Jesus and his offer of forgiveness.
Mormonism
Completion of all of the steps of repentance.