In Mormonism, repentance is a step-by-step process required for forgiveness and progression toward exaltation. Members are taught they must recognize sin, feel sorrow, confess, make restitution, and, most importantly, abandon the sin completely. Forgiveness is not assured until these steps are fulfilled, and any repeated sin may be seen as proof that repentance was incomplete. Because of this, repentance in LDS teaching functions as an ongoing requirement to remain “worthy” of temple privileges, church callings, and eternal life.
Biblical Christianity understands repentance very differently. Repentance is not a checklist of works but the work of the Holy Spirit in the heart — a gift from God (Acts 11:18; 2 Timothy 2:25). True repentance does produce fruit, but the fruit is not what secures forgiveness. Forgiveness rests entirely on Christ’s finished work at the cross, not on our ability to abandon sin or make restitution (1 John 1:9). Christians rely on God’s grace for full and free forgiveness, and repentance flows from that assurance rather than striving to earn it.
