This document discusses the biblical concept of repentance from sin. It defines repentance as acknowledging and assuming responsibility for personal sins, asking God for forgiveness and making a decision to separate from sinful behaviors and desires. True repentance requires a verbal confession of sins to God as well as a behavioral change involving turning away from darkness and toward righteousness. God demonstrates His desire for relationship by providing a way to forgiveness through Jesus Christ's sacrifice, and humanity can prove their desire to restore intimacy with God through repentance from sin.

1. Bible Study by Donna Maricelli, © 2009
PPT by Richard Tracey, © 2010

2. Repentance …
Your Decision
A Divine
Choice
“…God
…commandeth
all men every
where to
repent.”
Acts 17:30

4. … your iniquities have
separated between
you and your God…
Isaiah 59:2

5. … sin is the transgression of
the law… 1 John 3:4
It is possible to sin by
disobedience or negligence.
Also, sin is often disguised.
It may not appear evil to
the human intellect.

6.  Eve was
tricked into
eating the
forbidden
fruit.
(Genesis 3:1-6)

7. “… all have
sinned and come
short of the Glory
of God.”
Romans 3:23

8. Neither, the abstinence from
evil nor the generosity of good
deeds, can compare with God’s
divine holiness.
 “… we are all as an unclean
thing … all our righteousnesses
are as filthy rags…” Isaiah 64:6

9. “… in sin did
my mother
conceive
me.”
Psalm 51:5

10.  In any court of
law, misdeeds
require a
payment.
 Sin carried a
penalty humanity
could not pay.

11.  In shame, they tried to
cover themselves with
fig leaves.
 Their attempt as
inadequate.
 It required the
sacrifice of an animal
to provide coats of skin.
(Genesis 3:7,8,21)

12.  God is aware that humanity
cannot save themselves.
 Even their best attempts are
inadequate.
 Christ sacrificed His life to provide
a complete covering for sin..
 “…gave himself for us, that
he might redeem us from all
iniquity…” Titus 2:14

13.  “… God demonstrated his
own love for us in this; While
we were yet sinners, Christ
died for us.” Romans 5:8
 “I came not to call the
righteous, but sinners to
repentance.” Luke 5:32

14. God has proven His desire for
intimacy by paying the penalty
for sin.
 Humanity proves their desire
for a spiritual relationship by
assuming responsibility for
their sin.

15.  It is a verbal confession.
 God sought admission from
Adam and Eve. (Genesis 3:8,11,13)
 “If we confess our sins, he is
faithful and just to forgive us
our sins and cleanse us from all
unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

16.  It is a behavioral change.
 A parent expects the
repentant child to modify his
or her actions.
 Repentance is a change of
heart, a divorce from sin, a
mental decision to go in the
opposite direction.

17. “If my people…shall…pray…
and turn from their wicked
ways…I will forgive their
sins…”
2nd Chronicles 7:14

18. “… to turn them from
darkness to light, and from the
power of Satan unto God, that
they may receive foregiveness
of sins… that they should
repent and turn to God…”
Acts 26:18,20

19.  “Repent… that your sins
may be blotted out when
the times of refreshing
shall come from the
presence of the Lord.”
Acts 3:19

20.  Proves your desire
for a personal
relationship with
God.
 It prepares for His
presence to reside in
your spiritual house.

21.  1. Acknowledge
your sin:
 Assume responsibility
for personal sin

22.  2. Ask for His
Forgiveness
 Apologize to God for
sins that have stained
your heart

23.  3. Make a decision
to separate from sin
 Refuse to indulge in
desires and temptations
that will contaminate
your spiritual temple

24.  Hearing the call of
Jesus Christ is your
greatest honor…
 Your response the most
important decision.

25.  For the regeneration process to
begin, an acorn must allow its
present form to be altered.
 Likewise, a repentant sinner
must surrender his or her “old
life” to begin a “new life” in
Christ.

26.  What proves God’s
desire for a personal
relationship with
humanity?

27.  Discuss one new
concept you’ve
learned from this
lesson.

28.  How would you
describe true
repentance?

29.  Identify any barriers
that would hinder you
from experiencing this
level of commitment.

30. “…Christ died for our sins…
he was buried… he rose
again on the third day…”
1st Corinthians 15:3-4

31.  Confess: “Lord, I have
sinned against You with my
thoughts, my words, and my
actions.”

32.  We will ask Him to be the
Lord of our life, and make a
commitment to seek the
things that please Him.

33.  God rejoices in the presence of
His holy angels when a decision
is made to forsake sin and
follow righteousness.
 “…there is joy in the presence
of the angels of God over one
sinner that repenteth.”
Luke 15:10

34.  Satan tempts humanity
through their senses –
Genesis 3:1-13
 The crucifixion of Jesus
Christ – Matthew 26-27
 Saul – the murderer…
became Paul, the preacher –
Acts 7:58, 9:1-30

35.  In the next
lesson we will look
at the importance
of water baptism…