What Does the Bible Say About Repentance?

The Bible addresses repentance across both Old and New Testaments. These verses are organized by biblical era — from the patriarchs to the apostles — letting Scripture speak for itself.

6 verses·2 eras·3 promises

Life of Jesus (~30 AD)

He said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when you come into your Kingdom."
Luke 23:42· repentant_criminalPrayer
and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand! Repent, and believe in the Good News."
Mark 1:15· JesusPromise
But you go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,' for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
Luke 5:32· JesusPromise
But the tax collector, standing far away, wouldn't even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!'
Luke 18:13· tax collectorPrayer

Early Church (~50 AD)

Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:38· PeterPromise

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