Repentance is the feeling and act in which one recognizes and tries to right a wrong, or gain forgiveness from someone that they wronged. In religious contexts it usually refers to repenting for a sin against God. It always includes an admission of guilt, and also includes at least one of: a solemn promise or resolve not to repeat the offense; an attempt to make restitution for the wrong, or in some way to reverse the harmful effects of the wrong where possible.
In Biblical Hebrew, the idea of repentance is represented by two verbs: שוב shuv (to return) and נחם nicham (to feel sorrow).
In the New Testament, the word translated as 'repentance' is the Greek word μετάνοια (metanoia), which denotes "change of mind and heart", or, "change of consciousness". One of the key descriptions of repentance in the New Testament is the parable of the prodigal son found in the Gospel of Luke 15:11.
With out conviction of sin,(the Holy Spirit bearing witness to the con-science, (with-knowledge), there can be no repentance,
with out repentance one does not see need of salvation.
Examine the Gospels, note what Yeshua did. He gave them law, to bring knowledge of sin, and through that knowledge, guilt, (conviction), through guilt, repentance, and the knowledge of their need for a savior. There cannot be salvation without repentance.
1Jo 3:6 and people who stay one in their hearts with him won't keep on sinning. If they do keep on sinning, they don't know Yeshua, and they have never seen him.
1Jo 3:8 Anyone who keeps on sinning belongs to the devil. He has sinned from the beginning, but the Son of G-d came to destroy all that he has done.
1Jo 3:9 G-d's children cannot keep on being sinful. His life-giving power lives in them and makes them his children, so that they cannot keep on sinning.
1Jo 5:18 We are sure that G-d's children do not keep on sinning. G-d's own Son protects them, and the devil cannot harm them.
Mat 3:8 Therefore produce fruit consistent with repentance.
Mat 4:17 From then on Yeshua began to preach, "Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near!"
Mat 11:20 Then He proceeded to denounce the towns where most of His miracles were done, because they did not repent:
Mat 11:21 "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented in sackcloth and ashes long ago!
Mar 1:4 John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
Mar 1:15 "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of G-d has come near. Repent and believe in the good news!"
Mar 6:12 So they went out and preached that people should repent.
Luk 5:32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
Luk 13:3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as well!
Luk 15:10 I tell you, in the same way, there is joy in the presence of G-d's angels over one sinner who repents."
Luk 24:47 and repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Act 2:38 "Repent," Cephas said to them, "and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Yeshua the Messiah for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Act 3:19 Therefore repent and turn back, that your sins may be wiped out so that seasons of refreshing may come from the presence of the L-rd,
Act 8:22 Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the L-rd that the intent of your heart may be forgiven you.
Act 11:18 When they heard this they became silent. Then they glorified G-d, saying, "So G-d has granted repentance resulting in life to even the Gentiles!"
Act 17:30 "Therefore, having overlooked the times of ignorance, G-d now commands all people everywhere to repent,
Act 20:21 I testified to both Jews and Greeks about repentance toward G-d and faith in our L-rd Yeshua
Act 26:20 Instead, I preached to those in Damascus first, and to those in Jerusalem and in all the region of Judea, and to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to G-d, and do works worthy of repentance.
Rom 2:4 Or do you despise the riches of His kindness, restraint, and patience, not recognizing that G-d's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?
Rom 2:5 But because of your hardness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath, when G-d's righteous judgment is revealed.
2Co 7:9 Now I am rejoicing, not because you were grieved, but because your grief led to repentance.
2Co 7:10 For godly grief produces a repentance not to be regretted and leading to salvation, but worldly grief produces death.
2Ti 2:25 instructing his opponents with gentleness. Perhaps G-d will grant them repentance to know the truth.
2Pe 3:9 The L-rd does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance.
Rev 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be committed and repent.
Repentance is ESSENTIAL to salvation, it is CENTRAL to the message of the Gospel.
(Heb.4:2).
