Repentance: The Doctrine of Repentance

What is the doctrine of repentance?

The doctrine of repentance means to change. Repentance does not mean to merely stop doing wrong; the doctrine of repentance means to do what is right and keep doing it.

Repentance is always the first response to faith in Jesus Christ. Sincere repentance leads to forgiveness of sin; there is no other way. Because we believe that Christ has the ability to cleanse us from sin, we seek him in faith and plead for his help to perservere in the process of repentance.

What is the definition of repentance?

Repentance

“The Greek word of which [repentance] is the translation denotes a change of mind, i.e., a fresh view about God, about oneself, and about the world. Since we are born into conditions of mortality, repentance comes to mean a turning of the heart and will to God, and a renunciation of sin to which we are naturally inclined. Without this there can be no progress in the things of the soul's salvation, for all accountable persons are stained by sin, and must be cleansed in order to enter the kingdom of heaven. Repentance is not optional for salvation; it is a commandment of God.” 1

Gaining forgiveness through sincere repentance

A latter-day apostle, Elder Bruce R. McConkie, has written this about the doctrine of repentance and the state of mind a person must achieve for repentance to be genuine:

“To gain forgiveness through repentance a person must have

• a conviction of guilt,
• a godly sorrow for sin,
and a contrite spirit.
• He must desire to be relieved of the burden of sin,
• have a fixed determination to forsake his evil ways,
• be willing to confess his sins,
• and forgive those who have trespassed against him;
• he must accept the cleansing power of the blood of Christ as such is offered through the waters of baptism and the conferral of the Holy Ghost.” 2

Peace of conscience comes through repentance

Throught the process of repentance, we begin to feel the promised peace of conscience, which is the fruit of forgiveness.

“peace [divine peace that comes from the Holy Ghost]…is the greatest gift that a person can get while he dwells in mortality.” 3

Understanding the doctrine of repentance

Here are some points to remember about the doctrine of repentance:

• The doctrine of repentance is we feel remorse for our sins, and we are willing to sacrifice anything to change our lives.
• The doctrine of repentance is to stop doing wrong things and start doing right things then continue to do thoseright things.
• The doctrine of repentance is confessing our sins to God and to those we have wronged, and confessing our serious sins to Church leaders, who can help us through the process of repentance.
• The doctrine of repentance is sincere restitution--we will make and repair the damage we have causes to the extent of our ability. Then we will appeal to Christ to satisfy, through his grace, that which we cannot achieve by our best efforts.

The fruits of repentance

Then we experience refreshing forgiveness. Our feelings of guilt and sorrow are replaced by peace. We feel a growing spiritual witness that as children of our loving Heavenly Father, we have claim to his help and love. Moreover, we begin to realize that, as children of God, we inherited his power to overcome our individual sins and weaknesses, forsake them, and grow to become like him. Our desire turns radically from sin to following God despite the circumstances and at all costs.

Another sign that our repentance has washed us cleane and we have obtained the Lord's forgiveness is mounting evidences that the Holy Ghost has returned to us and is blessing our lives in greater abundance.

The power of repentance

Repentance is one of the most hopeful and powerful principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Through sincere and continual repentance, we are prepared to live with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Repentance causes our hearts to change, which causes us to feel greater joy and fulfillment. Our capacity to love and to serve increases. We are able to improve our lives at an accelerated rate. We are better able to develop Christ-like characteristics, attributes and perfections.

Questions about 'Repentance: The Doctrine of Repentance'

• The doctrine of repentance means to do what?



• Does repantance mean to merely stop doing wrong things?



• Repentance is the first response to what?



• What is the definition of repentance?



• For repentance to be genuine, what state of mind must a person achieve?



• Repentance brings "the greatest gift that a person can get while he dwells in mortality." What is that gift?"



• In the repentance process, what will we feel and do?



• In addition to the Holy Ghost's returning to us, what are some of the other fruits of repentance?



• What is repentance a principle of power?

References for 'Repentance: The Doctrine of Repentance'

1. ("Repentance," LDS Bible Dictionary, p. 760
2. Mormon Doctrine, p.630
3. Elder Bruce R. McConkie, Conference Report, October 1950, First Day-Morning Meeting, p.17