How to Teach Your Kids About Repentance

The following is part of my exposition on the Home Discipleship Catechism, written to equip parents to disciple their kids.  Each week I plan to release a new chapter.  You can download the Home Discipleship Catechism HERE.  You can find more resources for parents HERE.

Question 13:  What is repentance?

Repentance is turning away from sin and turning to Jesus Christ in obedience.

To be saved from the punishment for sin you must have faith in Jesus Christ, and you must also repent.  Repentance is not a good deed that earns your salvation.  It is a decision to hand over the steering wheel of your life to Jesus.  It is a commitment to place Jesus in charge and to do His will no matter the cost.

Repentance and faith are two sides of the same coin.  Repentance requires faith.  Faith means trusting in Jesus for salvation rather than trusting in your own good works.  Repentance means trusting in Jesus to lead you in this life rather than trusting in self-rule.  Faith is accepting Christ as your Savior and Redeemer; repentance is accepting Christ as your Lord and King.

Some people believe that conversion does not require repentance; that one only needs to believe.  But the Bible clearly says that salvation requires repentance.  Don't forget.  Even the devil believes in Jesus, but he does not have salvation because he lacks repentance.  Jesus Himself preached, “Repent of your sins and believe the Good News (Mk 1:15, NLT)!”  There are other reasons we know that conversion requires both faith and repentance.  When you turn to Christ for salvation, you are asking for the forgiveness of your sins.  It is impossible to genuinely seek and receive forgiveness without being sorry for your sins and making a commitment to stop.  It is extremely evil to ask God to forgive you and at the same time refuse to give up the sins that require His forgiveness.  As well, remember that salvation is not just about going to heaven, it is about being reconciled to God.  It is about a renewed and restored relationship with God who was previously offended, insulted, extremely angry, and ready to punish you for your sins.  Salvation is about renewing your friendship with God.  There is no way that you can come to God for forgiveness and friendship if you refuse to give up the things that offend and anger Him.  You must assure God that your sincere desire and intention is to turn away from sin and to Jesus Christ in obedience.  Finally, salvation is not merely God saving us from something, but also to something.  God doesn’t merely save us from hell, but to a life of obedience to Himself.  If a person only turns to God to be rescued from hell, but not to be rescued from their sinful lifestyle, then they have missed the point of salvation.

The word “repent” in Greek literally means “to change your mind.”  Repentance involves changing your mind about sin and God.  You used to sin all you wanted; now you are dedicated to pleasing God.  Repentance also means “to turn.”  Repentance is not just about stopping certain behaviors.  It means turning away from sin and turning to Jesus Christ in obedience.

Repentance involves the three “As”.  1) Admit that your behavior is sinful. 2) Apologize to God for your sin. 3) Aim for a life of complete obedience to Jesus Christ.

Repentance is not a promise to never sin again.  We will continue to struggle with sin until we go to heaven.  Instead, repentance is a commitment to do your best to turn from sin and to live for God from this day forward.

Since repentance is required for salvation, if you are not committed to turning from sin and to doing God’s will, then you are not saved.

Questions for Discussion:

1. What is repentance?
2. What are the three “As” of repentance?
3. How are repentance and faith connected?
4. How do we know that conversion involves both faith and repentance?

For Further Study:

1. Matthew 21:32
2. Mark 1:15; 6:12
3. Luke 24:47
4. Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30; 20:21
5. Romans 14:8-9
6. 1 Cor 10:31
7. Ephesians 5:5
8. Titus 2:11-14 
9. James 2:26
10. 1 John 1:6