And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:32
     (The following article is from the website http://www.bible-infonet.org.)

Repentance is first a decision to stop sinning. Second, repentance is the practice of righteousness instead of sin. Repentance, then, begins in the mind and afterward is demonstrated outwardly. However, repentance is neither a mental process alone nor is repentance reformation of life alone. True repentance involves the combined REFORMATION OF MIND AND BODY.

John the Baptist gave the following instruction to some who claimed to have repented. "Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance" (Matthew 3:8). He called upon those to whom he preached to repent not only in word but also in action.

Repentance is essential to obtain the forgiveness of sins; those who do not repent will be lost. "I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish" (Luke 13:3). Repentance and baptism will take away sins. "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins . . ." (Acts 2:38).

Since "all have sinned" (Romans 3:23), all must repent. "And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent" (Acts 17:30). God does not want anyone to be lost, but he desires everyone to repent. Though God patiently waits now, someday time will cease and judgment will begin.

"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up" (2 Peter 3:9-10).

Study of God's Word produces faith. Faith leads one to repent. Repentance is followed by profession of Christ to others. Finally, baptism takes away sins. Dear Reader, have you repented? Repentance is part of God's plan to save us.

     [EGW editor’s note:  This article was first posted here in 2003.  When I last tested these three links to www.bible-infonet.org on July 18, 2014, the website was not online and the domain name was listed as being for sale.  Presumably the email address is no longer valid as well.  I did not attempt to test the mailing address or phone number.
     According to 1 Peter 3:21, baptism saves us through the resurrection of Christ.  Peter says quite plainly that baptism is not a bath for washing away dirt, but that it is how a good conscience answers God.  Doesn’t it makes sense that if God asks and instructs people to become Christians by being buried & raised with Christ in baptism, the person conscientious of God would want to please Him by obeying Him according to His wishes?
    Click here to locate more Exploring God’s Word articles on the subject of repentance; or the subject of baptism.]