Repentance brings Joy

Posted on Feb. 25, 2026, 9:06 a.m. by Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre

Repentance is described as act of a convinced change of mind that involves sincere regret and a feeling of sorrow for wrongdoing. Biblically, repentance is the act of turning from sin to the righteousness of Jesus Christ with the desire for forgiveness. The Bible explains how the sermon of Apostle Peter cut the heart of his listeners to the extent that they sincerely enquire on what to do in regret of their convicted wrongdoing for God’s forgiveness. And Peter said to them “Repent and let every one of you be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts.2:37-38) A gift that represent God’s influence and strengths believers to remain joyful even in time of difficulty. Repentance is a complete transformation that goes beyond mere feeling sorry, it involves a complete U turn from wrongdoing to righteous behaviour. All humanity has sinned and fallen short of what qualifies him to be able to come to the presence of God. (Rom.3:23) But glory be to God who freely gave His grace that delivered man from the consequence of sin (Rom.3:24) and convened him to the kingdom of His Son in whom humanity has redemption through His blood for the forgiveness of sin. (Col.1:14). God’s forgiveness refers to God forgetting man’s transgression. The Lord says, “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” (Heb.10:17) Therefore, it is at the disposal of man to acknowledge his sin, take advantage of the grace made available by the merciful God and repent of his sin that the heaven may rejoice. God is deeply delighted when sinners repent of their sin. Jesus says, “I say to you that likewise, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents...” (Luke.15:7a) Repentance teaching is not only for those that are yet to give their lives to Christ. It is also of necessity for the followers of Christ who one way or the other fall into sin to desire repentance and forgiveness of sin. The Bible says, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” (1 John.1:8) Though believers enjoy the reward of continual cleansing of their sin as long as they walk in the light because of their salvation. (walk in the light, is to align one’s life in obedience to the word of God) But those believers that refuse to be obedient to the word of God and did not see disobedience to the word of God as doing what was wrong but claiming to have no sin are the ones the bible describes as those that ‘the truth is not in them’. Such believers require urgent repentance. As follower of Christ, you must humbly acknowledge your sin when it occurs and not to pretend that you have no sin. You must repent and ask God for forgiveness. He is faithful and just to forgive you your sin and cleanse you from all unrighteousness. The scripture says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John.1:9) Confessing one’s sin to God is the character of someone who is walking in the light. It is the condition upon which one receive continual cleansing of sin by the blood of Jesus. David while expressing his joy over the forgiveness of his sin, said his transgression was forgiven because he acknowledges his sin and confesses it to the Lord, hence he was forgiven and was blessed. (Psalm.32:5) He was not only forgiven of his sin, but he was also blessed. In conclusion, there is joy in heaven over a sinner who repent of his sin, and a sinner who repent of his sin rejoice over the forgiveness of his sin. Repentance truly bring joy. Evangelism Repent today and receive God’s forgiveness through the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ. Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre