Read RP Testimony chapter 15 →
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1. Repentance unto life is an evangelical grace, the doctrine whereof is to be preached by every minister of the Gospel, as well as that of faith in Christ.
Scripture proofs: Zech. 12:10; Acts 11:18; Luke 24:47; Mark 1:5; Acts 20:21.
2. By it, a sinner, out of the sight and sense not only of the danger, but also of the filthiness and odiousness of his sins, as contrary to the holy nature and righteous law of God; and upon the apprehension of His mercy in Christ to such as are penitent, so grieves for, and hates his sins, as to turn from them all unto God, purposing and endeavoring to walk with Him in all the ways of His commandments.
Scripture proofs: Ezek. 18:30-31; Ezek. 36:31; Isa. 30:22; Ps. 51:4; Jer. 31:18-19; Joel 2:12-13; Amos 5:15; Ps. 119:128; 2 Cor. 7:11; Ps. 119:6, 59, 106; Luke 1:6; 2 Kings 23:25.
3. Although repentance be not to be rested in, as any satisfaction for sin, or any cause of the pardon thereof, which is the act of God’s free grace in Christ; yet is it of such necessity to all sinners, that none may expect pardon without it.
Scripture proofs: Ezek. 36:31-32; Ezek. 16:61-63; Hos. 14:2, 4; Rom. 3:24; Eph. 1:7; Luke 13:3, 5; Acts 17:30-31.
4. As there is no sin so small, but it deserves damnation, so there is no sin so great, that it can bring damnation upon those who truly repent.
Scripture proofs: Rom. 6:23; Rom. 5:12; Matt. 12:36; Isa. 55:7; Rom. 8:1; Isa. 1:16, 18.
5. Men ought not to content themselves with a general repentance, but it is every man’s duty to endeavour to repent of his particular sins, particularly.
Scripture proofs: Ps. 19:13; Luke 19:8; 1 Tim. 1:13, 15.
6. As every man is bound to make private confession of his sins to God, praying for the pardon thereof; upon which, and the forsaking of them, he shall find mercy; so, he that scandalizeth his brother, or the Church of Christ, ought to be willing, by a private or public confession, and sorrow for his sin, to declare his repentance to those that are offended, who are thereupon to be reconciled to him, and in love to receive him.
Scripture proofs: Ps. 51:4-5, 7, 9, 14; Ps. 32:5-6; Prov. 28:13; 1 John 1:9; Jas. 5:16; Luke 17:3-4; Josh. 7:19; Ps. 51; 2 Cor. 2:8.
Words to know
- Repentance
- Turning from sin to God, grieving over sin and seeking to obey because of his mercy.
- Reconciliation
- Restoring a relationship damaged by wrongdoing.
WCF 15.1 · The gospel calls us to repent
Repentance leading to life is a gift of God’s gospel grace. Ministers should teach it along with faith in Christ. The good news calls us both to trust our Savior and to turn away from sin.
Zechariah 12:10; Acts 11:18; Luke 24:47.
Why should gospel teaching include repentance as well as faith?
WCF 15.2 · Turning from sin to God
Repentance means seeing that sin is ugly and wrong before our holy God, not merely fearing punishment. Because of his mercy in Christ, we grieve over and hate our sin. We turn from it to God and seek to obey his commands. Repentance changes our direction, not only our feelings.
Ezekiel 18:30-31; Ezekiel 36:31; Isaiah 30:22.
How is being sorry for sin different from being sorry you were caught?
WCF 15.3 · Repentance does not pay the debt
Repentance cannot pay for sin or earn forgiveness. God pardons freely through Christ. Yet repentance is necessary: we should not expect forgiveness while refusing to turn from our sins. We come with empty hands, seeking mercy and a changed life.
Ezekiel 36:31-32; Ezekiel 16:61-63; Hosea 14:2.
Can saying sorry purchase forgiveness from God?
WCF 15.4 · No sin is too small or too great
Every sin deserves God’s judgment, even one we call small. Yet no sin is too great for his forgiveness when a person truly repents. We should neither excuse sin nor think Christ cannot forgive a repentant sinner.
Romans 6:23; Romans 5:12; Matthew 12:36.
Why should we avoid both making excuses and giving up hope?
WCF 15.5 · Name the wrong honestly
We should not stop at saying, “I have done bad things.” We should seek to recognize and repent of particular sins. For example, confessing a specific lie helps us face what we did and turn from it.
Psalm 19:13; Luke 19:8; 1 Timothy 1:13.
Why is naming a particular wrong helpful?
WCF 15.6 · Confess and seek reconciliation
We must confess our sins to God, ask his pardon, and leave them behind. When we hurt another person or the church, we should also acknowledge the wrong to those affected, privately or publicly as appropriate. They should lovingly receive the repentant person and seek reconciliation.
Psalm 51:4-5; Psalm 32:5-6; Proverbs 28:13.
If you hurt someone, why is confession to God not the only conversation needed?
Source: The Constitution of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, updated 2026, A-46, A-47.