Plain-language reading guide
READING HELP
Read this chapter alongside the Confession chapter on the same subject. The Testimony states what the church teaches, applies that teaching, and identifies views it rejects. Read each statement with its Scripture proofs and the surrounding paragraphs.
To find explicit rejections in this chapter, go to point 3. Read each full point to see exactly which teaching is rejected.
This reading guide is separate from the official text below.
Read the official text, or choose a simpler explanation to explore together.
Westminster Confession
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?
1. Repentance leads to eternal life only when it is accompanied by faith in Christ. Acts 20:21; Mark 1:15.
2. Although a believer is freed from the penalty of sin by justification, he is still bound to give perfect obedience to God’s law. Because of incomplete sanctification he is unable to do this, but daily breaks the commands of God in thought, word and deed. Therefore, all men are in continual need of repentance. 1 John 1:8-10; Rom. 7:14-25; 1 Tim. 1:15; Lev. 19:2; Eccl. 7:20; Gen. 8:21; John 13:10.
3. We reject the doctrine that Christians can in this life attain a condition in which they no longer have need of repentance. 1 Tim. 1:15.
4. Unregenerate men may, and often do, feel regret or remorse, realizing that sin brings shame and misery and is an obstacle to the happiness they seek; but they may not see sin as an offense against the holy God. Since they do not turn to God, they do not exercise true repentance. 2 Cor. 7:10; Heb. 12:16-17; Rom. 1:32.
5. The unpardonable sin is the rejection of the testimony of the Holy Spirit concerning Jesus Christ. It is the willful and persistent rejection of the only hope of forgiveness through the Savior. Matt. 10:33; 2 Tim. 2:12.
6. Self-examination is essential to true repentance. A person must examine his life to detect specific sins, and repent of them. Ps. 26; Ps. 139; Ps. 32:5-6; 1 John 1:9; Ps. 119:59; 2 Cor. 13:5.
7. Since sin is primarily an offense against God, confession to other men cannot take the place of repentance toward God. Since each one is to confess his sins to God, the source of forgiveness, he has no need of priest or other intermediary except Jesus Christ. He should also confess to men against whom he has sinned, and submit to all lawful penalties. Ps. 32:5; Ps. 51:4; 1 Cor. 5:1-13; Jas. 5:16.
8. Every man bears a degree of responsibility for the sins of groups in which he participates. When sins are corporate, repentance and confession should be corporate as well as individual. Josh. 7:11; Dan. 9:3-20; 2 Chron. 15: 8-15; Neh. 9; Rev. 2:5, 16; Matt. 6:12.
9. Godly repentance implies true faith and union with Christ, but is not the ground of pardon. It precedes the joy which flows from the assurance of pardon. Zech. 12:10; Eph. 1:7; Rom. 3:28; Luke 13:3; Acts 3:19; Ps. 51:1, 8, 12; 2 Cor. 7:10.
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.
- Rejects
- Says that a teaching is wrong and must not be accepted.
Testimony 15.1
Turning from sin leads to life only together with faith in Christ.
Read original point 1 and its Scripture proofs →Testimony 15.2
Christians still sin in thoughts, words, and actions. Although forgiven, they continue to need repentance and remain responsible to obey God.
Read original point 2 and its Scripture proofs →Testimony 15.3
The Testimony rejects the claim that a Christian can reach a stage in this life where repentance is no longer needed.
Read original point 3 and its Scripture proofs →Testimony 15.4
Feeling ashamed of sin’s consequences is not necessarily repentance. True repentance turns to God because sin offends him.
Read original point 4 and its Scripture proofs →Testimony 15.5
The Testimony explains the unforgivable sin as persistently rejecting the Spirit’s testimony about Christ, the only Savior who can forgive us.
Read original point 5 and its Scripture proofs →Testimony 15.6
Repentance requires honestly examining our lives and identifying particular sins to turn from.
Read original point 6 and its Scripture proofs →Testimony 15.7
Confess sin to God through Christ, without needing another priest or mediator. Also acknowledge wrongs to those you hurt and accept lawful consequences.
Read original point 7 and its Scripture proofs →Testimony 15.8
People can share responsibility for a group’s sins. Groups should acknowledge and repent of their wrongdoing together, as individuals also repent.
Read original point 8 and its Scripture proofs →Testimony 15.9
Repentance accompanies faith and union with Christ, but does not earn forgiveness. The joy of assured forgiveness follows our turning to God.
Read original point 9 and its Scripture proofs →Source: The Constitution of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, updated 2026, A-46, A-47, A-48.