23 Greatest Bible Verses for Forgiveness and Repentance

As humans, we are going to make poor choices from time to time. It’s in our nature to sin and live imperfectly. Thankfully, Christ died for us, so that we may be forgiven for our sins, no matter how bad we feel like they may have been. We are all redeemable in God’s eyes. However, just because Christ died for our sins doesn’t make us automatically forgiven and free to continue sinning. God expects us to repent. This means we need to not only ask for forgiveness, but put a real effort forth in abstaining from sinning again. This is a list of Bible verses for forgiveness and repentance to study and understand. 

When you start studying the Bible and get a better understanding of what sin is, you realize that you likely sin every day. Therefore, every day we should be repenting, asking for forgiveness, and working on not repeating the same mistakes.  Study these verses and apply them in your everyday lives as you practice repentance and seek forgiveness for yourself and for others. 

In this article, you will find 23 Bible verses from the King James Version in the following categories:

• Bible Verses About Forgiveness
• Bible Verses About Repentance

Why Should You Practice Forgiveness & Repentance?

1. Forgiveness Isn’t What You Think It Is

When you first think about forgiveness, you tend to think that you are forgiving someone for their own benefit, to allow them to feel at peace with what mistakes they have made. But that simply isn’t true. 

You can forgive someone and not ever let them know you’ve forgiven them. Forgiveness is for YOUR benefit. When you forgive someone who has wronged you in some way, you can let go of the hurt, pain, anger, or sadness that you’re feeling. If someone else has made a mistake, you shouldn’t allow that to cause you suffering. Forgiveness has little to do with the person you’re forgiving, and everything to do with the impact it will have on you. 

2. Repentance Is Healing

When we repent, we allow ourselves to feel forgiven. We allow ourselves to feel worthy, loved, and accepted. When we feel as though we have apologized for our poor choices, and are working towards making better choices in the future, we can let go of guilt and shame that is weighing heavily on us. This can do wonders for our mental health. 

14 Bible Verses About Forgiveness

“For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive, and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.” – Psalm 86:5

“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

“Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” – Matthew 18:21-22

“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” – Matthew 6:14

“And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses.” – Colossians 2:13

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14

“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.” – Ephesians 1:7

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” – Romans 6:23

“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” – Colossians 1:13-14

“Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins.” – Acts 13:38

“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” – Isaiah 1:18

“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins.” – 1 John 2:1-2

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” – Romans 3:23-24

“To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.” – Acts 10:43

9 Bible Verses About Repentance

“I say unto you, that likewise, joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.” – Luke 15:7

“And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” – Luke 24:47

“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” – Acts 3:19

“Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.” – Ezekiel 18:30

“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.” – 2 Peter 3:9

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” – Proverbs 28:13

“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double-minded.” – James 4:8

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” – 1 Timothy 1:15

“Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.” – Acts 5:31

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Final Thoughts On These Bible Verses for Forgiveness And Repentance (KJV)

All of these Bible verses emphasize the importance of repentance and forgiveness in our lives. While we may think forgiveness is something we do to benefit the person we feel wronged by, that is not the case. We forgive to let go of the pain and anguish we are feeling. And we repent so we can let go of the guilt and shame that we feel. Our Heavenly Father wants us to live a life full of joy and contentment. That’s why He asks us to repent and forgive. 

Be sure to share these Bible verses about forgiveness and repentance with friends and family who might benefit from reading them. Be sure to comment below with any other verses or quotes from the Bible that you think our readers would enjoy.