What Is Repentance in the Bible?
Biblically, repentance is more than feeling sorry. It’s a complete change of mind and direction—a turning away from sin and toward God. In the Old Testament, teshuva implies “returning,” while the Greek word metanoia in the New Testament means “a change of mind.” Repentance involves confession, sorrow, and a desire to be transformed.
How God Responds to Repentance
God is always ready to forgive a repentant heart. The parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15 shows us the Father’s heart—watching, waiting, and running toward the returning sinner. 2 Chronicles 7:14 promises, “If my people… shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear…” Repentance moves the heart of God.
Why These Kinds of Hymns Matter
Hymns about repentance help us express what words sometimes fail to capture: godly sorrow, the desire for cleansing, and trust in God’s mercy. They create a sacred space for conviction, honesty, and renewal. These hymns have softened hearts for generations—and still lead us back to grace.
1. Lord, I’m Coming Home
William J. Kirkpatrick wrote this hymn in 1892 for a revival meeting, burdened by the thought of souls wandering far from God.
“I’ve wandered far away from God…” Yet no matter how far we go, home is always open. Repentance is a return to the Father’s embrace.
2. Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling
Will L. Thompson penned this gentle hymn in 1880. Dwight Moody reportedly requested it on his deathbed.
“Come home, come home…” Repentance isn’t forced—it’s a gentle invitation. Jesus calls us softly, not with condemnation but with love.
3. Jesus, I Come
William T. Sleeper wrote this hymn of surrender in 1887. The lyrics express a deep desire to leave behind sin and enter into freedom.
Every line begins with “Out of…” and ends with “to Thee”—a perfect summary of repentance: from sin to grace, from self to Christ.
4. Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior
Fanny J. Crosby’s heartfelt plea for mercy became a staple in altar calls and revival services.
Sometimes repentance feels like a cry of desperation: “Savior, do not pass me by.” And He won’t. His mercy is always within reach.
5. I Need Thee Every Hour
Annie S. Hawks wrote this in 1872 during a quiet moment of reflection at home.
Repentance leads to dependence. The more we turn from sin, the more we see how much we need God daily—not just in crisis.
6. Just As I Am
Charlotte Elliott struggled with doubt and unworthiness until she realized she could come to Christ “just as she was.”
You don’t clean yourself up before repenting—you come honestly. That’s when grace meets you.
7. Depth of Mercy! Can There Be
Story: Charles Wesley wrote this after a personal struggle with sin. His lyrics express astonishment at God’s forgiveness.
Have you ever felt unworthy to repent again? This hymn reminds us: God's mercy is deeper than our failure.
8. I Am Resolved No Longer to Linger
Story: Palmer Hartsough wrote this bold hymn of decision in 1896.
Repentance involves action. “I am resolved…” is the heartbeat of someone who chooses to walk a new path.
9. Search Me, O God
Inspired by Psalm 139, this hymn by J. Edwin Orr is a prayer of self-examination.
True repentance begins with asking God to search our hearts—because we often miss what He sees.
10. Have Thine Own Way, Lord
Adelaide Pollard wrote this hymn after feeling disappointed that her plans to become a missionary were blocked.
Repentance says, “Not my will, but Thine.” Surrender is the soil where real change begins.
11. Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy
Joseph Hart’s dramatic conversion gave birth to this invitation hymn.
“If you tarry till you’re better, you will never come at all.” Don’t wait for perfection—come now.
12. Take My Life and Let It Be
Frances Havergal wrote this after dedicating every area of her life to God.
Repentance isn’t just saying “sorry”—it’s saying “yes” to God’s will in every part of life.
13. Revive Us Again
William P. Mackay wrote this 1863 revival hymn after returning to the faith himself.
Personal repentance can spark revival. “Revive us again” begins with “revive me.”
14. Jesus Is Tenderly Calling You Home
This hymn by Fanny Crosby is a gentle call to the weary soul.
God doesn’t scold the repentant—He invites them. With tenderness, not terror.
15. Whiter Than Snow
James Nicholson’s prayer for cleansing beautifully echoes Psalm 51.
“Wash me…” is the prayer of every repentant soul. And God answers with complete cleansing.
16. Is Thy Heart Right with God?
Elisha A. Hoffman wrote this probing hymn as a spiritual check-in for believers.
Repentance means dealing honestly with our hearts. Is your heart right today?
17. O Jesus, Thou Art Standing
W. Walsham How based this hymn on Revelation 3:20—Jesus knocking at the door.
Repentance opens the door. He's waiting—not with wrath, but with love.
18. Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Robert Robinson wrote this after being converted from a reckless lifestyle.
“Prone to wander, Lord I feel it…” Even saints need to repent daily and return to the fount of mercy.
19. Where He Leads Me I Will Follow
E. W. Blandy wrote this after surrendering fully to Christ’s call on his life.
Repentance leads to obedience. Saying “yes” to Jesus starts with turning from everything else.
20. Draw Me Nearer
Another by Fanny Crosby, expressing her longing to walk closer with Christ.
Repentance brings restoration—and closeness. After wandering, the soul finds home again.
Repentance is more than a one-time event—it’s a rhythm of the Christian life. These hymns guide us into that sacred space where we come clean, receive mercy, and are made new again.
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