The doctrine of repentance is understood differently by different people in different religions. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ (LDS or Mormon) understand it to be accepting the power of Christ's atonement to cleanse from sin.
Meaning of Repentance
Speaking about repentance, LDS church leader Neal A. Maxwell remarked: "It is too little understood, too little applied by us all." Some people have the mistaken impression that repentance is a depressing doctrine, commanded by an angry or exacting God.
Latter-day Saints, however, believe that repentance is not about paying for one's own sins, being punished for sinful behavior, or grudgingly saying "I'm sorry" to avoid hell. True repentance is an uplifting doctrine whereby individuals embrace the cleansing power of Christ's atonement and saves them from feelings of misery and regret that come from having made poor decisions.
Mormons Believe in the Need for Continual Repentance
The Book of Mormon teaches that "no unclean thing can enter into his [God's] kingdom" (3 Nephi 27: 19.) Sin, the willful transgression of God's laws, makes a person unclean in a spiritual sense.
Though Latter-day Saints don't believe in original sin, they do acknowledge that no one is perfect and everybody succumbs to temptation. Therefore, everyone has need of continual and daily cleansing from sin.
Forgiveness Comes Through Christ's Atonement
Jesus Christ came to earth to provide a way for all mankind to become clean. He suffered for the sins of everyone who ever lived on or will live on earth, precisely so that mankind would not have to.
The only way to become clean is to accept and access this atoning power is to repent. Mormon forgiveness for sins in inseparably tied to the atonement of Christ.
Mormon 5 Steps of Repentance
In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, repentance is taught to consist of five steps. The LDS 5 steps to repentance are:
- Acknowledgment of the sin;
- Feeling "godly sorrow," or genuine remorse, for sin;
- Making restitution when possible by apologizing to those wronged or returning stolen goods;
- Asking God for forgiveness; and
- Abandoning the sin.
If any of these five steps are missing, then repentance is not considered to be complete. In cases of serious moral transgression, like violating the Law of Chastity or the Word of Wisdom, it's necessary to talk to the bishop and work through the repentance process together.
Latter-day Saints believe that repentance is the process of turning away from sin and turning the heart and mind toward God. It is motivated by love for God and a sincere desire to keep His commandments. Repentance is the way Mormons believe they can accept the forgiving power of Christ's atonement in their lives.
Visit the Mormon Beliefs Main Page to learn more about LDS church teachings and doctrines.
Sources:
- Neal A. Maxwell, "Repentance." Ensign, November 1991.
- Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. Salt Lake City: Intellectual Reserve, 1981.
Jenny Evans - Jenny Evans is a freelance writer and editor specializing in parenting and the family. She is also the Mormonism Topic Editor for ...
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