Do we need to keep repenting even though Jesus Christ died for our sins?
The word repentance in Greek is metanoeō. Strongs concordance defines repentance as
1. Change one's mind, i.e. to repent.
2. To change one's mind for better, heartily to amend with abhorrence of one's past sins.
3. To think differently or afterwards, i.e. reconsider (morally, feel compunction): —repent.
Repentance means turning away from sin and choosing to follow God's way.
It starts by confessing your sin to God, admitting where you’ve gone wrong, and truly regretting those actions. Then you make a decision in your heart to change, asking God to help you live differently.
🩸 Why do we still need to confess sin if Jesus took It all at the Cross?
Jesus took all sin at the cross for the whole world - but we must receive that personally
Jesus’ death paid the price for all sin - past, present, and future (Hebrews 10:10-14). But this payment is not automatically applied to everyone. It must be received by faith, which involves repentance and confession.
“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
Confession and turning from sin (repentance) is how we receive the benefit of what Jesus did. His sacrifice opens the way, but it is our response that activates that forgiveness in our lives.
Confession and Repentance Are Acts of Agreement and Surrender
When we confess, we’re agreeing with God that what we did was sin. When we repent, we’re turning from it - rejecting that sin and choosing His righteousness.
“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out…”
- Acts 3:19
Even though Jesus bore the punishment, we still must personally renounce our agreement with sin and align ourselves with Him.
Unconfessed and Unrepented Sin Leaves a Door Open
Though Jesus paid for all sin, unrepented sin can still affect our soul and body, just like inherited sin can. Confession and repentance close legal doors the enemy might otherwise exploit.
“Do not give the devil a place.”
- Ephesians 4:27 (NKJV)
Confession Is Part of Ongoing Sanctification
At salvation, our spirit is made new (justified), but our soul (mind, will, emotions) and body still need cleansing (sanctification). We confess not to get saved again, but to keep walking in freedom and purity.
“Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”
- 2 Corinthians 7:1
Confession isn’t a lack of faith — it’s the outworking of your faith.
It’s how you receive all that Jesus died to give you.
“But seek first the Kingdom and His righteousness and everything else will be added unto you”
- Matthew 6:33
Jesus Took the Sins - But We Must Lay Them Down
His work is complete, but He doesn’t force it upon us or force us to give up our sins. Confessing and turning from sin is how we give Him our sins and guilt, surrendering it to Him to be carried. True rest comes when we surrender it willingly.
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
- Matthew 11:28
- Jesus took the punishment for all sin when God laid the worlds sin on Him. This means when we accept Him as our Lord and Saviour we are saved by faith (not works). We are justified (made right with God) and redeemed (brought with a price) by the Blood of Jesus. No works on our behalf can save us, justify us or render us righteous.
- Freedom in our souls and physical body is through God’s Grace, faith, confession, and repentance.
- It’s not about re-crucifying Christ - it’s about entering into His finished work by surrendering all that is unclean in us.
By Tania Francis