The Purpose of Repentance

A friend of mine questioned the LDS concept and understanding of repentance. He misunderstood our doctrine to mean that we somehow thought we could pay for our own sins. This is absolutely incorrect. Only Jesus Christ can pay for sins in this world which will result in Eternal Life.

Repentance involves 5 steps:
1. acknowledging sin
2. feeling godly sorrow for sin
3. making restitution if possible
4. asking God for forgiveness
5. forsaking the sin.

Again, the steps of repentance are not about paying for your own sins. Repentance is the process of accepting Christ after you knowingly rejected Him by your sinful actions.

2 Cor. 13: 5-7 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
Titus 1: 16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

Examine yourself, is Christ in you? Do your works deny Him?