The word “repentance” means more than being sorry for what one has done, although this always accompanies real repentance.  It also means more than to stop sinning, although every repentant person will deliberately stop sinning.  In essence,  repentance is a right about turn involving every part of a person, their minds,  their emotions and their wills.  It is a total change of direction, it is becoming a totally new person.
The Greek word for repentance is “metanoia”.  This compound word is comprised of two parts “meta”, meaning “after –implying change, and “nola” coming from the word “nous” meaning “mind”.  So repentance is “a change of mind,” after hearing the Word and being touched by the Holy Spirit.
Being sorrowful for sin leads to repentance.  You can have sorrow that does not lead to repentance.  A person can be outwardly sorrowful because they have been caught in the act of sin, and yet they may never turn from it.  Read 2 Corinthians 7:9-10.
Repentance involves a change in conduct.  This should be evidenced by restitution ( putting things right).  See what Zacchaeus did in Luke 19:1-9.
For more information about Alive to God, or to subscribe to our free DAILY BIBLE VERSE, please visit www.AliveToGod.com