Westminster Confession of Faith

Repentance unto life is an evangelical grace,²⁹² the doctrine whereof is to be preached by every minister of the Gospel, as well as that of faith in Christ.²⁹³

By it, a sinner, out of the sight and sense not only of the danger, but also of the filthiness and odiousness of his sins, as contrary to the holy nature and righteous law of God; and upon the apprehension of his mercy in Christ to such as are penitent, so grieves for, and hates his sins, as to turn from them all unto God,²⁹⁴ purposing and endeavouring to walk with Him in all the ways of His commandments.²⁹⁵

Although repentance be not to be rested in, as any satisfaction for sin, or any cause of the pardon thereof,²⁹⁶ which is the act of God's free grace in Christ;²⁹⁷ yet is it of such necessity to all sinners, that none may expect pardon without it.²⁹⁸

As there is no sin so small, but it deserves damnation,²⁹⁹ so there is no sin so great, that it can bring damnation upon those who truly repent.³⁰⁰

Men ought not to content themselves with a general repentance, but it is every man's duty to endeavour to repent of his particular sins, particularly.³⁰¹

As every man is bound to make private confession of his sins to God, praying for the pardon thereof;³⁰² upon which, and the forsaking of them, he shall find mercy:³⁰³ so, he that scandalizeth his brother, or the Church of Christ, ought to be willing, by a private or public confession, and sorrow for his sin, to declare his repentance to those that are offended,³⁰⁴ who are thereupon to be reconciled to him, and in love to receive him.³⁰⁵