More Than a Feeling — A Call to Return
Most people think repentance is simply saying, “I’m sorry.” In churches, it’s often portrayed as a tearful moment at the altar or a quick prayer after sin. But according to the Bible — especially from a Hebrew Israelite perspective — repentance is far more than emotion.
It is teshuvah, a Hebrew word that means to return — specifically, to return to YAH and His commandments. Repentance isn’t just about regret. It’s about action. It’s about turning away from sin and turning fully back to obedience, identity, and covenant.
This article walks you through the true biblical definition of repentance, the process of returning to righteousness, and why it is essential for our awakening and restoration as the people of Israel.
(See our book, Knowing the Father and the Son: Those who seek the truth will find it)
What Repentance Is Not
Before we define repentance, let’s first expose what it is not:
It is not just guilt.
Feeling bad for your actions does not automatically mean you’ve repented. Emotions are temporary; repentance produces lasting change.It is not just confession.
Saying “I sinned” is only the first step. Repentance is incomplete without actual transformation and obedience.It is not a one-time prayer.
True repentance is a lifestyle of returning to YAH every time we fall short — through action, humility, and obedience.
The Most High is not interested in empty apologies. He is seeking a faithful return to His laws, His ways, and His covenant.
The Hebrew Meaning of Repentance: Teshuvah
In Hebrew, the word for repentance is teshuvah (תשובה) — which literally means “to return.”
This word carries deep covenantal meaning. When Israel sins, we are not just breaking rules — we are turning our backs on a relationship, on an identity. To repent means to turn back to that relationship, to our purpose, to our Elohim.
“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto YAHUAH, and he will have mercy upon him…”
— Isaiah 55:7
“Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel… Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.”
— Ezekiel 18:30
This is not just personal — it is national. The house of Israel is being called to return to the covenant, to walk again in righteousness, and to be restored as a holy people.
(See our book, Baptism Unto Remembrance: Sin-Atonement-Repentance)
Steps to True Repentance
True repentance is not vague or abstract. The Scriptures give us clear steps:
1. Acknowledge Your Sin
“For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.”
— Psalm 51:3
No excuses. No blame-shifting. The first step is seeing your sin for what it is — rebellion against YAH’s word.
2. Confess with Sincerity
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us…”
— 1 John 1:9
Confession is agreement with YAH about your sin — calling it what it is, without sugarcoating or justifying.
3. Turn From Sin and Return to Torah
“And shalt return unto YAHUAH thy God, and shalt obey his voice… with all thine heart, and with all thy soul…”
— Deuteronomy 30:2
This is the heart of repentance: leaving lawlessness and embracing obedience.
4. Walk in Newness of Life
“Cast away from you all your transgressions… and make you a new heart and a new spirit…”
— Ezekiel 18:31
Once you return, you walk forward with a clean heart, making daily decisions to stay in covenant.
(See our books, The Path: Of Righteousness, and Baptism: What about the Fire?)
Repentance and Identity: A National Awakening
Repentance is deeply tied to the awakening of Israel. The curses of Deuteronomy 28 were placed on us for disobedience — and the blessings come only through returning.
“And it shall come to pass, when all these things are come upon thee… and thou shalt return unto YAHUAH thy God… then YAHUAH thy God will turn thy captivity…”
— Deuteronomy 30:1–3
Repentance is the first step in restoration.
It is how:
The lost sheep are gathered
Our relationship with YAH is restored
Our identity as Israel is confirmed
Our inheritance is returned
This is not just personal salvation. It is national redemption.
(See our book, Song of Solomon: A Complete Breakdown)
Fruits of Repentance: How You Know It’s Real
How can you know if someone has truly repented? The Bible says you’ll see the fruit.
“Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance…”
— Matthew 3:8
Signs of True Repentance:
Changed behavior (you stop doing what you once justified)
Hunger for righteousness (you want to learn and grow in Torah)
Restored relationships (you seek peace, justice, and forgiveness)
Obedience to commandments (you honor YAH’s instructions daily)
Real repentance changes how you walk, talk, think, dress, eat, rest, worship, and love. It touches every part of your life.
(See our book, Symbolic Meaning of Water Baptism)
Repent and Return — The Time Is Now
YAH is calling His people — not to religion, but to repentance. Not to guilt trips, but to covenant. The door is open, but it will not remain open forever.
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.”
— Acts 3:19
Now is the time to return:
To the commandments
To your identity
To your Father
This is not just a message — it is a movement of restoration. Israel, return to your Elohim.
Shalom,
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