Repentance: Refinement through the Mortal Journey

Book excerpt: Repentance is one of the core tenets of the gospel, but what does it truly mean? Understanding the principle of repentance at a deeper level is often overshadowed by the simplistic reciting of the five-step process of repentance: (1) recognition, (2) remorse, (3) confession, (4) restitution, and (5) forgiveness. But repenting is so much more than a checklist step in the process to get on the righteous path. When confronted by a Primary child's innocent question about repentance, author G. Alan Ruppe realized that something was missing from his lifelong simplistic view of what it means to repent. The intense research and spiritual revelation that stemmed from that awakening culminate in this insightful discussion about the nature of sincere, divine repentance and forgiveness. In Repentance: Refining the Mortal Journey, discover The historical definitions of biblical repentance and how translations over time have skewed our perception of this sacred practice. The difference between sins and mortal mistakes, when and why repentance is necessary, and how repentance relates to our God-given agency. How to receive divine forgiveness and become once again clean and pure through the Atonement of Christ. Real repentance, the kind desired for us by our Heavenly Parents, is an emotionally and spiritually painful process, but it is a course that will help develop our repentance from an abstract perception to a genuine way of life. A deeper understanding of its purpose will reveal avenues to stronger faith, richer experiences, and more profound joy as we journey through this mortal life.