Hymns about Repentance

Repentance is a gracious turning of the whole person from sin unto God. Scripture calls sinners to repent and believe the gospel; it promises that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins. True repentance is more than regret: it is godly sorrow that worketh a change of mind and a new obedience. Hymns of repentance give the church language for this holy work of the Spirit.

These songs often move from conviction to petition and then to hope. They acknowledge the holiness of God and the deceitfulness of the heart; they plead the mercy found in Christ; they look toward cleansing and restoration. Related themes of Confession, Forgiveness, and Conversion deepen the same path. Hymnody that treats repentance carefully avoids both despair and cheap comfort, holding fast the promise that a broken and a contrite heart God will not despise.

In public worship, repentance hymns suit seasons of self-examination, days of fasting, and services that prepare for the Lord's Table. They also belong in ordinary Lord's Day praise, for the church always lives by returning. In private devotion they help the believer pray honestly when conscience is troubled, guiding the soul toward the cross rather than toward self-excuse.

To sing repentance is to rehearse the gospel's first word to the sinner and its continual word to the saint. May these hymns keep humility warm and faith clear, that turning from sin may always be joined to turning unto the living God.