What is True Repentance?

What does true repentance look like? In 2 Chronicles 33:12–13, we see one of Scripture's most striking pictures of repentance in the life of King Manasseh. After years of grievous rebellion against God, Manasseh found himself humbled by the consequences of his sin. In his distress, he sought the Lord, humbled himself greatly, and prayed—and God heard him. In this sermon, Aaron Archer examines the nature of true biblical repentance. Repentance is more than regret over consequences or sorrow that life has gone badly. It is a humble turning of the heart toward God, acknowledging our sin and seeking His mercy. Manasseh's story reminds us that no sinner is beyond the reach of God's grace. The same king who had led Judah into terrible idolatry was brought low, turned to the Lord, and discovered that the God he had rejected was willing to hear his prayer.