When one develops faith in Jesus Christ and begins to understand the purpose of mortal life, this will lead to a desire for repentance. Repentance is the second principle of the Gospel in Mormonism. Repentance is required for salvation, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Everyone that has ever lived upon the earth, except for Jesus Christ, has sinned in some way. Sin has been written about in the scriptures as “all unrighteousness” (1 John 5:17) and “To him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not” (James 4:17). These scriptures and others show that there are sins of commission and sins of omission. Whether intentional or not, each one of us must repent of his sins to inherit the kingdom of God. However, as the Mormon prophet Joseph Smith wrote, “men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression” (Articles of Faith 1:2). Mormons do not believe that original sin is inherited, but once people reach the age of accountability (eight years old), all inevitably sin and must repent.
Repentance is the process through which we can be forgiven of our sins and transgressions. According to Mormonism the soul is on an eternal journey of which this mortal existence is only a part. The stain of sin blocks our eternal spiritual progression and prevents the full blessings and glory possible through the plan of salvation. Repentance is possible because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Because He lived a life without sin and then gave His life for us, He is able to meet the demands of justice and mercifully grant forgiveness to those who obey His Word.
The steps of repentance begin with recognizing our sins. This requires both knowledge of what are sins, and an admission by the sinner. The more serious sins are usually obvious, though there are many that “call evil good, and good evil” (Isaiah 5:20). To know all that the Lord has commanded takes regular study of the words of the prophets in both ancient and modern scripture. The leaders of the Mormon Church, modern-day prophets and apostles, give current counsel to identify and avoid those sins plaguing the world. In addition to personal weakness apparent to us, the less obvious sins of omission need careful self-examination to correct.
We must also feel sorrow for our sins. A transgressor caught red-handed is quick to apologize, but not necessarily sincerely. This sorrow will intensify as faith in Christ grows, and the sinner realizes the burden and terrible consequence of sin. “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death” (2 Corinthians 7:10).
Once we feel godly sorrow for our sins, we will want to forsake them. If the transgressor is repeatedly caught for the same misdeed, the apology is certainly insincere, and the mounting transgressions will stand against him or her. The Lord warns, “to that soul who sinneth shall the former sins return” (Doctrine and Covenants 82:7). The habit of sin is powerful, and to stop is easier said than done, but repentance is a process, so whether forsaking the sin is done in a moment or is a progression, it is necessary to leave our sins behind.
We must also confess our sins. Confession requires the humility necessary for forgiveness. We must confess all our sins to the Lord. In Mormonism, confession to a church authority is necessary for the more serious sins, such as adultery, or those in violation of the law. Sins of this degree may affect one’s standing in the church. However, the continual process of perfecting oneself is between the individual and the Lord. A Bishop need not be sought out for every impure word or thought. If another has been offended by our sin, confession to those against whom we have sinned is part of repentance.
Finally, restitution is made as a part of repentance. Where something was taken, it is returned. Perhaps more difficult is the intangible wrongs. An evil word must be covered by apology and words of goodness. Although the sin may not be erased from the offended party’s memory, its evil must be matched and surpassed with good works. To receive forgiveness of sins we must right any wrongs we done to the best of our ability. The most serious sins are those for which it is difficult or impossible to make restitution. One cannot restore stolen virtue, and that makes fornication a serious sin. One cannot restore a life (murder).
Forgiving is a part of receiving forgiveness too. After delivering the Lord’s Prayer Jesus taught, “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you” (Matthew 6:14). Repentance is a renovation of the soul; it changes our entire character. Evil is abandoned and replaced by good works, keeping all the commandments, and a life of virtue. In Mormonism repentance is more than a regular confessional to apologize to the Lord and church for wrongdoings. It is the constant conversion process of the individual toward Christ. Repentance is required every day in the quest to become more like the Savior.