How to Know You Are Truly Forgiven: Biblical Keys to Genuine Repentance and Assurance of God’s Mercy

Have you ever wondered, “How do I know for sure that God has truly forgiven me?” If you’re a believer seeking practical encouragement and biblical wisdom, you’re not alone. The journey to genuine repentance and assurance of forgiveness can be challenging, but God’s Word offers clear guidance and hope. This article will unpack powerful biblical principles that reveal how to experience true forgiveness, cleansing, and restoration in your walk with Christ.

God’s Merciful Invitation to Forgiveness

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

The Bible verse above highlights God’s mercy, faithfulness, and justice. God promises forgiveness when we sincerely confess our sins—not just utter words, but with a heart truly repentant. God’s justice means He will keep His promise because His nature is true and unwavering.

The Seriousness of Sin and the Need for True Repentance

Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth. Ezekiel 33:12

Ezekiel 33:12 warns that:“The righteousness of the righteous will not deliver him in the day of his transgression.”No matter how long you have walked in holiness, a single unrepented sin can separate you from God. But here’s the good news:“As for the wicked, if he turns from his wickedness, he will live.”Even a lifetime of sin can be wiped clean if you turn to God with genuine repentance—just like the thief on the cross who, in his final hour, called on Jesus and was promised paradise (Luke 23:42-43).

What Does Genuine Repentance Look Like?

8. And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more. 9. Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. 10. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. 11. For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. 2 Corinthians 7:7,9-11

Paul’s letter to the Corinthians gives us profound insight into real repentance. In 2 Corinthians 7:9-10, Paul distinguishes between worldly sorrow and godly sorrow:“Godly sorrow produces repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”

True repentance involves:

• Speedy earnestness—responding quickly and wholeheartedly when God convicts you.

• Sincere consideration—recognizing how your sin has dishonored God and hurt others.

• Taking full responsibility—owning your mistakes without excuses or blaming others.

• Desiring to manifest Christ—having no pride or defensiveness, but a humble heart seeking transformation.

The Danger of Retaining Sin and Nullifying Forgiveness

God’s forgiveness is conditional upon genuine repentance. If we confess but later justify, excuse, or blame others for our sin, we nullify our forgiveness. This means the sin remains in our hearts, and we lose the cleansing and freedom God desires for us. As believers, we must be honest, clear in our accountability, and willing to face the full truth of our actions.

Practical Steps to Assurance of Forgiveness:

• Confess honestly and humbly to God, acknowledging all sin.

• Seek reconciliation with those you have wronged.

• Be open to correction and discipline within the church community.

• Maintain a repentant heart, avoiding hardness or defensiveness.

• Allow the Word of God to transform you continually (Romans 12:2).

💬 Call to Action

• For a deeper understanding, watch the full teaching video on genuine repentance and forgiveness.

• Download your copy of the ebook by Apostle Mary Banks - Repentance - How do I Know I am Forgiven.

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• Use the Bible Teacher App  to understand key biblical terminologies and scripture.

  
  
  
  

Conclusion: Embrace God’s Mercy and Walk in Freedom

God’s long suffering mercy invites every believer to come clean, repent, and receive full forgiveness. Remember, forgiveness is not just a one-time event but a continual heart posture aligned with God’s holiness. When you truly repent with godly sorrow, God cleanses you, restores you, and holds you securely in His hand.

28. And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. John 10:28-29

If you feel the need to repent today, don’t wait—turn your heart fully to God. Let His Word wash over you and renew your spirit.

Questions you may ask?

How can I be certain that my repentance is genuine and that God has truly forgiven me?

The blog explains that genuine repentance is marked by “godly sorrow,” which is a sincere and heartfelt sorrow over having dishonored God, not just a superficial or convenient apology. True repentance involves a changed mind and heart—meaning you do not merely say “I’m sorry,” but you deeply regret your sin because you understand its impact on God, yourself, and others. This sorrow leads to a swift, earnest desire to correct your ways (called “carefulness”), taking full responsibility for your actions without making excuses or blaming others. When this godly sorrow works repentance, it leads to salvation and is “not to be repented of,” meaning once you have truly repented, you do not regret that change of heart. Furthermore, genuine repentance results in a “clearing of yourself,” where you give a righteous account of your sin and no longer retain or justify it. If you fail to clear yourself or make excuses, you risk nullifying your forgiveness. Thus, assurance of forgiveness comes from the sincerity of your heart, a changed disposition, and your willingness to fully own and deal with your sin.

Does a lifetime of righteousness protect me if I sin on the day I die, and what hope is there for someone who has lived wickedly for many years but repents at the end?

The blog clearly states that no amount of previous righteousness can deliver a person on the day they commit sin. Ezekiel 33:12 is cited to emphasize that the righteousness of a righteous person will not save them in the day of their transgression. Even if someone has been holy for 20 or 50 years, if they sin and die without repentance that day, their previous righteousness is forgotten, and they face judgment. This shows the severity of sin and the necessity of continual holiness and repentance. Conversely, for the wicked person who has lived in sin for many years, the hope is that if they sincerely repent—even on the very day they turn to God—their past wickedness is forgiven and forgotten. The example of the thief on the cross illustrates this point: despite a life of wickedness, his sincere repentance in his final moments granted him salvation. This teaches that God’s mercy is available at any time, but repentance must be sincere and from the heart.