Elder Bednar Teaches 3 Fundamental Truths About Repentance and the Ongoing Remission of Sins

Repentance and the Redeemer

Repentance produces changes in attitudes and behavior, but simply changing attitudes and behavior is not repentance, taught Elder Bednar, cautioning against a checklist mentality.

“If we do these things and fail to recognize and depend upon the Redeemer and His atoning sacrifice, then even our best individual efforts are in vain,” he said, adding, “The results of sincere repentance are peace, comfort, spiritual healing and renewing, and joy.”

An Honest Heart and Real Intent

Repentance requires honesty with one’s own self and with God, overcoming the excuse-making, blaming and rationalizing that can divert from truly turning to the Lord, Elder Bednar said.

“We must have real intent and be honest with Him whose forgiveness we seek. Genuine confession to God, and when necessary to priesthood leaders, must be full and complete.”

Covenants, Ordinances and the Power of the Holy Ghost

Elder Bednar underscored a “constant connectedness” among the principle of repentance, sacred covenants and ordinances, the sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost, and the blessing of always retaining a remission of sins.

He explained, “In the process of coming unto the Savior and pressing forward along the covenant path, receiving the sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost creates the possibility of an ongoing cleansing of one’s soul from sin.”

He expounded further: “The ordinance of the sacrament is a holy and repeated invitation to repent sincerely and to be renewed spiritually. The act of partaking of the sacramental emblems, in and of itself, does not remit sins. But as we prepare conscientiously and participate in this holy ordinance with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, then the promise is that we may always have the Spirit of the Lord to be with us. And by the sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost as our constant companion, we can always retain a remission of our sins.”

What They’re Saying

Following the devotional, missionaries shared what the Spirit taught them while listening to Elder Bednar’s teachings.

“Repentance is a unification with Jesus Christ; it is allowing the Spirit to sanctify us so that the Savior can work through us without the impediments of our weaknesses.” — Sister Amber McCombie of Afton, Wyoming, assigned to the Spain Madrid Mission.

“Repentance is the sincere change of heart and a clean conscience in order to progress.” — Sister Lucrecia Zanni, Córdoba, Argentina; Spain Madrid Mission.

“Christ is the only way back to Heavenly Father, and He is the only one who suffered for us.” — Elder Andrew Crookston, Logan, Utah; Brazil Campinas Mission.

“Repentance isn’t just turning away from evil but turning toward Christ and replacing the sins in your life with Christlike things instead.” — Elder Tyler Nelson, Syracuse, Utah; Brazil Campinas Mission.

“Having a sincere heart and true intent means not intending to sin and that when we repent, we have genuine sorrow and guilt and really change ourselves and become a new creature.” — Elder Ethan Ashby, Beaver Dam, Utah; California Oakland Mission.

“Repenting isn’t just changing your actions. It’s also changing your attitude toward sin and wanting to be better and wanting to be more Christlike through His Atonement.” — Elder Hunter Sellers, Thatcher, Arizona; Canada Toronto Mission.

“The Spirit testified to me about continually changing and opening our minds and hearts and continually letting virtue garnish our thoughts and building our confidence in every area we strive for.” — Elder Carter Harding, West Point, Utah; Canada Toronto Mission.

“This is a gospel of never-ending change. We get this opportunity to be one with Heavenly Father and have His presence with us and be able to more fully understand Jesus Christ’s role in our lives.” — Sister Isabelle Washington, Rexburg, Idaho; Florida Fort Lauderdale Mission.

“After baptism, it is through the gift of the Holy Ghost that we can receive a continual remission of our sins and can feel the joy of the Savior’s Atonement in our lives.” — Sister Emma Hooper, South Jordan, Utah; New Hampshire Manchester Mission.