Why Do I Need To Repent?

From :Repentance, Gods Gift
There are many people who do not know the need for repentance, or they are confused on the purpose of repentance. Over the past few months, I have really taken to myself to learn about repentance and the suffering of Jesus Christ and why all of that is important. We can explain this through learning the purpose of this life, sin and what it does to us, Christ's Atonement, and how we can return to God.

Purpose of Life

Why are we on this earth and why do we go through so many things?
When we were born, we were given a body to go through this life and gain new experiences. God allows us to go through hard times because we have the ability to choose and there is always something to learn from it.
We entered this world that was full of challenges and new adventures waiting for us. Sometimes we go through something that is very difficult and causes us to leave our comfort zone. God has revealed that everything here is for our
experience and our good and that this life is the time to learn and grow so we can return to Him (D&C 122:7, Alma 34:32).
How have you grown from your trials?

Sin

What is sin?
Sin, simply is anything done against the will of God. When this is defined this way, there are many things we see as a sin. Being Human, we naturally sin. Our natural desires, uncontrolled, can lead to sin. When we sin it is similar to taking a white shirt and taking food coloring and putting drops all over. Pretty soon, your white shirt is covered and is dirty. "But behold, I say unto you, the kingdom of God is not filthy, and there cannot any unclean thing enter into the kingdom of God; wherefore there must needs be a place of filthiness prepared for that which is filthy." ( 1 Nephi 15:34). If we are unclean we cannot live with God.
How can we become clean?

Jesus Christ

How does Jesus Christ help us?

And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. (Alma 7:11)
Jesus Christ was sent here to help us to overcome our sins. He is the Advocate with the Father and suffered and died for us. I like to use this analogy. Once there was a man who wanted a piece of land. He went to a creditor and signed a contract that allowed him to purchase land, but he would pay it later. Time went by and soon the time came for which the money was due, and he did not have enough. Under the contract he was sentenced to a debtors prison. He begged for mercy, he asked if the time could be extended. But the Creditor said that that would rob justice. Mercy cannot rob justice. Soon the mans friend came and seeing him in trouble said I will pay the debt. But then you will ow me. It will not be easy but it will be possible. The man agreed and the friend payed the creditor. Here is a video depicting the story (Alma 34:10-16)

We are the man, and Jesus is the friend. He payed for our sins so we would not fall short and suffer. But with this, he does ask that we do what He asks. He gives us commandments, and being mortal, we will break them. He gives us the chance to repent.

The Way

Jesus Christ requires us to repent. If not then we will have to suffer what he did (D&C 19:16-19). But what does He really require. What is the way? The way is through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance, being baptized in His name by someone with authority (John 3:5), and receiving the Holy Ghost by laying on of hands (Acts 19:6). This is the way and only way.

"And he said unto the children of men: Follow thou me. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, can we follow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the Father?

And the Father said: Repent ye, repent ye, and be baptized in the name of my Beloved Son.

And also, the voice of the Son came unto me, saying: He that is baptized in my name, to him will the Father
give the Holy Ghost, like unto me; wherefore, follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do.

And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen." (2 Nephi 31:10-12; 2 Nephi 31:21)


I know that Repentance is required for salvation and that God the Father and Jesus Christ love us so much and that they want us to live with them once again. They plead for us to follow them and to lay our burdens on them.

Will you repent?