The Atonement of Jesus Christ makes possible the miracle of repentance and forgiveness. Repentance, the process of becoming clean from sin, is necessary to our salvation (see D&C 20:29). It is the second principle of the gospel (see A of F 1:4), for it is through repentance that progression is even made possible. Through repentance and faith on Jesus Christ, we can be forgiven and our guilt can be swept away (see Enos 1:6–8). Therefore, faith and repentance are preached continually throughout the scriptures and by our living prophets. Repentance and baptism are the gateway into the kingdom of God and a prerequisite for entrance into the celestial kingdom (see D&C 20:71). All must repent, for all have sinned (see 1 John 1:8). The consequences for failing to repent are severe: if we do not repent, we must suffer even as our Savior suffered (see D&C 19:15–19).
Let us never forget the necessity of repentance. It is through repentance that we can be saved. If we do not repent, and if we fail to believe in Christ and be baptized, we will be damned (see 3 Nephi 11:34). On the other hand, if we repent, He will receive us. Perfection is not so much about living a perfect life as it is in living a life of perfect repentance. Lehi taught that “by the law no flesh is justified”—meaning that no mortal can perfectly live every aspect of the law of God (see 2 Nephi 2:5), hence the need for a Savior to extend the arms of mercy to all who repent and offer to Him a broken heart and a contrite spirit. Repentance, brought about by godly sorrow, brings change, a change of mind as well as behavior, regret for things done or not done as the case may be. It brings to pass the change of turning back to God rather than away from God, a desire to walk the strait and narrow path.
True repentance entails a process of becoming (see Mosiah 3:19). It results in concern for others (see Enos 1:9, 11, 13; Mosiah 28:3; Alma 29:9–10; 36:24). We demonstrate and manifest our repentant attitude through repentant works. We show forth fruits meet for repentance and continue steadfastly enduring to the end (see 2 Nephi 31:20; Matthew 3:8). When we repent, we love God, abhor sin, have an overwhelming desire to do good and bless others. This results in action. We keep the commandments (see John 14:15), we are doers of the word and not hearers only (see James 1:22), and we visit the fatherless and those in need (see James 1:27). Faith, the principle that moves one to repent, is demonstrated by good works (see James 2:22, 26). Remember that we are judged by our works and reap happiness or misery according to our record of obedience or disobedience (see Mosiah 3:24; Alma 3:26). We are to abound in good works (see Mosiah 5:15). We bring forth good works because we hearken to the voice of the Good Shepherd (see Alma 5:36, 41). We abound in good works because we are full of faith, hope, and charity (see Alma 7:24). Then we receive the mysteries of God because we have repented and brought forth good works (see Alma 26:22). We should never weary of good works (see Alma 37:34). It is clear that repentance involves a life consistent with our righteous change of heart. The grace of God, His goodness and benevolent kindness toward us—these help us to do good works (see Helaman 12:24). Lest we forget, we are saved by the grace of God after all we can do (see 2 Nephi 25:23).