Repentance

The Savior said we must forsake our sins. Joseph Smith taught the same truth—that we must repent to become more like God.

As a prophet of God, Joseph Smith was called to preach repentance to all people (see D&C 6:9). Throughout his life he learned how important it is to repent in order to draw closer to God and receive forgiveness (see JS—H 1:28–29; D&C 3), as well as what is required for sincere repentance (see D&C 58:42–43). Here are some of his teachings on this topic.*

By Repenting, We Become More Like God

“If you wish to go where God is, you must be like God, or possess the principles which God possesses, for if we are not drawing towards God in principle, we are going from Him and drawing towards the devil. … Search your hearts, and see if you are like God. I have searched mine, and feel to repent of all my sins.”

Do Not Put Off Repentance

“We should take warning and not wait for the death-bed to repent … , for it is the will of God that man should repent and serve Him in health, and in the strength and power of his mind, in order to secure His blessing, and not wait until he is called to die.”

Truly Forsake Your Sins

“Repentance is a thing that cannot be trifled with every day. Daily transgression and daily repentance is not that which is pleasing in the sight of God.”

Lovest Thou Me More than These? by David Lindsley