Sometimes we hear that in order to repent we need to remember the five “R’s” (Realize, Remorse, Reveal, Restore, Resolve). While it is a clever way to remember some of the parts of repentance, it misses the most important “R” of all: The Redeemer.
Elder Richard G. Scott taught: “Formulas have been crafted to help remember some of the essential actions required for full repentance. While these can be helpful, generally they ignore the most fundamental aspect of repentance—that it is centered in Jesus Christ and in His Atonement (Elder Richard G. Scott, The Path to Peace and Joy, Ensign (CR), November 2000, p.25).
We must remember that real repentance is based on faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His atonement’s ability to pay the price of sin, and to cleanse, change, and heal us. As True to the Faith says, “Repentance is an act of faith in Jesus Christ—an acknowledgment of the power of His Atonement” (pp. 132-135). All other aspects of repentance are appendages to this truth.
We testify that if our repentance is centered on Christ, and not on a checklist or some formula, then the atonement will more readily be able to cleanse, heal, and change us–resulting in increased faith in Jesus Christ.
