REPENT — The Power to Turn and Begin Again

Scripture Setting: 2 Nephi 2; Alma 5; Alma 36; Enos 1 (Multiple Teachings)

Repentance appears everywhere in the Book of Mormon—not as punishment, but as a gift. From Nephi’s early teachings to Alma’s powerful conversion, repentance is shown as the moment when a person chooses to turn around, change direction, and walk toward God instead of away from Him.

Lehi taught that without the ability to repent, there could be no progress, no joy, and no freedom. Jacob pleaded with the Nephites to turn back to the Lord before pride destroyed them. Alma the Younger described how repentance lifted him from “eternal misery” into perfect peace. Even Enos’s great prayer began with a desire to repent and be forgiven.

The Book of Mormon never treats repentance as something to be afraid of. Instead, it shows men and women who are changed—sometimes slowly, sometimes suddenly—when they reach out to God with honest hearts. Repentance brings clarity. It restores hope. It rebuilds families and strengthens nations.

For families today, repentance is a reminder that no one is stuck where they are. No mistake has to be the end of the story. The Lord invites us to come back, again and again, with the promise that He will meet us with mercy.

In Rumors of War, the Repent card symbolizes renewal. Drawing it gives players the power to reset, redirect, and rise—just as repentance lets every person begin again with God’s help.