--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The Bible, however, teaches that change…" description: "\"“The Bible, however, teaches that change comes about through confession, repentance, and obedience. There is no need for hours and hours of free associ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1c9/elyse-m-fitzpatrick-14294_bible_the-bible-however-teaches-that-change-co_2254474.jpg" --- # The Bible, however, teaches that change comes about… ![“The Bible, however, teaches that change comes about through confession, repentance, and obedience. There is no need for hours and hours of free association, venting, and dream analysis; no need to structure contrived rewards or punishments; no need to sit in front of the mirror every morning…” quote by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1c9/elyse-m-fitzpatrick-14294_bible_the-bible-however-teaches-that-change-co_2254474.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1c9/elyse-m-fitzpatrick-14294_bible_the-bible-however-teaches-that-change-co_2254474.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1c9/elyse-m-fitzpatrick-14294_bible_the-bible-however-teaches-that-change-co_2254474.jpg) > ““The Bible, however, teaches that change comes about through confession, repentance, and obedience. There is no need for hours and hours of free association, venting, and dream analysis; no need to structure contrived rewards or punishments; no need to sit in front of the mirror every morning reciting your "Twenty Affirmations." The process of change (what the Bible calls sanctification) is accomplished by following these simple steps: First, you must recognize your action as sinful (not merely ineffective or self-defeating) (Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 3:23) and confess it to God, to whom you owe worship and obedience (John 1:9; Revelation 3:19). Second, you need to ask for His forgiveness. Third, you must repent. Repentance involves putting off your former manner of life, seeking to renew your mind, and putting on the new habits that God commands (Ephesians 4:22-24). Finally, you must habitually practice each of these steps in faith (Philippians 4:9). As you seek to do these things, you'll be empowered by the Holy Spirit (2 Thessalonians 2:13) and enlightened by the Word (Psalm 119:130). Remember,”” [Elyse M. Fitzpatrick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elyse-m-fitzpatrick/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Change is achieved through recognizing sin, confessing, seeking forgiveness, repenting, and consistently practicing these steps with faith. **In simple terms:** Biblical transformation requires confession, forgiveness, repentance, and habit. Key Takeaway Apply biblical steps for personal change. Themes faith repentance spiritual growth discipline Mood reflective encouraging Type scriptural practical When to use this quote - personal counseling - church small groups - daily devotion - accountability partners - spiritual retreats Key Concepts sanctification obedience renewal of mind Questions to Reflect On - How can you integrate these steps into daily life? - What obstacles might hinder consistent practice? A Different Perspective May not address psychological complexities beyond spiritual aspects. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Bible](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bible/) [Change](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/change/) [Change Bible](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/change-bible-3669229/) [Confession Repentance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/confession-repentance-1302473/) [Every morning](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/every-morning/) [Habits God](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/habits-god-3924578/) [Holy spirit](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/holy-spirit/) [Prayer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/prayer/) [Regret](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/regret/) [Repentance Involves](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/repentance-involves-2437455/) [Repentance Obedience](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/repentance-obedience-1073339/) ## Related quotes > [“...and how is a man to know the habits of their God, whether He smites suddenly or withholds, if you mishandle the things set…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-jones/and-how-is-a-man-to-know-the-habits-of-their-god-whether-he-smites/) [David Jones](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-jones/) > [They believe the bible is the exact word of God - Then they change the bible! Pretty presumptuous, hu huh? "I think what God…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-hicks/they-believe-the-bible-is-the-exact-word-of-god-then-they-change-the/) [Bill Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-hicks/) > [Im against people who change the bible to fit their life... Gays, Men, Women, Business meN all sorts of people do it every day…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/im-against-people-who-change-the-bible-to-fit-their-life-gays-men/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“The man that believes will obey; failure to obey is convincing proof that there is not true faith present. To attempt the impossible God…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-w-tozer/the-man-that-believes-will-obey-failure-to-obey-is-convincing-proof/) [A.W. Tozer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-w-tozer/) > [True repentance involves a change of heart and not just a change of behavior.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ezra-taft-benson/true-repentance-involves-a-change-of-heart-and-not-just-a-change-of/) [Ezra Taft Benson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ezra-taft-benson/) > [True repentance also involves reform.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hosea-ballou/true-repentance-also-involves-reform/) [Hosea Ballou](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hosea-ballou/) > [“The second problem has to do with the way men appropriate grace. A question sharpens the issue. Does faith precede or follow repentance? Is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mildred-bangs-wynkoop/the-second-problem-has-to-do-with-the-way-men-appropriate-grace-a/) [Mildred Bangs Wynkoop](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mildred-bangs-wynkoop/) > [The demands of justice for broken law can be satisfied throughmercy, earned by your continual repentance and obedience to the laws ofGod... Through the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-g-scott/the-demands-of-justice-for-broken-law-can-be-satisfied-throughmercy/) [Richard G. Scott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-g-scott/) > [True repentance always involves reform.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hosea-ballou/true-repentance-always-involves-reform/) [Hosea Ballou](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hosea-ballou/) > [Confession without repentance is just bragging.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/confession-without-repentance-is-just-bragging/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Only as we bow in contrition, confession, and repentance at the foot of the cross, can we find forgiveness. There is the grace of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billy-graham/only-as-we-bow-in-contrition-confession-and-repentance-at-the-foot-of/) [Billy Graham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billy-graham/) > [There are many ways to cover up our sin. We may justify or minimize it by blaming circumstances and others people. However, real repentance…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/timothy-keller/there-are-many-ways-to-cover-up-our-sin-we-may-justify-or-minimize-it/) [Timothy Keller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/timothy-keller/) > [“What is unhealthy is every wallowing in guilt which does not lead to confession, repentance, faith in Jesus Christ and so forgiveness.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-stott/what-is-unhealthy-is-every-wallowing-in-guilt-which-does-not-lead-to/) [John Stott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-stott/) > [“To say that somebody ‘is not responsible for his actions’ is to demean him or her as a human being. It is part of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-r-w-stott/to-say-that-somebody-is-not-responsible-for-his-actions-is-to-demean/) [John R.W. Stott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-r-w-stott/) > [The purpose of a spirit filled life is to demonstrate the supernatural power of our living God so that the unsaved multitudes will abandon…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/t-l-osborn/the-purpose-of-a-spirit-filled-life-is-to-demonstrate-the/) [T.L. Osborn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/t-l-osborn/) ## More by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick > [“It would be against God’s character to give us a promise that our children will be saved if we raise them in a certain…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elyse-m-fitzpatrick/it-would-be-against-god-s-character-to-give-us-a-promise-that-our/) [Elyse M. Fitzpatrick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elyse-m-fitzpatrick/) > [“Yes, there are passages in Scripture—especially in Paul’s epistles—about women’s roles. But it is biblically untenable and soul crushing to tell a woman that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elyse-m-fitzpatrick/yes-there-are-passages-in-scripture-especially-in-paul-s-epistles/) [Elyse M. Fitzpatrick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elyse-m-fitzpatrick/) > [“But that’s not all. The resurrection is also God’s “Amen” to our “It is finished, for I believe that when he died, I died,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elyse-m-fitzpatrick/but-that-s-not-all-the-resurrection-is-also-god-s-amen-to-our-it-is/) [Elyse M. Fitzpatrick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elyse-m-fitzpatrick/) > [“Delighting to do God's will means turning from the deception that joy lies outside obedient fellowship with Him. We need to consistently disbelieve the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elyse-m-fitzpatrick/delighting-to-do-god-s-will-means-turning-from-the-deception-that-joy/) [Elyse M. Fitzpatrick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elyse-m-fitzpatrick/) > [“When we lose the centrality of the cross, Christianity morphs into a religion of self-improvement and becomes about us, about our accomplishments, and about…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elyse-m-fitzpatrick/when-we-lose-the-centrality-of-the-cross-christianity-morphs-into-a/) [Elyse M. Fitzpatrick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elyse-m-fitzpatrick/) > [“Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, “I desire mercy,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elyse-m-fitzpatrick/those-who-are-well-have-no-need-of-a-physician-but-those-who-are-sick/) [Elyse M. Fitzpatrick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elyse-m-fitzpatrick/) > [“There’s not a place in our lives that has more power to shape us, to build us up, or to destroy us than home.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elyse-m-fitzpatrick/there-s-not-a-place-in-our-lives-that-has-more-power-to-shape-us-to/) [Elyse M. Fitzpatrick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elyse-m-fitzpatrick/) > [“It is only within the context of the church that ongoing spiritual care, encouragement, and accountability can occur. It is only as we use…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elyse-m-fitzpatrick/it-is-only-within-the-context-of-the-church-that-ongoing-spiritual/) [Elyse M. Fitzpatrick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elyse-m-fitzpatrick/) > [“The realization that his love is never ending is a balm to our souls, bringing the joy, comfort, and assurance that is our very…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elyse-m-fitzpatrick/the-realization-that-his-love-is-never-ending-is-a-balm-to-our-souls/) [Elyse M. Fitzpatrick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elyse-m-fitzpatrick/) > [“Our goal as parents should not be to create a bunch of good kids, but rather to have them see how dead they are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elyse-m-fitzpatrick/our-goal-as-parents-should-not-be-to-create-a-bunch-of-good-kids-but/) [Elyse M. Fitzpatrick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elyse-m-fitzpatrick/) > [“C.S. Lewis knew this. He believed that we were too easily satisfied with the "lesser joys" of life instead of pressing on to pure,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elyse-m-fitzpatrick/c-s-lewis-knew-this-he-believed-that-we-were-too-easily-satisfied/) [Elyse M. Fitzpatrick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elyse-m-fitzpatrick/) > [“The only way that we can change our feelings is by changing our core beliefs and the thoughts that occupy our minds.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elyse-m-fitzpatrick/the-only-way-that-we-can-change-our-feelings-is-by-changing-our-core/) [Elyse M. Fitzpatrick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elyse-m-fitzpatrick/) > [“When I forget that the only way that God could stand to have me in his family was by crushing the Son he loves-that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elyse-m-fitzpatrick/when-i-forget-that-the-only-way-that-god-could-stand-to-have-me-in/) [Elyse M. Fitzpatrick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elyse-m-fitzpatrick/) > [“Again, the resurrection is God’s “Amen” to Christ’s “It is finished!”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elyse-m-fitzpatrick/again-the-resurrection-is-god-s-amen-to-christ-s-it-is-finished/) [Elyse M. Fitzpatrick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elyse-m-fitzpatrick/) > [“The outward transformation of our feelings and actions is accomplished through the inner transformation of our mind.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elyse-m-fitzpatrick/the-outward-transformation-of-our-feelings-and-actions-is/) [Elyse M. Fitzpatrick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elyse-m-fitzpatrick/) [Explore all 47 Elyse M. Fitzpatrick quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elyse-m-fitzpatrick/) ## More Bible quotes > [I think a new world will arise out of the religious mists when we approach our Bible with the idea that it is not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aiden-wilson-tozer/i-think-a-new-world-will-arise-out-of-the-religious-mists-when-we/) [Aiden Wilson Tozer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aiden-wilson-tozer/) > [From Augustine down, theologians have tried to compel people to accept their special interpretation of the Scripture, and the tortures of the inquisition, the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/matilda-joslyn-gage/from-augustine-down-theologians-have-tried-to-compel-people-to-accept/) [Matilda Joslyn Gage](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/matilda-joslyn-gage/) > [“God hates Hell. He hates the idea of people going there. He hates it so much that He was willing to take on human…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/evan-minton/god-hates-hell-he-hates-the-idea-of-people-going-there-he-hates-it-so/) [Evan Minton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/evan-minton/) > [“The Devil can cite Scripture for his purpose, Sergeant,’ Anthony Payne replied. ‘That is from The Merchant of Venice, but it holds great truth.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-arnold/the-devil-can-cite-scripture-for-his-purpose-sergeant-anthony-payne/) [Michael Arnold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-arnold/) > [When you put your hand on the Bible, you are saying something much stronger than just telling your peers that you're going to tell…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lee-greenwood/when-you-put-your-hand-on-the-bible-you-are-saying-something-much/) [Lee Greenwood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lee-greenwood/) > [“Scripture also teaches that human beings are morally responsible creatures”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-a-peterson/scripture-also-teaches-that-human-beings-are-morally-responsible/) [Robert A. Peterson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-a-peterson/) > [“The wife of a junior officer cooped up in a horrible canvas partition in steerage for five months wrote: "I had enjoyed much peace…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-taylor/the-wife-of-a-junior-officer-cooped-up-in-a-horrible-canvas-partition/) [Stephen Taylor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-taylor/) > [O Word of God incarnate . . . It is the golden casket Where gems of truth are stored; It is the heaven-drawn picture…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/walsham-how/o-word-of-god-incarnate-it-is-the-golden-casket-where-gems-of-truth/) [Walsham How](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/walsham-how/) > [How can I trust that the Bible is reliable?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-horton/how-can-i-trust-that-the-bible-is-reliable/) [Michael Horton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-horton/) > [Every plant which my heavenly father has not planted with be uprooted](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jesus-christ/every-plant-which-my-heavenly-father-has-not-planted-with-be-uprooted/) [Jesus Christ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jesus-christ/) > [Where I come from you're not raised to think on your own. It's not that you're pushed to read the Bible. The Bible is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abel-ferrara/where-i-come-from-you-re-not-raised-to-think-on-your-own-it-s-not/) [Abel Ferrara](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abel-ferrara/) > [“I felt like praying or something, when I was in bed, but I couldn't do it. I can't always pray when I feel like…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-d-salinger/i-felt-like-praying-or-something-when-i-was-in-bed-but-i-couldn-t-do/) [J.D. Salinger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-d-salinger/) > [What comes to mind when you think of heaven? Heaven is referred to in fifty-four of the Bible's sixty-six books, and the final two…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-jeremiah/what-comes-to-mind-when-you-think-of-heaven-heaven-is-referred-to-in/) [David Jeremiah](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-jeremiah/) > [“While it is in one sense a result of God’s presence within us, the New Testament also describes a process involved in our “putting…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dallas-willard/while-it-is-in-one-sense-a-result-of-god-s-presence-within-us-the-new/) [Dallas Willard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dallas-willard/) > [The definition of a Church is crystal clear in the New Testament. We see the picture of it. They came together the first day…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-macarthur/the-definition-of-a-church-is-crystal-clear-in-the-new-testament-we/) [John MacArthur](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-macarthur/) [Browse all 8,465 Bible quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bible/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“The Bible, however, teaches that change comes about through confession, repentance, and obedience. There is no need for hours and hours of free association, venting, and dream analysis; no need to structure contrived rewards or punishments; no need to sit in front of the mirror every morning reciting your \"Twenty Affirmations.\" The process of change (what the Bible calls sanctification) is accomplished by following these simple steps: First, you must recognize your action as sinful (not merely ineffective or self-defeating) (Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 3:23) and confess it to God, to whom you owe worship and obedience (John 1:9; Revelation 3:19). Second, you need to ask for His forgiveness. Third, you must repent. Repentance involves putting off your former manner of life, seeking to renew your mind, and putting on the new habits that God commands (Ephesians 4:22-24). Finally, you must habitually practice each of these steps in faith (Philippians 4:9). As you seek to do these things, you'll be empowered by the Holy Spirit (2 Thessalonians 2:13) and enlightened by the Word (Psalm 119:130). Remember,”", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Elyse M. Fitzpatrick" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elyse-m-fitzpatrick/the-bible-however-teaches-that-change-comes-about-through-confession/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Bible" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elyse-m-fitzpatrick/the-bible-however-teaches-that-change-comes-about-through-confession/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1c9/elyse-m-fitzpatrick-14294_bible_the-bible-however-teaches-that-change-co_2254474.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1c9/elyse-m-fitzpatrick-14294_bible_the-bible-however-teaches-that-change-co_2254474.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1c9/elyse-m-fitzpatrick-14294_bible_the-bible-however-teaches-that-change-co_2254474.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“The Bible, however, teaches that change comes about through confession, repentance, and obedience. There is…” — Elyse M. Fitzpatrick", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Elyse M. Fitzpatrick", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elyse-m-fitzpatrick/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "“The Bible, however, teaches that change...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elyse-m-fitzpatrick/the-bible-however-teaches-that-change-comes-about-through-confession/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elyse-m-fitzpatrick/the-bible-however-teaches-that-change-comes-about-through-confession/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```