In the history of the deliverance of Israel from Egypt, we are informed that Pharaoh's heart was hardened, so that he would not let the people go. We are evidently to understand by this, that on account of the great wickedness of the Egyptians, the Lord did not soften their hearts by the gentle influences of his Spirit, but permitted them to pursue their own chosen way and suffer the consequences.
We read in the Revelations of St. John: "And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands;" 9. 20. "And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds;" 16. 11. These, like the Egyptians, had passed the day of repentance, and were left to reap the reward of their wickedness.
On account of their former wickedness, it was all the converted Lamanites could do to repent; Alma 24. 11.
Repentance is a gift of God: "Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life;" Acts 11. 18. "If God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;" 2 Tim. 2. 25. "Not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth them to repentance;" Rom. 2. 4. That is, the Lord grants to men of his Holy Spirit to soften their hearts and enlighten their understandings, that they may see and receive the truth, if they will; but his Spirit will not always strive with man. Confession of sin, and restitution to the injured party, was early made a standing law in Israel; Num. 5. 6, 7.
Confession is one of the outward evidences of a godly sorrow for sin: "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation;" Rom. 10. 10. "Confess your faults one to another, and pray for one another, that ye may be healed;" James 5. 16.
On account of the magnitude of sins committed, repentance is not always followed by forgiveness and restoration. For instance, when Peter was preaching to the Jews, who had slain Jesus and taken his blood on themselves and their children, he did not say, repent and be baptized for the remission of sins; but "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; and (when) he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: whom the heaven must receive until the times of the restitution of all things;" Acts 3. 19-21. That is, repent now, and believe in Jesus Christ, that you may be forgiven when he whom you have slain shall come again in the days of the restitution of all things; and prescribe to you the terms on which you may be saved.
Bible.
1 Kings 8. 47 if they repent in the land of their captivity.
Job 42. 6 I abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes.
Psalm 106. 45 repented according to the multitude of his mercies.