How do we know godly repentance is true?

Godly repentance is not merely a surface-level change or emotional reaction; it involves a transformative work of God in the heart. In Acts 11:18, it states that God granted repentance unto life, highlighting that true repentance is a gift from God. Furthermore, 2 Timothy 2:25 describes that if God grants repentance, it leads to acknowledging the truth of Christ. This acknowledgment is essential for genuine repentance, as it reflects a heart turned towards God rather than mere behavioral modification. Such repentance must align with a continual turning away from sin and toward God, affirming a lifelong commitment to His ways.