What does the Bible say about forgiveness and repentance?

The Bible teaches that true repentance is essential for forgiveness, highlighting a heart change that leads one to seek God's mercy. The story of Manasseh in 2 Chronicles 33 illustrates this principle. After living in rebellion against God, Manasseh was humbled in captivity, which led him to remember the teachings of his father and to genuinely repent of his sins. He cried out to God for forgiveness, and as a result of God's grace, he was restored. This narrative emphasizes that repentance is actually a gift from God, as it leads one to realize their need for a Savior and to turn back to Him.