There are broadly-speaking two kinds of teshuvah (repentance). The first is godly sorrow that leads to a turning to Messiah and to salvation. The second is the sorrow of the world:

"For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death" (2 Cor.7:10, NKJV).

In other words, the only true teshuvah (repentance) belongs squarely in the realm of salvation (deliverance), turning a sinner into a follower or talmid (disciple) set free from bondage for the Kingdom.

Notice that the "sorrow of the world" is not associated with the word teshuvah at all: this kind of so-called 'repentance' leads not to salvation but to "death", spiritual for certain and sometimes physical too. John MacArthur calls this "unsanctified remorse [that] has no redemptive capability. It is nothing more than the wounded pride of getting caught in a sin and having one's lusts go unfulfilled. That kind of sorrow leads only to guilt, shame, despair, depression, self-pity, and hopelessness. People can die from such sorrow" [1]. This was the kind of remourse felt by Judas when he realised the consequences of his betrayal, returned the blood money he had been paid, and went and hanged himself (Mt.27:3-5).

The fruits of making true teshuvah (repentance) include a revulsion at ones own sin, anger at oneself for having been so stupid, at Satan, and those whom the Enemy may have used to tempt one to sin. The effect of making true teshuvah (repentance) is to make one watchful not to repeat the sin by having a cautious fear of it and to seek reconciliation with Yahweh. Making true teshuvah (repentance) creates a zeal to be obedient to Torah and to stand defiantly against sin. Making true teshuvah (repentance) creates a desire to make right what has been done wrong in sinning - to make restitution wherever possible for any injuries caused - mental, emotional or physical. Genuine teshuvah (repentance) creates a deep humility before Yahweh and a positive hatred of sin; and this strengthened emunah (faith, trusting) in Messiah brings about a renewed heart and a new life, which is the evidence of salvation sought and wrought. The signs are therefore immediately obvious because there is a changed, strengthened and joyful life where before there was only the spirit and stench of death.

The sorrow of the world is all around us as people, families and nations reap what they sow but have no regrets as far as offending Elohim (God) is concerned - their only sorrow is their suffering and loss - "those who sow trouble reap it" (Job 4:8, NIV). By contrast, "those who sow in tears [of genuine teshuvah (repentance)] will reap with songs of simcha (joy)" (Ps.126:5, NIV).

Endnotes

[1] John MacArthur, The MacArthur Bible Commentary (Thomas Nelson, Nashville, TN: 2005), p.1636

Acknowledgements

[1] Matthew Henry, Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary of the Whole Bible (Thomas Nelson, Nashville, TN: 1977), p.1126