Letting go of the past can be one of the hardest things to do. Whether it’s past mistakes, painful experiences, broken relationships, or missed opportunities, these memories can weigh heavily on our hearts. But the good news is that God offers healing, renewal, and a fresh start. He doesn’t define us by our past; He leads us into a future filled with purpose and grace.
The Bible is full of encouraging and powerful verses that help us release the pain, shame, and guilt of yesterday.
In this blog post, we’ll explore 35 Bible verses about letting go of the past. Each verse is followed by a short and clear explanation to help you apply its truth to your life. Whether you’re wrestling with regret or seeking peace after a hard season, these Scriptures can guide your path forward.
35 Bible Verses About Letting Go Of The Past
1. Philippians 3:13-14
Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal…
Explanation:
Paul reminds us to let go of what’s behind and keep moving toward God’s purpose. Our past doesn’t define our future.
2. Isaiah 43:18-19
Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing…
Explanation:
God is always doing something new. He invites us to stop dwelling on the past so we can embrace His new work in our lives.
3. 2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
Explanation:
In Christ, you’re made new. Your past doesn’t have power over your identity anymore.
4. Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Explanation:
If you belong to Jesus, you are not condemned. This means you can let go of guilt and live in grace.
5. Psalm 103:12
As far as the east is from the west, so far does He remove our transgressions from us.
Explanation:
God completely removes our sins when we repent. He doesn’t hold them against us anymore.
6. Lamentations 3:22-23
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning…
Explanation:
God gives us fresh mercy every day. You don’t have to be stuck in yesterday’s pain.
7. Luke 9:62
No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.
Explanation:
Jesus challenges us to stay focused on what lies ahead. Looking back slows us down.
8. Hebrews 8:12
For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.
Explanation:
God chooses to forget your sins. If He has forgiven you, you can let go of them too.
9. Isaiah 1:18
Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow…
Explanation:
God’s forgiveness brings complete cleansing. Your past failures can be washed away.
10. John 8:36
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
Explanation:
Jesus sets you free from every chain—including your past.
11. Matthew 11:28
Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Explanation:
If your past is weighing you down, Jesus offers rest and relief.
12. Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.
Explanation:
Your old life died with Christ. Now, you can live a new life through Him.
13. Proverbs 4:25
Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.
Explanation:
Focus on the path ahead. Don’t let past mistakes distract you from your journey.
14. Ephesians 4:22-24
Put off your old self… and be renewed in the spirit of your minds… put on the new self…
Explanation:
Letting go of the past includes changing how you think. Embrace your new identity in Christ.
15. Micah 7:19
He will again have compassion on us; He will tread our iniquities underfoot…
Explanation:
God doesn’t just forgive—He crushes the power of sin and throws it away.
16. Job 17:9
Yet the righteous holds to his way, and he who has clean hands grows stronger and stronger.
Explanation:
As you move forward in faith, your strength will grow. You’re not defined by what’s behind.
17. Colossians 3:2-3
Set your minds on things that are above… For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Explanation:
Shift your focus from past failures to your secure identity in Christ.
18. 1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us…
Explanation:
Confession leads to forgiveness and freedom. You don’t have to carry the past anymore.
19. Psalm 32:5
I acknowledged my sin… and You forgave the iniquity of my sin.
Explanation:
God meets honesty with grace. Letting go starts with being real with Him.
20. Romans 6:6
Our old self was crucified with Him… so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.
Explanation:
You’re not stuck in who you used to be. In Christ, you are free.
21. Ecclesiastes 3:1
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.
Explanation:
There’s a time to move on. Holding on to the past can keep you from entering a new season.
22. Psalm 147:3
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Explanation:
God brings healing to those hurting from their past. He mends what’s broken.
23. James 4:8
Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.
Explanation:
As you let go of the past, draw closer to the One who makes all things new.
24. Zechariah 3:4
Remove the filthy garments from him… See, I have taken your iniquity away…
Explanation:
God takes away your guilt and gives you a new covering—a sign of your new life.
25. Acts 3:19
Repent therefore… that your sins may be blotted out…
Explanation:
God wipes the slate clean when we turn to Him. Nothing from the past has to follow you forward.
26. 2 Timothy 1:7
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
Explanation:
You don’t have to live in fear of your past. God gives you strength to walk boldly.
27. Revelation 21:5
Behold, I am making all things new.
Explanation:
Jesus is in the business of restoration. He can renew every part of your story.
28. 1 Corinthians 6:11
And such were some of you. But you were washed… sanctified… justified…
Explanation:
You may have a past, but in Christ, you are clean and made right.
29. Galatians 5:1
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
Explanation:
Christ has freed you—don’t go back to what held you down.
30. Isaiah 44:22
I have blotted out your transgressions… return to Me, for I have redeemed you.
Explanation:
God has cleared your record. Come back to Him and live redeemed.
31. Hosea 6:1
Come, let us return to the Lord… He has torn us, that He may heal us…
Explanation:
Even if your past feels painful, God uses it for healing and restoration.
32. John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you…
Explanation:
God’s peace replaces the turmoil of regret. Let it settle your heart.
33. Psalm 40:2-3
He drew me up from the pit… and set my feet upon a rock…
Explanation:
God lifts us out of our darkest moments and gives us a new song to sing.
34. Matthew 6:34
Do not be anxious about tomorrow… Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Explanation:
Don’t let yesterday steal today’s peace. Focus on now, not the past or the future.
35. Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you… plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Explanation:
God’s plan is filled with hope. No matter your past, your future is bright with Him.
Embracing Freedom in Christ
Letting go of the past doesn’t mean forgetting everything—it means choosing not to let it control your future. These 35 Bible verses about letting go of the past remind us that God offers healing, freedom, and a fresh start. Through Jesus, we are not defined by our mistakes, failures, or wounds—we are defined by His love and grace.
Whether you’re just beginning to release what’s behind or have already taken steps forward, God walks with you every step of the way. His Word is a daily reminder that you are never alone in your journey.
We’d love to hear from you.
What Bible verse has helped you let go of the past? How has God given you peace or freedom? Share your experience or favorite Scriptures in the comments and encourage others who may need hope today.