Repentance (Part 1)

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23), “repentance toward God” (Acts 20:21) is the first step for you and me to enjoy God’s salvation. The message of repentance is so vital because it is the message preached by the Lord Jesus Christ and His disciples, because it is God’s desire, “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9), because it is God’s command for everyone everywhere, “God…now commandeth all men every where to repent” (Acts 17:30), and because it is the Lord’s commission to His disciples, “And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47).

Nowadays, many like preaching an easy and open gospel to attract many followers while ignoring the message of repentance or failing to preach the complete meaning of “repentance”.  The message of repentance is for sinners and backsliders, so it is not easy at all to preach it to those who do not acknowledge their sins, shortcomings, unbelief, compromise or wrong doctrines.  

The Lord Jesus preaches, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15) and, “except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3, 5), and “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent” (Rev 3:19). The Lord’s apostles also “went out, and preached that men should repent” (Mark 6:12). Peter preached, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). Paul preached “repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21).

Have you and I repented according to the Scripture? Please read our next article.