Matthew 4:17 “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
John the Baptist began his ministry proclaiming the necessity of repentance for salvation. In Matthew 3:8, he told the religious leaders: “Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance.” Without it, God’s salvation and blessing would not be enjoyed by those who only had religion.
Jesus began and continued His ministry by preaching the same message: “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). Repentance has a powerful place as a part of salvation and also in revival. It is also mentioned throughout the Bible in the Old and New Testaments.
It is almost a forgotten Bible teaching today. The prophet Ezekiel reveals what repentance means. In Ezekiel 18:30, he said: “Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.”
Repentance is a change of mind or attitude toward sin and toward God. Since all sin is rebellion against God, repentance means turning from sin and start obeying God from the heart – not merely outwardly.
Faith is also necessary for salvation. There must be a placing of your trust in what Christ did on the Cross to pay for your sins. How good or bad you are has nothing to do with it. Because He paid for them all, He desires that you ask for forgiveness and ask Him to come into your heart (life) as Lord (Boss) – and believe that He will when you ask. Afterwards, He wants you to willingly serve Him – “the fruits of repentance.”
Have you repented of your sin and trusted Christ to be your personal Savior?