5th March 2022

Repentance, and believing the Gospel

Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”
Mark 1:14-15 (NKJV)

John the Baptist was no ordinary prophet, and Luke 7:28 underlines this: “For I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” God sent John to prepare a way for the Lord. He came preaching repentance, turning to God, and receiving the Lord Jesus as the Saviour of the world.

What do we repent of? We repent of our sins, which Jesus Christ took upon himself, as we read in Isaiah 53:5: ‘But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.’

The gospel is about the Lord Jesus himself. In Mark 1:1-2 (NIV) we can read, ‘The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way…” ’ And the Apostle Paul stated he was ‘…not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes…’ (Romans 1:16 NKJV).

Those who heard the Apostle Peter’s teaching were convicted and cut to the heart, and asked, “…what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37.) Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of the sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (v.38.) 

As humans we may express remorse, but it does not lead us to godly sorrow; it is God who gives us true repentance: ‘…do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?’ (Romans 2:4.)

Repentance is a continuous process, even after baptism, for we all fall short. It is vital therefore

that we listen to Jesus, keeping our eyes fixed on him, as we ‘…who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord…’ (2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV). 

Prayer
Father in heaven, thank You for the gift of godly repentance. Help me to believe the gospel. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Study by Natu Moti

About the writer:
Natu Moti is a Deacon in the Birmingham congregation of Grace Communion International.

Local congregation:
Gracecom Birmingham
All Saints Church
George Road
Birmingham B23 7QB

Meeting time:
Saturday 1pm

Local congregational contact:
David Gibbs
Email: birmingham@gracecom.church

Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church