- Published on
by Mr. Whitney V. Myers
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Man praying at the cross - Mark 1:15 - Pixabay image - Used under license
"Now after John was taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel 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)
This article explains the meaning of Jesus' command, "Repent and believe in the gospel" (Mark 1:15).
Consider. Have you repented of your sins and turned to God? Do you believe in God's Son, Jesus Christ?
In his first public preaching message in the Gospel according to Mark, Jesus described the two requirements for entrance into God's kingdom. Jesus said we must "repent and believe the gospel" (Mark 1:15).
1. The word "repent" means to "change our mind" (Ref. 1). First, we are to change our mind about our sin, and turn from our sin to the ways of our heavenly Father. Repentance includes confession of our sins to God (1 John 1:9). Repentance goes beyond confession and is a commitment to change our behavior and align our life with God's will (Ref. 1).
2. Then, by faith (which is God's gift to us), we are to believe in the gospel (Ephesians 2:8, Ref. 2 - believe). The gospel is good news -- the good news of Jesus Christ, God's Son (Ref. 3 - gospel). God, at God's initiative, has given us his Son, Jesus Christ. Through the sacrificial death of Jesus to pay the penalty for our sins, we through faith in the resurrected Jesus receive forgiveness for our sins and receive God's gift of eternal life (Romans 6:23, Romans 10:9, Ref. 3). That is good news indeed.
3. Repentance from our sins and belief in Jesus Christ go together. Both are necessary (Mark 1:15). Without repentance, Jesus said we will perish (Luke 13:3). Without belief in him, Jesus said we will die in our sins (John 8:24).
1. The word "repent" means to "change our mind" (Ref. 1). First, we are to change our mind about our sin, and turn from our sin to the ways of our heavenly Father. Repentance includes confession of our sins to God (1 John 1:9). Repentance goes beyond confession and is a commitment to change our behavior and align our life with God's will (Ref. 1).
2. Then, by faith (which is God's gift to us), we are to believe in the gospel (Ephesians 2:8, Ref. 2 - believe). The gospel is good news -- the good news of Jesus Christ, God's Son (Ref. 3 - gospel). God, at God's initiative, has given us his Son, Jesus Christ. Through the sacrificial death of Jesus to pay the penalty for our sins, we through faith in the resurrected Jesus receive forgiveness for our sins and receive God's gift of eternal life (Romans 6:23, Romans 10:9, Ref. 3). That is good news indeed.
3. Repentance from our sins and belief in Jesus Christ go together. Both are necessary (Mark 1:15). Without repentance, Jesus said we will perish (Luke 13:3). Without belief in him, Jesus said we will die in our sins (John 8:24).
Apply. Turn away from your sin today. Tell God you are sorry for your sins, and ask God to help you live life that is pleasing to him and serves others. Put your trust completely in God's Son, Jesus Christ. Thank him for dying on the cross to forgive your sins. Ask Jesus to help you follow him faithfully each day.
Repent and believe, so simple a child can understand. So profound, many learned cannot fathom it…