Repent & Believe
Scripture Focus: Mark 1:14-15; Matthew 28:16-20
This is a new series of the commands our Lord Jesus Christ gave. I understand this is very limited, and I will get to each of these in greater detail as I move through this adventure. This blog is one of five upcoming messages.
When Jesus began His ministry in Galilee, His message was clear: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15). This call echoes through the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), where Jesus commands us to make disciples, starting with repentance and faith. But what does it mean to repent and believe, and why is it the foundation of a life with Christ?
Repentance is more than feeling sorry for our sins—it’s a complete turning away from them, choosing to follow Jesus instead (Romans 3:23). To believe is to trust Jesus as Lord, surrendering our lives to His authority (Romans 10:9). Together, they form the doorway to salvation. In Luke 7:36-50, we see this in action: a sinful woman, overwhelmed by her need for forgiveness, anoints Jesus’ feet with tears and perfume. Her repentance and faith lead to Jesus’ assurance: “Your sins are forgiven” (Luke 7:48).
Romans 6:23 tells us that “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Everyone has sinned (Romans 3:23), and everyone must repent (Acts 2:38). Repentance isn’t a one-time act but a lifestyle of returning to God. The assurance? “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us” (1 John 1:9). Jesus Himself promises, “No one will snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:28).
Like the woman in Luke 7, we can approach Jesus humbly, confess our sins, and trust His grace. Ask yourself: Is there an area of your life where you need to turn back to God? Share the gospel with someone who needs to hear it, just as Peter did in Acts 2:38-41, inviting others to repent and believe. The kingdom of God is near—step into it today.