22 Jul 2014
Matthew 4:17
Matthew 4:17: “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
What is the first message that Jesus preached? “Repent”.
Some people today say that there is no need for repentance, and that all you have to do is believe in Jesus and you’re good. They claim that you don’t have to be sorry for your sins, or make Jesus your Lord, or confess to God that He is holy and we are not. These people want to avoid Hell, but they don’t want to actually change anything about their life. They’re not looking for forgiveness and mercy; in fact, they don’t even think that they need it! They are perfectly happy with their sins and don’t have the slightest desire to stop sinning.
But what do we find Jesus preaching? “Repent”. This is a constant theme throughout His ministry – He called on men to repent. Repentance is vital to salvation; no one can be saved apart from it. If you do not abandon your sins and repent then you will experience the wrath of God for all of eternity.