12 February 2010
Repentance (Part II)
Posted by admin1 under: Search the Scriptures .
We mentioned that repentance is a regret, remorse and involves change of heart and change of actions (Part I). So Jesus also began his ministry preaching the urgency of salvation, preaching repentance (St. Mark 1: 15). Considering that many with certain ailments, various disabilities and physical challenges were not allowed in the temple, Jesus began his ministry by making an open invitation to all men, not only to the Jews, and not only to the people of his time, but that invitation is still standing “come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden” (St. Matthew 11:28).
Jesus’ purpose was to call sinners to repentance (St. Luke 5:32), for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3: 23). Unlike before, this message of repentance was not exclusive to Israel, but inclusive to all men, “And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem (St. Luke 24:47).
Why would repentance be the first step into the kingdom? (Part I) Remember that Jesus is calling us as we are, but accepting his invitation compels us not to stay the same way we came. For us to be fit for the kingdom, we have to change our garments (St. Matthew 22: 1-14), change our conduct, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…” (Romans 12:2).
Take for an example if you are have muddy shoes on, and coming into a clean carpet or floor, you will first take off your shoes before coming in. So that is the case with the kingdom of God. When we accept this invitation, and we want to come into His house, we have to put off our muddy shoes.
Jesus made this parable to illustrate this fact. An open invitation was made to all people. All those who came were given the wedding garments. The wedding garments are symbolic of God’s Commandments. Coming to the wedding compels us to put on the wedding garments so we can look the part. We cannot stay in the clothes we used when we were tending the flocks and scrubbing the floors (St. Matthew 22:1-14).
Before we can think of working in the kingdom, we have to repent, hence the first step into the kingdom. We need repentance because we need change of clothes and need to be cleaned up, because our sins have separated us from God (Isaiah 59:2).
Repentance is a reaction to the preaching of the word of God “…and how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14). “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2: 37-38).
Preaching allow us to search our standing with God, and gives us the opportunity to repent, and correct our evil ways. Hearing the word of God should lead “a new heart and a new spirit” (Ezekiel 18:31). For what shall it profit us to hear and not do? “For not the hearers of the law are just before God: but the doers of the Law shall be justified (Romans 2: 13). The word of God or the will of God becomes fulfilled when we practice it, even as Jesus said “if ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them (St. John 13:17).
Reference: The Bible Gospel Told pg 11-14
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