Matthew 4:17

Note: The scripture has a link that will take you to an online, King James bible

 if you would like to read the whole chapter. 

Scripture: Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Observation: Jesus began to preach, and His message was simple... Repent.

Websters 1828 defines repent as to feel pain, sorrow or regret for something done or spoken; to express sorrow for something past; to change the mind in consequence of the inconvenience or injury done by past conduct; in theology, to sorrow or be pained for sin, as a violation of God's holy law. 

Jesus' message was simply to turn AWAY from sin and self, and turn TO a holy God. And the only way you can do that, is by realizing what your sin really is, what it does, and to feel an honest regret for it. Nothing else will cause you to seek out God.

Repent FROM your sins and turn TO a loving God who is offering you an eternity in heaven.



Application:  This goes along with a previous post of mine about the division in Christians and believing God's word. Here, in this same chapter where Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 8:3, Jesus is telling people to repent... There is a lot of division among Christians today about repentance and it's role in salvation. Many people say that repentance is not necessary for salvation, and that a person who believes that is adding works to faith. But it isn't true. Repentance is not the action of ceasing to sin, it is the realization of what your sin looks like in God's eyes, and feeling an honest regret for it. (This is different from the regret you feel when you get caught!) Repentance is turning from a life lived for self, to a life lived for God... Repentance and salvation go hand in hand... if you never felt sorrow for your sins, you would never be able to see your need of a Saviour, and thus, would never ask for that free gift.

Jesus' message has not changed... Repent! Turn FROM your sins and INTO His loving arms... He will in no wise cast you out. (John 6:37  All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.)

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for the gift of salvation. Thank you for a repentant heart that allowed me to see that my sin placed Jesus Christ on the cross. Thank you for the humility to turn from my sins into the loving arms of my Saviour. Thank you for every moment you have given me since salvation. Lord, I pray that those that I love, those that I merely come into contact with, and those that I never meet will realize their need of a Saviour and will turn to You. I pray Lord, that my actions, attitudes, words and thoughts will always point others to You. In Jesus name, Amen.