Matthew 3:2-3
And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight."
In the gospel accounts, certain details appear in one book and not in another. This is because the gospels aren’t just diaries of events but are, as Luke describes in Acts 1, "treatises." A treatise is a document intended to prove something, and each of the gospel writers aimed to show one thing: that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who came to save us from our sins and fulfill God’s promises. Matthew’s account speaks to the Jewish mind, Mark’s to the common man, Luke’s to the upper class, and John’s to all. Certain details about Jesus’ life and ministry resonated more with Jewish readers than Gentile ones, and vice versa. Yet, all the gospel writers included John the Baptist’s message, signifying that it was imporatatn to every group of men.
This call to repentance happened before Christ was publicly revealed as the Son of God. Repentance, then, is a precursor to knowing the Lord. It isn’t that Jesus wouldn’t have come if people didn’t repent; He was coming regardless. But because He was “at hand,” repentance was urged. Even today, repentance prepares us to receive the saving power of God. It’s a requirement of the gospel. A person may hear the gospel, feel warmly about it, or even identify with Christ, but without repentance, they are not truly God’s child. If you want to know Christ and see Him revealed as the Son of God and Savior, you must repent. Just as repentance was a prerequisite for knowing Him then, it is today.
What Is Repentance? Repentance, simply put, is turning around—an about-face. It’s a change of heart about your sin, a turning from self-righteousness or sinful habits to the Savior’s righteousness. True repentance begins in the heart and works outward into our lives. The Lord calls us to a change of mind about our sinfulness. Perhaps you think of your sins as “not that bad” or even harmless, but have you considered them as God sees them? What you may view as “acceptable” or “permissible,” He sees as offensive. Perhaps, like Israel, you’re trusting in family ties or religious practices as your righteousness, with no sense of needing repentance. This self-righteous attitude is itself something to repent of.
This call is one of action: “Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” Repentance is something we’re called to. God will save, reveal Himself, raise from the dead, and bear our sins, but He requires us to repent. Repentance and faith are inseperable, as genuine faith leads to repentance, and true repentance is a sign of belief. Hebrews 11 describes Noah, who "By Faith, moved with fear to saving of his house," It was faith in God’s warnings that lead him to a life of obedience, repentance and calling others to repentance. Today, if the call to repentance stirs your heart, obey it in faith. True repentance is born of faith, and without faith, it is impossible to please God.
Finally, repentance is described as preparing the Lord’s way and making His paths straight, like paving a road for His entrance into our lives. This perfectly captures the heart of repentance. Jesus came to save, and those who repented and believed were saved. He also came to judge, and those who saw no need for repentance faced judgment. The same is true today. Jesus is coming soon, and each day draws us closer to that hour. Who will He save? Those who believe and repent. Who will He judge? Those who refuse.
Remember Egypt on the night of God’s visitation by the death angel. Two groups existed: those who had repented and, by faith, applied the lamb’s blood to their doorposts, and those who hardened their hearts and ignored God’s warnings. That night, the repentant believers were delivered as the death angel passed over their homes, marking their freedom from Egypt’s bondage. By the same visitation, the Egyptians were judged for their disbelief and impenitent heart.
Dear reader, today, hear John the Baptist’s words: “Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” “Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” By faith, answer this call to repentance. Jesus will soon be revealed, and the world will bow before Him. Your response will determine how He will be revealed to you—either as your Savior or your Judge.
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