(Luk) 24:47-48 CJB “and in his name repentance leading to forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed to people from all nations, starting with Yerushalayim. You are witnesses of these things.”
Repentance Leads to Forgiveness of Sins.
That is the message Jesus commanded His followers to proclaim after His resurrection.
Before ascending to heaven, Jesus summarized the mission of His Church in these words:
“In his name repentance leading to forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed to people from all nations.”
This was not a suggestion.
It was not one message among many.
It was the message.
The Church is called to proclaim what Jesus proclaimed:
“Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand.”
Yet somewhere along the way, many churches exchanged this message for one that is more appealing to the natural man.
A message of prosperity.
A message of personal fulfillment.
A message of freedom from hardship.
A message promising God’s blessings without demanding surrender to God’s authority.
But that is not the message Jesus gave His Church.
Repentance Leads to Forgiveness of Sins Through Jesus
The gospel begins with bad news.
We have rebelled against God.
We have rejected His authority.
We have violated His commands.
We have chosen our way over His way.
Because God is holy and just, our rebellion deserves judgment.
But God, in His mercy, sent His Son.
Jesus lived the perfect life we failed to live.
He died the death we deserved to die.
He bore God’s wrath against sin in our place.
Then He rose from the dead, proving His sacrifice was accepted and His authority as Lord and Judge is absolute.
The response Jesus demands is repentance and faith.
Repentance is not merely feeling sorry for sin.
It is turning from sin and self-rule to submit to Christ as Lord.
Faith is not merely agreeing with facts about Jesus.
It is trusting Him completely and following Him obediently.
Why the Church Must Proclaim Repentance
The message of repentance is not popular.
It confronts pride.
It exposes sin.
It demands humility.
It calls people to admit that God is right and they are wrong.
That is why many reject it.
It is also why many churches soften it.
A message of self-improvement attracts crowds.
A message of repentance often attracts opposition.
But Jesus never changed the message to avoid suffering.
Neither did the apostles.
They proclaimed repentance even when it brought persecution, imprisonment, and death.
Why?
Because only the truth can save.
Only repentance leads to forgiveness of sins.
Only Jesus can reconcile sinners to God.
Only the gospel can rescue people from the judgment to come.
The Witnesses Jesus Is Seeking
Jesus told His followers:
“You are witnesses of these things.”
A witness tells what he has seen and heard.
A witness does not alter the message.
A witness does not improve the message.
A witness faithfully delivers the message.
That remains our assignment today.
We are called to tell the world that God has come in the flesh.
That Jesus died for sinners.
That Jesus rose from the dead.
That forgiveness is available.
That eternal life is offered.
And that all people everywhere must repent and believe the gospel.
Run Today’s Play
- Ask yourself whether you have embraced the whole gospel, including repentance, or only the parts that feel comfortable.
- Pray for courage to speak clearly about sin, forgiveness, and salvation through Jesus Christ.
- Identify one person who needs the gospel and intentionally share with them the message Jesus commanded us to proclaim.
Men, the world does not need a softer gospel. It needs the true gospel. Repentance leads to forgiveness of sins. Let us faithfully proclaim the message of Jesus, regardless of the cost, trusting God to save those who hear and believe.