REPENT

Matthew 4:17

From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”

Repentance has been part of human options from creation, that is after the fall, it begins with a remorse or regret of a particular action. The next stage is a decision to change that action, retrace one's step or completely follow a new pattern or lifestyle. Remember God’s words to Cain. 

Genesis 4:6-7

“Why are you so angry?” the lord asked Cain. “Why do you look so dejected?

You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.”

This should be the first call to repentance in scriptures and it came from God Himself. 

We see the call again and again as we go through the Torah, then finally through the last prophet John the Baptist (for after him no prophet exists but to prophesy of Christ Jesus...hope you understand). Then the Word of God Himself Christ Jesus. He called out for the same "Repent and turn to God". 

However this time He himself was the door! 

John 10:2,4-7

But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.

After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice.

They won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t know his voice.”

Those who heard Jesus use this illustration didn’t understand what he meant,

so he explained it to them: “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep.

Only Christ Jesus can say "follow me", all the prophets of old tried to point to the Heavenly Father actually they actually were pointing to the door and that was Christ Jesus, this is why He said... they testify of me.. . 

Thus we don't just repent abstractly we hide ourself in Him who takes care of us and make us what the Heavenly Father wants us to be through His Spirit. 

Matthew 11:28

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

And thus as we go with Him day after day, even if we slip, we can find our footing in Him again because our repentance is not abstract or an emotion but goes further to resting on Him. 

And we do this by relying on His Spirit which everyone who is saved receives and we know that the stirring of His Spirit is through, study of scriptures, prayers, worship and other spiritual exercises like fasting. 

Thus the once and for all sacrifice releases us from the need to make any other sacrifice but to give ourselves. Glory to God. 

Thank you Heavenly Father for we are released from the bondage of sin and the verdict of condemnation in your Son Christ Jesus. Glory to your Holy Name. 

We dwell in His kingdom. 

He calls us blessed. 

Love 

@the watcher