Repentance that leads to changed life

Later on, after John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee, where he preached God’s Good News. “The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!” Mark 1:14-15

John the Baptist went around preaching repentance (see Matthew 3:2, Mark 1:4, Luke 3:3). From the text, Jesus also preached the message of repentance. After His resurrection and before His ascension, He called on His disciples to preach on repentance. “It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent” (Luke 24:27). Then, Peter responded to God’s command and told the hearers of God’s word to repent. “Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away” (Acts 3:19). It is through repentance that one receives eternal life. Repentance is choosing the Lord’s offer of new life and forsaking the old life. The image of the word signifies a person completely turning around and to go the way of God. This action is what is required to those who want to receive salvation. The Lord came to show the love of God and provided ample warning of the impending destruction. God wants you to recognize your sin and express your repentance. He wants you to be deliberate about your decision that no other action could replace repentance. Repentance involves radical and decisive action agreeing to God’s evaluation of your sin. Once forgiveness has been uttered, a drastic change in one’s life should be anticipated. You align yourself to His will and that results to changed life.