Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand

“And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” - Matthew 3:2

After the excitement of a baby born in Bethlehem and angelic announcements nothing more happened for about thirty years. The next visitation from God came in the form of the prophet John boldly preaching and baptising in the wilderness. God’s message was the same it had been when He left off with Malachi – God’s people must repent of their sins.

John was laying the groundwork for the arrival of Messiah. Total repentance, as the Law had taught was impossible. John was trying to make people aware that they needed another avenue. Messiah would come with His message of grace and mercy to provide what they truly needed.

But the message of repentance would endure. Repentance would now be the sign of true salvation. Repentance does not change, but the good news is that Jesus makes it possible, and He is the only avenue.

Repentance is also for the believer, and we really have no excuse for with Emmanuel we have all the power needed to repent. The question is, do we really want to?