We cannot begin a new life in Christ without first turning from our old life of sin. Repentance is the inner transition from self-dependence and self-government to submission to God. The kingdom of God means having someone rule over us, having a real King. We cannot crown Jesus Lord of our lives in practical experience except through the assistance of the Holy Spirit in the realm of repentance. Calling Jesus “Lord” with full Biblical meaning requires the renouncing of self-rule or imagined “independence.” It includes the acknowledgment of the need for someone else to guide and direct our lives. Repentance is our acknowledgment that we are finished with the way we have been living and are ready to embrace His new life. This transference of dependence was considered so basic in the New Testament that every major teacher introduced the gospel with the necessity of repentance.
John the Baptist.
“In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt. 3:1, 2)
Jesus Himself.
“From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand “(Matt. 4:17).
The Twelve Disciples.
“And they went out, and preached that men should repent “(Mark 6:12).
The Apostle Paul.
“But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance “(Acts 26:20).
The Apostle Peter.
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some count slackness; but is long suffering to us- ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance “(II Pet. 3:9).
Both the Lord’s “Great Commission” to His disciples, and their application of this commission, emphasize repentance.
“And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47).
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38)