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Repent and Believe!
Going back to the basics.
By Bro. Paul Sia
 

Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." - Mark 1:14-15 (NKJV)

What is the core slogan in our evangelism? Well, in one statement, "Repent, and believe in the gospel." Understanding the key elements to this statement is vital in delivering the complete message of salvation to all that we speak to.

What is the Lord asking of people? Again, "Repent, and believe in the gospel." We as His servants should ask nothing less.

Let's try to examine each element carefully.

Repentance -- "to Change the Mind" (a turning from)

What is the true idea of repentance in the New Testament?

The word metanoeo, expresses the true New Testament idea of the spiritual change implied in a sinner's return to God. The term signifies "to have another mind," to change the opinion or purpose with regard to sin. It is equivalent to the Old Testament word "turn." Thus, it is employed by John the Baptist, Jesus, and the apostles (Mt 3:2; Mr 1:15; Ac 2:38). - (ISBE International Standard Bible Encyclopedia)

It is a voluntary and sincere change in the mind of the sinner, causing him to turn from his sin. - (Dr. H. L. Willmington. "Willmington'ss Guide To The Bible" p.729. Christian Literature Crusade 1998)

Read: Ephesians 4:17-24; Romans 12:1-2

Repentance, examined carefully in the light of the New Testament, is not only feeling sorrow or remorse for the wrong that we've done. True repentance comes from a "renewing of the mind" with regards to sin. It is to deal with the "root" and not just feel sorry for the "fruits" of our wrong doing.

We can travel along the wrong path and feel remorsely the entire way and never turn around. True biblical repentance comes when we finally decide to make the "U-turn" and head for the new direction.

The sin that is spoken of here is not just our common acts of lawlessness. Rather, it is the one sin that nourishes all of our transgressions. The sin that God wants us to turn away from is the unwillingness in our hearts to accept Him.

Believe -- "trusting God" (a turning to)

4100 pisteuo pist-yoo'-o from 4102; to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ):--believe(-r), commit (to trust), put in trust with. - (Strong's Greek Bible Dictionary)

Read: Hebrews 11:8-10; Matthew 26:39; Acts 20:22-24

For the most part, believing, in the context of the New Testament, is not only to acknowledge that God exists. Moreover, it is to trust and rely upon Him. A person can believe God's existence without really committing their entire lives to His trust. Believing is placing our all in His sovereign hands. And if we do trust Him, then we will obey His Word. We will allow Him to lead us. And we will continually choose His will over our own.

Read: Colossians 2:6-23

With regards to salvation, believing is trusting the atoning sacrifice of Christ Jesus over our own works to save us. We find that this is where our faith should begin. If we can trust the Lord Jesus to save us from our sins. Then we can truly trust Him to lead us through our lives. And from this firm foundation we bear fruits of righteousness unto the glory of God.


Repent and believe! Carefully examining them, we find that these two elements are not actually separate, but rather, one. We come to realize that one cannot truly believe or rely on God and at the same time continue to deny Him. In the same manner, with regards to repentance, we need a new heading or focus to turn to. Otherwise we'd still end up going the wrong direction.

Repent and believe! That is what God is simply asking of people. Turn away from the wrong path and look to Jesus.

Yes, indeed, to many this may not be so simple. That is why real faith is required.

But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." - Matthew 19:26 (NKJV)

Just call on the name of Jesus and trust Him.

Repent and believe!