KINGDOM OF HEAVEN

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Matthew 3:2

And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

KINGDOM OF HEAVEN – REPENT / MATTHEW 3:2

This phrase refers to God’s unlimited power and authority over all things and that His purposes are being fulfilled presently on earth, as they will continue to be throughout eternity. This particular phrase is found only in Matthew (33 times). The other Gospels (Mark, Luke and John) use the expression “kingdom of God”. Most Jews avoided using the name of God, so Matthew chose to use this phrase for his Jewish audience (primarily Jewish Christians to show them how Old Testament prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus). Jesus probably used both phrases, one in place of the other.

REPENT

The basic meaning of repentance (Greek metanoeo) is “to turn around” – to make a complete change. It is turning away from evil and turning toward God through faith in Christ (John 14:1, 6; Acts 8:22; 26:18; 1Peter 2:25). True repentance leads to spiritual salvation and a personal relationship with God. Such repentance involves changing our attitude toward God, admitting our sin, turning from our own way, submitting to Christ’s leadership and beginning to follow God’s plans for our lives.

The decision to turn from sin, which is rebellion against God, in order to receive spiritual salvation involves accepting Christ as both Savior (who rescues us from the penalty of sin) and as Lord – the highest authority over our lives. Therefore, repentance involves a change of leaders (lords) in one’s life: from the lordship of Satan and self (Ephesians 2:2) to the lordship of Christ and His Word (Acts 26:18).
Repentance is an opportunity for all sinners to make the choice to turn from sin and turn to God. It is made possible by the grace (undeserved favor and love) God has shown us through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ. The lives of those who hear and accept His message will be spiritually renewed (made alive) and changed (Acts 11:21). But we all must take advantage of the opportunity and make the decision to follow Christ for ourselves.
True saving faith – the kind that brings us back into a personal and eternal relationship with God – involves more than simply believing and agreeing in your mind that Christ is the Savior. Just as genuine repentance requires a change of direction and behavior, real faith in God also requires action. A person puts faith into action by breaking away from sin and deciding in his or her heart to live in such a way that his or her character and lifestyle please God. Any other teaching of Christian faith is a misrepresentation of the Biblical message about believing in and following Christ. Faith that includes repentance is always a condition for spiritual salvation (Mark 1:15; Luke 13:3,5; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 11:21).
Repentance was a basic message of Old Testament prophets (Jeremiah 7:3; Ezekiel 18:30; Joel 2:12-14; Malachi 3:7), John the Baptist (Matthew 3:2), Jesus Christ (Matthew 4:17; 18:3; Luke 5:32) and New Testament 2 Peter 3:9). The challenge and opportunity to repent must always be included whenever one is preaching the gospel message – the “good news” about forgiveness and new life available through Christ (Luke 24:4).

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Blessings,
Margarita & Stace

Guided By Grace

Summary

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KINGDOM OF HEAVEN - REPENT / MATTHEW 3:2

Description

This phrase refers to God’s unlimited power and authority over all things and that His purposes are being fulfilled presently on earth, as they will continue to be throughout eternity.

Author

Margarita Crews

Publisher Name