Just a Thought: What does it actually mean to repent? When John the Baptist came preaching about the kingdom of God to come, this was a welcome and long-awaited message. The Old Testament prophets had told of a coming Messiah who would bring in the kingdom of God. But what they did not understand is the kingdom would come to earth in two ways and two different times. What was John preaching about? Scholars differ on John’s meaning. However, we do know that for God’s kingdom to be on earth today, believers have to make Jesus Lord of their lives. When God rules and reigns in the hearts and minds of God’s people, we bring His kingdom to earth, and His will is done on earth as it is in heaven. So, for John to say the kingdom of heaven is near, He was speaking of receiving Jesus as the Messiah and accepting His rule over their hearts and lives. This is why when he started with “repent” it confused many. People had drifted far from God’s Law and they (the Jews) also thought that because they were the children (descendants) of Abraham, when the kingdom of God came, they were automatically in. John called them to have a change of heart and mind. “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” (Matt 3:2) They would need to change their minds and change their lives in order to be ready to receive the kingdom and enter in. All men and women would have to come to faith in Jesus and be born spiritually to enter the kingdom of God (Jn. 3:1-7) which makes Jesus Lord of their lives. One day Jesus will return to earth and establish a physical kingdom on earth. But, today since Jesus has already come as man’s savior, we must by faith change our minds and hearts about Jesus. To repent now is as it was then. It means to turn from our sin and turn to and trust in God. This is a change of heart and mind that leads to a change in life and nature (2 Cor. 5:17). To repent means to abandon our sin and self-will and accept Jesus Lordship over our lives here and now as well as when He comes again. How do I know if I have repented? This is easier than it seems. Just look and see who or what is the Lord of your life? Is it truly Jesus or is it someone or something else. What if it isn’t Jesus? Repent! If we are truly kingdom people, we have one king and He is the Lord Jesus!
