Matthew 3:1-2

In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

John the Baptist had been chosen and prepared to be the one person in human history to personally announce (or herald) the arrival of the King of Kings. Did he announce his arrival by listing out all of the Old Testament prophecies that were coming to pass? No. Did he announce his arrival by sharing the Christmas story? No. Did he announce his arrival by going over Jesus’ genealogy? No. He announced the Savior’s arrival by focusing on just one thing: Repentance.

Before you can enter into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, you must repent. You must change your mind about who Jesus is and then turn to God in faith for salvation. But what role does repentance play in the life of someone who has already been born again?

In Revelation 2:5 God’s Word calls us to “repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.” This is a recognition of on-going sin and a need to return to walking in righteousness. When your own child sins against you, they do not cease to be your child…but the relationship does suffer harm. Once they repent, forgiveness is granted (of course) and the relationship is restored to it’s fullest glory.

Do you want to keep your relationship with your Heavenly Father strong and healthy? Repent when you sin!