The
Gospel always starts with repentance
Because the Gospel always
meets us where we are – we are sinners in need of a saviour. That saviour God
provided for us in the person and work of Jesus Christ. This same Jesus Christ
who identified with humanities sin as He was baptised by John in a baptism of
repentance. And He freely offers us the gift of salvation today for all who
believe.
Repentance is also a turning from our
sin, and a turning to
God. It’s saying “God, I don’t want to go where I was heading – to death
and destruction – instead I want to go your way.”
Forgiveness is an
understated aspect of the Christian Life. We are forgiven. We no longer have to
live with the weight of sin hanging around our necks. We can live in the Hope
that comes from being forgiven through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
“For if you forgive
other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive
you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not
forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:14-15
Harbouring un-forgiveness
towards other people for what they’ve done towards us is not healthy for
us, because it’s not healthy for our relationship with God. Because we have
been forgiven, we can forgive others. That is applying the freedom we have in
the Gospel.
And so what is our response
to God’s call to repentance?
On Sunday we were all encouraged to respond:
Repent today of your
sin, receive God’s forgiveness bought by His son, and be empowered for your
ministry of Hope.
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