Take a moment to listen carefully to what Jesus said to his disciples following his triumphant resurrection from the dead.
“These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.” (Luke 24:44-47)
At the heart of the gospel is an invitation extended to all. Sins can be forgiven. The Christ has suffered for you. He has risen from the dead that you might enjoy eternal life. What incredible, life-changing news! But’s that’s not where this news ends. Read the last sentence of Jesus’ words again.
“Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.”
Why did Jesus suffer? What opportunity has his resurrection extended? What does everyone everywhere need to hear? Jesus suffered and Jesus rose from the dead that repentance should be proclaimed in his name. A change of mind that produces a change in loyalty leading to a change in living. When I repent, I’m turning around, away from my sins. I’m sorry for what I’ve done against the will of my Creator. I stop putting myself first. I come back to my Father in heaven, seeking his forgiveness, willing to walk once again according to his will. Jesus could not have been more clear after his resurrection: share this news with everyone! Proclaim repentance and forgiveness of sins to all, and that’s exactly what the apostles did. They taught:
- God’s kindness and forbearance and patience are meant to lead us to repentance (Rom 2:4), because without repentance we will perish (Luke 13:1-5).
- Repentance is produced by grief over my rebellion against God (2 Cor 7:10).
- Repentance demands the removal of self from the throne of my heart and the welcoming of God back to his rightful place (Acts 2:38).
- Repentance is the shifting of my mind from the self-centered things of this world to the kingdom of God and his righteousness (Col 3:2; Matt 6:33).
- As a result of my repentance, genuine “fruits” of a different sort will be borne in my life, fruits that are “consistent with” a renewed mind and a heart “in step with” the Spirit (Luke 3:8; Gal 5:16-26).
Repentance isn’t empty talk. Repentance is more than momentary regret or grief over the consequences of my own foolishness that I’d rather not endure. Repentance is a change of mind that produces a change in loyalty leading to a change in living. That’s what the resurrected Christ wants for you and from you because without repentance, minds aren’t renewed, loyalties don’t change, and sins won’t be forgiven.
The news of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead is the root of the best news ever. Let’s joyfully share what he wants for all of us. As we share, let’s be honest about what he demands from each one of us.
“The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” (Acts 17:30-31)