In the last moments that Jesus was upon this earth, He told His disciples something very important, of which was about the gospel and repentance. This is what He said, 1“these are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things.” (Luke 24:44-48) In these last few words He taught them what the gospel message is and what they should be preaching when He is gone. The gospel message being, that Jesus died for the remission of our sins, while on the cross, and was resurrected the third day. This was also made known unto Paul the apostle, of which he also recorded in scripture. That reference is below….
1 Corinthians 15:1-8 (KJV)
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
This message of the cross and resurrection is so important to our faith in Jesus. Without this knowledge and understanding, we would not be where we are today and surely not be saved. It is because Jesus died for our sins, that we are able to repent and find forgiveness through His blood, that was spilt for us. He also opened the doors to new life through His resurrection. Now please don’t ever take repentance lightly. It is because of our turning away from sins and unto Christ that we can obtain mercy. And as was spoken by Jesus Himself that repentance needs to be preached before His ascension into heaven, we should listen. He said, 1“that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” (Luke 24:47) Although the need to repent is not taught very often in church’s now-a-days, it doesn’t mean that they are correct. I believe what Jesus said, when He said it should be preached along with the Cross. Don’t get caught up in what people think, but what the Bible says, for it is our authority for truth.
When it comes to repenting of sins and drawing nearer to Christ, I understand that not everybody is at the same level when it comes to their faith. Some people are brand new to following Jesus, while others may have been in the faith for many years. However, no matter your stage of life, a daily reflection upon ourselves with God is important. This is very much needed, in order to know if we are in the faith, and if not, do something about it with God. Please know that some people are closer to God than others, however everyone falls short. And when we do, we come to God and repent. This is the life of a Christian. We don’t just wait another day to come to the Lord with our problems, but we do it in the moment that our conscience is perked and we know that we sinned against Him. This is very important, lest we continue to do the same thing again and eventually think we are OK with God. It is the Spirit that convicts of sin and that is why guilt enters our lives. He does this because there is a big need for us all to find His mercy and be saved. Please think about this. God bless you.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I am so grateful for the cross. Thank You for dying for our sins and paying the price for them that we couldn’t. It is because of what You have done, is that forgiveness and mercy has been ushered into the world. There is no more need for animal sacrifices, but a sacrificial heart to You in faith. In our humility we come to You, because You are our Savior and King. Our confessions are drawn up, that You would make us whole. We know that we cannot get any better by doing our own things or listening to others, for we need joy and fulfillment that lasts. People can tell me about their paths in life, which may yield much money and wealth, but that is nothing compared to salvation in heaven. What You offer, the world cannot match. And the same goes for the lusts of the flesh. The things that we can find fulfillment through is never good, unless it comes from You. You are able to give us clean hands and a pure heart, which si what we need in life. This desire to follow You is able to lead us away from sin and unto Your light. Thank You Jesus for giving me new found direction on how to live out my life. I find great joy in my time with You in prayer, even when I repent I am always uplifted afterword’s. You are able to see through my life and give me peace, even when it is hard to find. This is what we need more of. That is why I am honored to obey You and find enlightenment in Your Words, the Bible. May these words of scripture be upon my heart at all times, in order to shield me from the enemy. Lead me from temptation, oh Lord. I need Your armor in my life. I trust in You, God. I love You so much. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
1Luke 24:33-53 (KJV)
33 And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,
34 Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.
35 And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.
36 And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
38 And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
40 And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.
41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
43 And he took it, and did eat before them.
44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
48 And ye are witnesses of these things.
49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.
51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:
53 And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.