Mark 1:15

The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.


Many people think repentance is based off performance or transaction. They come to God as if they must offer or "perform" for him to forgive them. 

"I will give up this addiction or I will stop this kind of sin". True repentance however isn't just turning away from a particular or set of sins. It is completely turning away from yourself, which is sinful from head to toe. 

It takes two things, turning away/distrusting ourselves completely and believing the gospel. Notice how God doesn't say turn away from X sin or Y sin but he says "repent and believe the gospel". 

True repentance is believing in the gospel that Jesus brought to this earth 2000 years ago. He is telling us the good news that we don't have to work anymore! We are made Righteous through him alone! But sadly, many trust their thoughts and works above the word of Jesus.

They cannot understand the fact that Jesus' blood washed us forever. So they continue to "repent" for their sins even though Jesus already took care of the debt. 

Sin is an identity, but so many are deceived into thinking it's an action. They also think they can wash away their own sin deep in the core of their hearts. I hope none of us take the blood and name of Jesus in vain. He finished the work on the cross! We do not need to offer but only believe in him and him alone!

Amen!