Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand
December 20th, 2006 by Sean
This was the summary statement of Jesus’ preaching (Matthew 4.17; Mark 1.14-15). Let’s see if we can unpack this “catch phrase” a bit.
observation #1
an action is being called for, a radical behavioral change–repentance
observation #2
the reason for the action is given by the phrase, “the kingdom of God is at hand”
observation #3
the nearness of the kingdom is the motivation for severe, desperate, life change
Repentance is the very first thing Jesus expected out of his hearers. Why do we want to “get them saved” and then worry about lifestyle changes (fornication, adultery, thievery, idolatry, covetousness, etc.) later. This is backwards from what Jesus did. He started with the goal–REPENT!
These people already had familiarity with the kingdom of God. He wasn’t asking then to change from believing in going to heaven at death to believing they will be living on earth in paradise. He was saying, “this thing, this kingdom, the rule of the Davidic Messiah over the world from Jerusalem, is nearly here…it is AT HAND.” Otherwise said, “the day of the LORD is about to fall upon you, get right with God NOW or perish.”
The kingdom of God is a beautiful hope to those who repent and believe but it is at the same time the very judgment of Almighty God upon those who stubbornly refuse to repent.
Great points brother Sean. This verse and it’s companions have made me question the way I preach the gospel to others. For most of my life as a Christian, I didn’t sound like Jesus and Paul. I think the really understood the seriousness of the times and as a result preached the need for repentance in light of the Kingdom.
Great points to consider.
What do we sound like when we preach about the Kingdom? Is it only the “good” aspects? Do we challenge men to repent in light of it?
I think that this true aspect of repentance, of falling on your knees in front of God - having a “meet Jesus on the road to Damascus” experience is the key to the entire Christianity “thing”! Recently, two people have “hit their knees”, one of them literally, and who are starting to put the pieces back together - but with God this time. And they are willing to let go of anything they have - they understand their need for repentance. And get this! They are grateful that people want to help them! Instead of most peoples’ reactions which is “get away”
Hi Sean,
good points about Jesus’ emphasis on calling to repentance in order to be part of the kingdom of God. I was wondering how you understand the following part in your note:
“He [Jesus] was saying, “this thing, this kingdom, the rule of the Davidic Messiah over the world from Jerusalem, is nearly here…it is AT HAND.” Otherwise said, “the day of the LORD is about to fall upon you, get right with God NOW or perish.”” How was it “at hand” for those whom he addressed ?
I am sure we both do not think that Jesus (a) would have possibly been wrong or (b) would have been saying something to people when it wasn’t true for them but folks living thousands of years later, yes?
God bless you
Wolfgang
[…] This post is in response to the comment made by Wolfgang on Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand. Hi Sean, good points about Jesus’ emphasis on calling to repentance in order to be part of the kingdom of God…How was it “at hand” for those whom he addressed ? I am sure we both do not think that Jesus (a) would have possibly been wrong or (b) would have been saying something to people when it wasn’t true for them but folks living thousands of years later, yes? God bless you Wolfgang […]
Hello,
I am note sure which post above is in response to my earlier comment; I could not find any post and when I click on the link, the server gives an error message that the page wasn’t found. Perhaps the webmaster can have a look at this?
God bless you
Wolfgang
[…] This post is in response to the comment made by Wolfgang on Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand. Hi Sean, good points about Jesus’ emphasis on calling to repentance in order to be part of the kingdom of God…How was it “at hand” for those whom he addressed? I am sure we both do not think that Jesus (a) would have possibly been wrong or (b) would have been saying something to people when it wasn’t true for them but folks living thousands of years later, yes? God bless you Wolfgang […]