From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Matthew 4:17 ESV
John the Baptist prepared the way of the Lord, Jesus continued with the same message and showed us the way into Family. His death and resurrection has secured this eternal place for His body, the church, now left here to carry on His ministry and His message for the ultimate purposes of making disciples of Christ.
This message begins with repentance. A very neglected word revolving around another neglected word ~ sin. Both leading to uncomfortable conversations within the construct of church, yet absolutely necessary to provide the ongoing transformation into the state of “holy and without blemish.”
Every child of God enters salvation through repentance. Repentance only occurs with the acknowledgement of sin.
Lets define sin, from the Greek hamartia (ἁμαρτία, 266) is, lit., “a missing of the mark,” but this etymological meaning is largely lost sight of in the NT. It is the most comprehensive term for moral obliquity. It is used of “sin” as (a) a principle or source of action, or an inward element producing acts
(Vine, W. E., Unger, M. F., & White, W., Jr. (1996). In Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Vol. 2, p. 576). T. Nelson.)
And from Helps Word Study ~ hamartía (a feminine noun derived from 1/A "not" and 3313/méros, "a part, share of") – properly, no-share ("no part of"); loss (forfeiture) from not hitting the target; sin (missing the mark).
Now the Greek word for repentance ~ metanoeo~ lit., “to perceive afterwards” (meta, “after,” implying “change,” noeo, “to perceive”; nous, “the mind, the seat of moral reflection”), in contrast to pronoeo, “to perceive beforehand,” hence signifies “to change one’s mind or purpose,” always, in the NT, involving a change for the better, an amendment, and always, except in Luke 17:3, 4, of “repentance” from sin.
(Vine, W. E., Unger, M. F., & White, W., Jr. (1996). In Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Vol. 2, p. 525). T. Nelson.)
Helps word Study notes metanoeo focuses on the change of behaviour after a change of thinking. 3340 (metanoeō) brings "about face" in behaviour
John the Baptists message demanded ‘fruit meet for repentance’ and herein lies the absolute need for discipleship.
…Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you… Mathew 28:18.
How does one know, without being taught? Instruction comes in two forms - words and demonstration, precept and example. The apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians, those things that you have learned and received, heard and seen in me, do. Phil.4:9. His constant exhortation to the churches was to ‘be followers of me’ even as I am of Christ, 1 Cor. 1:11.
My personal belief is that a saving message carries with it the commitment of discipleship. Jesus called forth his twelve to be with him and they followed Him, learned from Him and were given opportunity to do what He did, always with encouragement, instruction and correction. This is discipleship, growing up into Him in all things.
While we live in a culture that values independence and privacy, we find the the church in Acts a different and very intimate community. Living closely enough to know the true condition of a neighbour’s soul; like family. The concept of extended family is the simplest and perhaps greatest expression of community; an intimate sharing of lives.
This message, ministry and method within His true church has not changed. We have been left with this Great Commission and been empowered to do all that He has assigned for His body to accomplish.
We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work. John 9:4
There is so much left unsaid in these good words regarding the church, but I trust they have been sufficient to cause us all to stop and examine mindsets and practices and align ourselves with His heart and mind.
May His grace and peace be upon us all as we continue to faithfully work with Him as He builds His house for His glory.