REPENTANCE AND REMISSION OF SINS

"Repentance" and the "remission of sins" appear together three times in the Scripture (Mk. 1:4; Lk. 3:3; 24:47).  Because the first two references have to do with John's baptizing of the Jews, some might think that the connection between the two words is for Israel, and not for the Church.  However, Jesus told His disciples that they were to preach both "repentance and remission of sins to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem" (Lk. 24:47; Acts 1:8). 

When one hears the Gospel message of the remission of sins, and he believes it, if he willingly repents, that is, turns his life over to Jesus as his Lord, he will be saved (1 Cor. 15:1-4; Rom. 10:8-17).  Remission of sins required a death (Ezek. 18:4; Rom. 6:23).  Because the Word says, "For the life of the flesh is in the blood," Jesus, in shedding His blood, satisfied the requirement (Lev. 17:11).  Jesus made the connection clear at the Last Supper when He said, "For this is My blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins" (Mt. 26:28). 

"Remission" is from the Greek ἄφεσις (aphesis), meaning "forgiveness of one's sins."  The two words are interchangeable in the New Testament.  The following verses found in the Book of Acts show this, and they show ἄφεσις was preached from the beginning of the Church in Acts 2:1-47):

*  "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost" (2:38).
*  "Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins" (5:31).
*  "To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins" (10:43).
*  "Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this Man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins" (13:38).
*  "To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me" (26:18).

God's provision for the remission of our sins showed His great love for us!

Our repentance and submission to the Lord shows our gratitude to Him!