LUKE 24:47 - REPENTANCE AND REMISSION

REPENTANCE

Some form of the word "repent" appears sixty-six times in the New Testament.  "Repent" means to have a change of mind (Acts 20:21); to turn from one's sinful way of life, and to begin living for the Lord (Heb. 6:1); to have a godly sorrow for one's sins (2 Cor. 7:10); it is evidence of one being converted (saved - Acts 3:19); it is foundational, along with faith, that saves (Heb. 6:1).  Repentance is as necessary to salvation, as is the remission of sins (Lk. 24:47).  Here are just sixteen examples of the importance of repentance:

* Matthew 4:17 - "From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
* Matthew 9:13 - "...I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
* Mark 6:12 - "And they went out, and preached that men should repent."
* Luke 13:3 & 5 - "...except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish."
* Luke 15:10 - "... there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth."
* Luke 24:47 - "...repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem."
* Acts 2:38 - "...Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins...."
* Acts 3:19 - "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out...."
* Acts 11:18 - "...Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life."
* Acts 20:21 - "Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ."
* Romans 2:4 - The goodness of God leads people to repentance.
* Romans 11:29 - "...the gifts and calling of God are without repentance."
* 2 Corinthians 7:10 - "...godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation...."
* Hebrews 6:1 - "...not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God."
* 2 Peter 3:9 - "The Lord is... not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."

REMISSION OF SINS

"Remission" refers to the finished work of Jesus Christ on our behalf.  Jesus shed His blood (gave His life - Lev. 17:11) as payment for the sins of the world (1 Jn. 2:2)!  "Remission" appears ten times in the New Testament; here are four exceedingly important examples:
* Matthew 26:28 - "For this is My blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins."
* Luke 24:47 - "...repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem."
* Acts 10:43 - " To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins."
* Hebrews 9:22 - "...without shedding of blood is no remission (of sins)."

GOD'S LOVE IS DEMONSTRATED BY HIS SON'S REMISSION OF OUR SINS!

OUR LOVE IS DEMONSTRATED BY WILLINGNESS TO OBEY JESUS!