Last week, we began a new series in Seeds of Faith based on the Great Commission.
Jesus commanded His disciples to teach others to obey everything He had commanded (Matthew 28:20).
But where do we begin? What is the first command Jesus gave in His public ministry? The Gospel of Mark gives us the answer. Mark 1:15 records the opening proclamation of Jesus: “The time has come. The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news.”
This was not a suggestion. It was the first command. Before Jesus taught about love, prayer, or discipleship, He called people to repent and believe. This is the starting point of following Jesus. Without repentance and faith, all other commands become merely moral rules.
First, repent means turning away from sin.
The Greek word for repentance is “metanoia,” which means a change of mind and heart that leads to a change of direction. It is not simply feeling sorry for sin. It is turning away from sin and turning toward God. Repentance is not a one-time event. It is a daily posture of the heart. It is recognizing that we have gone our own way and choosing to return to God’s way.
Repentance is not about perfection. It is about direction. It is admitting that we cannot save ourselves and throwing ourselves on God’s mercy. It is the first step of discipleship. Without repentance, there is no forgiveness. Without turning from sin, there is no turning to Christ.
Second, believe means trusting in Jesus alone.
The Greek word for believe is “pisteuo,” which means to trust, to rely upon, or to have faith in. Jesus did not say, “Repent and be good.” He said, “Repent and believe the good news.” The good news is that Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose again. Believing means trusting that His death was sufficient for our forgiveness and that His resurrection guarantees our eternal life.
Faith is relying on Jesus for everything – for salvation, for strength, for hope. It is the foundation of all obedience. When we believe, we are united to Christ. And in Christ, we have the power to obey all His other commands.
The first command of Jesus is still the first command today. Repent and believe. It is not a command for unbelievers only. It is a command for every follower of Christ every single day. Every morning, we turn from sin and turn to Jesus.
Every day, we trust Him for our salvation and for our strength. This is how the discipleship journey begins. This is how it continues. Repent. Believe. And follow Jesus. | NWI
