Repent for the Kingdom is at Hand

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
Repentance is not a decision to walk a little slower in the wrong direction. Repentance is turning around at God’s Command and walking away from whatever is untrue, unlovely and unfaithful.
Repentance is saying no to corrupting your tax return. Repentance is walking away from the temptation to bear false witness. It is never a decision to sin, just that little bit less.
Jesus commanded that all men, everywhere, repent. In turning away from faithlessness they are to turn to Him.
Repentance presupposes law, and therefore a law-giver. Because this world belongs to God, His law reigns. Jesus came announcing the Kingdom of God – His rule and reign over all creation. Failure to acknowledge this does not make it any less true or the punishment any less real.
This is not very pleasant to some. To most. God is going to judge the earth. Sheep will be separated from Goats. The unfaithful will be cast in to a Lake of Fire. Hell is real and you all know people who are heading that way. It sounds unpleasant, which is exactly why we cannot be silent about it.
Judgement is necessary in any just world. And this judgement more than any other. The call to repent is a frightening and merciful warning from God. It also involves the most tender and gracious offer.
The goal of God’s judgement is mercy.
Because He is kind, Jesus commands you to repent. Because He is patient, He gives you fair warning. Because He is good He will receive all who come to Him and pardon their sin.
If the world does not hear this it will never come.
Will people think you’re foolish for even bringing up the topic? Probably. Will anyone actually listen to you if you speak in this way? Sheep will.