Photo: © Lieven Van Mullem - Dreamstime.com

Now after John was imprisoned, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe the gospel.’ (Mark 1:14-15)

Jesus didn’t just say “believe,” He also said, “repent.” Therefore, simply agreeing with Jesus’ teachings isn’t enough; we must do what He says. There are many who believe Jesus’ teachings are true, yet, they don’t live according to what He taught. Our behavior must conform to His thoughts; our lives must become a reflection of His life. That won’t happen without keeping God’s commandments.

The Bible informs us that “sin is the transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4 KJV). So, when Jesus says, “repent,” what else could He be saying but keep God’s commandments? And if you don’t know what God’s commandments are, you can find them in Exodus 20:3–17. Don’t be deceived by those who say you don’t have to obey God’s commandments anymore. God’s commandments are just as relevant today as they were when given at Mount Sinai; throwing these commands in the trash is the same as saying we now have a license to abandon morality.

A gospel which doesn’t require repentance is a counterfeit of the real thing. If you are a citizen of the kingdom of God, you will prove it by keeping His commandments, for “faith without works is dead” (James 2:26).

Post by Chris Esty

+Chris Esty is an Inspirational Writer, Photographer, and the Founder of The Bible Post ministry. Listen to his testimony Here