The prominence given to the doctrine of Repentance in the Scriptures
can hardly be overestimated. John the Baptist began his public
ministry, as did Jesus also, with the call to repentance upon his
lips (Matt. 3:1, 2; 4:17).
When Jesus sent forth the twelve and the seventy messengers to
proclaim the good news of the kingdom of heaven, He commanded them
to preach repentance (Luke 24:47; Mark 6:12).
Foremost in the preaching of the apostles was the doctrine of
repentance; Peter, (Acts 2:38); Paul, (Acts 20:21).
The burden of the heart of God, and His one command to all men
everywhere, is that they should repent (2 Pet. 3:9; Acts 17:30).
Indeed, failure on the part of man to heed God's call to repentance
means that he shall utterly perish (Luke 13:3).
Does the doctrine of repentance find such a prominent place in
the preaching and teaching of today? Has the need for repentance
diminished? Has God lessened or changed the terms of admission into
His kingdom?