A Call To Repent And Respond To Jesus As Lord And Saviour

A Call to Repent and Respond to Jesus as Lord and Saviour

Today I stand before you with a message that is both urgent and timeless. It is a call to repentance and a response to Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. This is a matter of eternal significance, and I urge you to open your hearts and minds to the truth of God's Word.

The Call to Repentance

Repentance is more than just feeling sorry for past wrongs. It is a radical change of mind and heart that turns us away from sin and toward God. The Greek word for repentance, "metanoia," signifies a transformative change in thinking. True repentance involves a profound sense of personal guilt, a sincere desire for God's mercy, and a committed determination to live a holy life.

Consider the words of Jesus in Mark 1:15 (NLT):

"The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!”

The kingdom of God is at hand, and this necessitates an urgent response from us. We must acknowledge our sins, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Repentance is not a one-time act but a continuous turning away from sin and toward the righteousness that is found in Christ alone.

Responding to Jesus as Lord and Saviour

Accepting Jesus as Lord and Saviour means more than acknowledging His existence or even His divinity. It means submitting to His lordship in every aspect of our lives. The lordship of Christ demands our total allegiance, our obedience, and our trust.

Philippians 2:10-11 (NLT) states:

"that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Jesus is not merely a Saviour who rescues us from the penalty of sin; He is Lord, the sovereign ruler to whom we owe our full submission. This requires a radical reorientation of our priorities. It is a call to die to self and live for Him (Galatians 2:20).

The Urgency of the Gospel

Time is of the essence. We do not know what tomorrow holds, and thus, there is an urgency in responding to the call of the gospel. Today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). Responding to God's call is an immediate necessity, reminding us that delayed obedience is disobedience.

In Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT), Jesus extends a gracious invitation:

"Then Jesus said, 'Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.'"

Jesus offers rest for our souls, but we must come to Him, laying down our burdens and taking up His yoke. This is an invitation to a transformed life, one that is marked by peace, purpose, and the presence of God.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Friends, the call to repent and respond to Jesus as Lord and Saviour is one that demands a response. Do not harden your hearts. Recognise your need for God's forgiveness and turn to Him with a contrite heart. Embrace Jesus as your Lord, submitting every area of your life to His sovereign rule.

As R.T. Kendall poignantly puts it, "The greatest tragedy is not the sins we commit but the grace we resist." Do not resist His grace today. Accept His offer of salvation and allow Him to transform your life.

Let us pray together:

Heavenly Father, we come before You in humility, acknowledging our sins and our need for Your mercy. We repent of our sins and turn to You, trusting in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour. Transform our hearts and minds, and help us to live lives that are pleasing to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Respond to His call today. Turn from sin, trust in Jesus, and live under His lordship. May God bless you as you take this step of faith.