Repent and Worship God

 

² …. At this time, a message (word) from God came to John son of Zechariah, …. ³ Then John went from place to place on both sides of the Jordan River, preaching that people should be baptized to show that they had turned to God (repentance) to receive forgiveness for their sins. ⁴ Isaiah had spoken of John when he said, “He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the LORD’s coming! Clear the road for Him! …. ⁶ And then ALL PEOPLE will see the salvation (deliverance from eternal death) sent from God.’” ⁷ When the crowds came to John for baptism, he said, “You brood of snakes! Who warned you to flee God’s coming wrath? ⁸ Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God…. ⁹ Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.” Luke 3:2-4, 6-9, New Living Translation 2^nd Edition

 A.   Introduction

New beginnings! The Sovereign LORD God always gives EVERYONE a chance for new beginnings as His mercies and love begin each day anew (e.g., see Lamentations 3:22-25; Zephaniah 3:5). Each new day provides every person with a second chance to start again with a repentant heart to wholeheartedly worship, obey, and trust the Sovereign LORD God.  

 

Luke's Gospel began with John the Baptist's birth and then the birth of John's relative, Jesus the Messiah.[1] John’s mother Elizabeth was blood-related to Jesus’ mother, Mary (see Luke 1:36). The first two chapters of Luke's Gospel give the Christmas story with John's miraculous birth and then Jesus the Savior's miraculous birth (see Luke 1:5-17; Luke 1:30-35; Luke 2:4-7, 10-11). After John and Jesus's birth narratives, Luke and the other three New Testament Gospels give little information on the early and formative years of Jesus and His cousin John. Luke’s Gospel states only that John grew up and became strong in Spirit, and he lived in the wilderness deserts until he began his public ministry to Israel (Luke 1:80; Luke 3:2; see also Matthew 3:1). Further, only Luke’s Gospel gives the story of Jesus’ early boyhood when He visited the Jerusalem Temple with His parents, Joseph and Mary, at the age of twelve (see Luke 2:41-51). Then, Luke’s Gospel teaches that Jesus grew strong in wisdom and Spirit until the beginning of His public ministries to Israel (see Luke 2:40, 52; Luke 3:23). After the Christmas story, there are 30 years of silence from John and Jesus's births until both John and Jesus began their public ministries with a message of REPENTANCE (Luke 3:2; see also Matthew 3:1-2; Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:4, 14-15).

 

B.   John the Baptist’s Message of Repentance

 

In chapter 3, Luke reintroduces John as an adult. John was the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth (see Luke 3:2). Zechariah and Elizabeth were descendants of Jewish priests and filled with Holy Spirit (see Luke 1:5, 13, 41, 67). John’s parents were blameless and righteous in God’s eyes as they were careful to obey all the Sovereign LORD God’s commandments and regulations (see Luke 1:6).

 

This section began with some background setting of John and then Jesus’ public ministry (Luke 3:1; see also Luke 1:5; Luke 2:1-2). Among the biblical writers, only Luke dated the events he wrote about by referring to Roman Emperor Tiberius Caesar and his rulers of Palestine (see Luke 3:1-2).[2] In the opening of chapter 3, Luke indicates that Pontius Pilate was the ruler (governor) of Judea, Herod Antipas was the ruler (tetrarch) of Galilee, and his brother Philip was the ruler (tetrarch) of the Ituraea and Trachonitis regions, and Lysanias was the ruler (tetrarch) of Abilene (see Luke 3:1).[3] Also, Annas and Caiaphas were High Priests (see Luke 3:2). Luke was determined to write a thorough and factual account of John and Jesus’ lives, which included setting the events in a human historical context (see Luke 1:1-4).

 

Luke tells his readers that John had been living in the wilderness of Judea when the Sovereign LORD God gave John a message (Luke 1:80; Luke 3:2, 4; see also Matthew 3:1-12; Mark 1:2-8; John 1:6-8, 23). With this message from God, John began his public ministry to Israel in Elijah's spirit and power to prepare the world for Jesus the Messiah's coming (Luke 1:15-17, 76; see also Malachi 4:5-6; Matthew 3:2).[4] Before John was born, the angel Gabriel announced to John’s father Zechariah that his son John would be filled with Holy Spirit and Elijah’s spirit and power (Luke 1:13-17; see also Matthew 11:14; Matthew 17:11-13; Mark 9:11-13).

 

John’s message announced Jesus the Messiah’s coming as the Lamb sent from His Father, the Sovereign LORD God, to bring salvation into God’s Kingdom and to take away the sins of the world (e.g., see Isaiah 53:7; John 1:29, 36; John 3:16-17; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 1:19-20; Revelation 5:6). As God’s messenger, John announced God’s salvation to all people with the Lord Jesus’ coming (Luke 3:6; see also Matthew 1:21; Luke 2:30; Titus 2:11). The Sovereign LORD God was sending His Son Jesus from heaven into the world to bring His salvation, grace, peace, and life through faith in Him (e.g., see Matthew 1:21; Luke 2:10-11; Luke 19:10; John 1:29; John 3:16-17; John 4:42; John 10:10; John 15:1-5; John 16:33; 1 John 4:14). Moreover, John proclaimed that trust (faith) and obedience to Jesus purges us from our sins and brings into our hearts the Holy Spirit of God (Luke 3:16-17; e.g., see also Matthew 3:11-12; Mark 1:7-8; John 1:33-34; John 7:38-39; John 17:17-19; Acts 2:38-40; Acts 11:15-17; Acts 10:47-48; Acts 19:2; 1 John 3:3). Moreover, John’s father Zechariah predicted and prophesied that his son John would go before the Lord Jesus to prepare the way for Him and give everyone the knowledge of salvation and forgiveness through faith in Jesus (see Luke 1:76-77).

 

John was the Sovereign LORD God’s messenger to make ready for His Son, Jesus the Messiah’s coming to earth (Luke 1:17, 76; see also Matthew 3:3; Matthew 11:10; Mark 1:2-4; Luke 7:27). In essence, John pointed people to Jesus and prepared for Jesus’ advent into the world. The Old Testament prophets Isaiah and Malachi previously predicted John’s message from God (see Isaiah 40:3-5; Malachi 3:1-2). In the prophet Isaiah's words, John was a voice shouting from the barren wilderness to prepare a wide pathway for the Lord's arrival so all humankind could see the Savior sent from God (Luke 3:4; see also Isaiah 40:3-5; Matthew 1:21; John 1:23). Jesus’ coming was the fullness of God and God’s Kingdom coming into the world (e.g., see Matthew 3:1-2; Matthew 4:17; John 1:1-5, 14, 16-18; Philippians 2:6-8; Colossians 2:9-10).

 

Before Jesus’ arrival, John called all people to REPENT for the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand (see Matthew 3:2; Mark 1:4). In first-century Palestine, John went from place to place on both sides of the Jordan River (Luke 3:3; see also Mark 1:4). John preached that people should be baptized in water to show that they had turned to God and away from their sins and evil deeds to received God’s forgiveness (Luke 3:3, 16; e.g., see also Matthew 3:1-3, 5; Mark 1:4; John 1:26, 31, 33; Acts 2:38-41; Acts 9:18; Acts 10:37-38; Acts 11:16; Acts 16:15, 33). After hearing John’s message, many people openly confessed their sins and evil deeds and turned to the Sovereign LORD God (e.g., see Matthew 3:6; Acts 19:18). Then, John baptized those repentant people into the Jordan River (e.g., see Matthew 3:6; Mark 1:5). Many people from Jerusalem, Judea, and all the district around the Jordan came to hear and see John in action and to be baptized by John in the Jordan River, as they confessed their sins (e.g., see Matthew 3:4-6; Mark 1:5). The people believed that John’s baptism was from heaven (e.g., see Matthew 21:24-27).

 

Baptism symbolizes one’s confession of sin and an outward intention to live for God with good fruit and away from sin (Luke 3:8; e.g., see Mark 1:4; Acts 26:20; Galatians 5:19-23). In other words, baptism was how repentance was expressed publicly. Baptism by water signified a break with sin and cleansing of sin. John preached a changed life to receive the Sovereign LORD’s forgiveness of sins (e.g., see Matthew 3:8, 10; Acts 26:20; Ephesians 5:8-9). Furthermore, John proclaimed to EVERYONE that came for baptism that no one can escape God’s wrath and hell without FIRST repenting of sin, changing one’s life and evil ways, and turning wholeheartedly to the living LORD God (Luke 3:7-8; see also Matthew 3:5-6; Acts 14:15; 2 Timothy 2:19). The Sovereign LORD God accepts and lives with ALL PEOPLE that humbly honors and loves Him, obeys His commandments, and works righteousness (goodness) in His world (e.g., see Psalm 15:1-5; Psalm 24:3-5; Isaiah 57:15; Isaiah 66:2; Acts 10:34-35). John knew no one can say we believe in God and then live any evil way one chooses (Luke 3:7-8; see also Jude 1:4). Thus, John instructed the listening crowds to go and prove by the way they lived and behaved daily that they truly have repented and turned to the Sovereign LORD God (Luke 3:8; see also Matthew 3:8; Acts 26:20; Ephesians 2:8-10). John declared that what counts in God’s eyes was changed hearts and lives for goodness (see Luke 3:3, 9). Only our turning away from sins and changing our daily life and hearts towards goodness (righteousness) leads to forgiveness of sins (Luke 3:3; see also Mark 1:4; Acts 10:34-35; Romans 6:12-18).

 

However, some people in first-century Palestine and surrounding cities came to the Jordanian wilderness to be water baptized by John because John’s baptism was the popular thing to do (Luke 3:7; see also Matthew 3:5, 11; Mark 1:5; Acts 1:5; Acts 10:37). When crowds of unrepentant people and false religious leaders came for baptism, John exploded and called these unrepentant people snakes and a brood of vipers, and then he said who had warned them to flee God’s wrath (Luke 3:7; see also Matthew 3:7; Romans 1:18).

 

Some of those coming to John for baptism were religious leaders – Pharisees and Sadducees (see Matthew 3:7). These wicked religious leaders claimed to know God, but their actions and lives denied God because they were hateful, rebellious, and useless for doing anything good (e.g., see Hosea 8:2-3; Titus 1:16; 1 John 2:4). These unrepentant Pharisees and Sadducees had an external form of godliness, but inwardly they were filled with hypocrisy, greed, self-indulgence, egoism, and pride (e.g., see Ezekiel 34:2, 8, 10; Matthew 23:3-5, 13, 15-16, 23, 25-29, 33; Jude 1:12).[5]

 

Next, John announced to the listening crowds that claiming identification as descendants of Abraham were not a safety net nor a road to salvation (Luke 3:8; see also Matthew 3:9). No one can trust in their religious ancestry, but instead, EVERYONE must personally have a right relationship with God by turning from sin and producing good fruit (see Luke 3:8). John the Baptizer preached that the Sovereign LORD God could create children of Abraham from anything and anyone, including desert stones (Luke 3:8; see also Matthew 3:9). The Sovereign LORD God anoints everyone that have faith in Him and His Son Jesus as His children and His descendants of Abraham (e.g., see John 1:12-13; Romans 8:14-16; Galatians 3:7-9, 26-29). Abraham is the father of all those who comes to God and His Son Jesus by faith and remain wholeheartedly obedient and dependent upon Him (e.g., see Romans 4:18-22).[6] The Holy Scriptures declare that everyone who loves, trusts, and obeys the Sovereign LORD God becomes known by Him (e.g., see 1 Corinthians 8:3).

 

Afterward, John announced to the listening crowd that the Sovereign LORD God would judge, cut down, and burn every tree that does not produce good fruit and good deeds (Luke 3:9; see also Matthew 3:10). John knew that everyone would give an account to the Sovereign LORD God for every evil deed, empty word, and deceitful action while on earth (e.g., see Ecclesiastes 12:14 Matthew 12:36-37; Matthew 16:27; Romans 14:12; Galatians 6:5, 7-10; Hebrews 4:13; Jude 1:14-15; Revelation 2:23). The Sovereign LORD God judges everyone according to his deeds, whether good or bad (e.g., see Ezekiel 18:30-32). Moreover, the Sovereign LORD God’s wrath and trouble come everyone who does not obey and trust Him and not produce His good fruit (e.g., see Matthew 7:19; Luke 13:6-9; John 15:1-8; Galatians 5:22-23).[7] Even more, everyone must appear before Christ Jesus’s judgment seat, so that each of us may receive what is due them for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad (e.g., see Matthew 25:31-46; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 20:12; Revelation 22:12). The Sovereign LORD God and His Son Jesus will repay each person according to what they have done (e.g., see Romans 2:6; Ephesians 6:8).  

 

With John’s baptism, there was excitement in the air! Many people from Jerusalem, Judea, and all the district around the Jordan were being baptized by John in the Jordan River, as they confessed their sins (e.g., see Matthew 3:4-5; Mark 1:5). Before John’s coming, the Sovereign LORD God had withheld His Spirit of prophecy for over 400 years since the prophet Malachi, the last of the Old Testament prophets. The prophet Malachi predicted the promise of a great messenger and spiritual reformer (a second Elijah) before the LORD’s coming – the Messiah (see Malachi 3:1; Malachi 4:5-6). The first Elijah called the people to return wholeheartedly to the Sovereign LORD God of heaven and earth (see 1 Kings 18:20-21, 24, 36-40). The people of Palestine had been waiting expectantly for over 400 years for the Messiah, and many wondered in their hearts and minds if John might be the Messiah (see Luke 3:15). However, John confessed that he was not the Messiah but only a messenger (see John 1:19-20; Acts 13:25).

 

John’s message and baptism looked forward to Jesus the Messiah’s coming (Luke 3:15-17; see also John 1:7, 23, 31-33; Acts 13:23-35; Acts 19:4). John proclaimed to the people he baptized for repentance to prepare for Jesus the Messiah’s arrival from heaven (see Matthew 3:2, 11; Mark 1:4, 8; John 1:1-5, 14-15, 18, 51; John 3:30-31). Jesus ignites the Kingdom life within everyone like a fire through His outpouring and baptism of the Holy Spirit from His Father (Luke 3:16; see also Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; John 1:26, 33; John 15:26; Acts 1:5; Acts 2:3-4, 33; Acts 11:16). Jesus’s heavenly outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our lives changes a person from the inside out by faith in Him so that we can live pure, good, and blameless lives (e.g., see Matthew 3:11; Acts 19:2-6; Philippians 1:10-11; Philippians 2:12-13; Hebrews 13:20-21; James 3:17-18). Our faith and obedience in Jesus bring our new spiritual birth from God’s Kingdom (e.g., see John 3:3-8; Acts 5:31-32).

 

With John’s message of repentance and baptism, the crowds asked John what they must do (Luke 3:10; see also Acts 2:37-40). First, John instructed the crowd to share with the poor who needs food, shelter, and clothing (Luke 3:11; see also Isaiah 58:6-7; Matthew 25:34-40; 1 Timothy 6:17-19; James 2:15-17, 20, 26; 1 John 3:16-19; Hebrews 13:1-3). Next, the tax officials —notorious for their corruption — also came to be baptized by John, and they asked John what they must do to turn from sins (see Luke 3:12). John told the tax officials to be honest and stop extorting and stealing excess tax money from the people and to collect what is required by the Roman government (Luke 3:13; see also Leviticus 19:11-13; Ephesians 4:28). Afterward, some soldiers asked John what they should do (see Luke 3:14). John warned the soldiers to stop their brutal shaking down money from the people through threats, violence, corruption, and lies and be content with their wages (Luke 3:14; see also Exodus 20:16; Exodus 23:1; Philippians 4:11). John preached Good News with many other appeals to the people to repent (see Luke 3:18).

 

From reading the rest of the Gospels, these soldiers, tax collectors, and other sinners repented and changed their sinful lifestyles after hearing and accepting John’s message about Jesus (Luke 7:29-30, 37-50; see also Luke 3:10-14). Jesus stated that John the Baptizer showed many the way of righteousness, and the tax collectors and other sinners changed their minds and repented of their selfish ways (e.g., see Matthew 21:31-32; Mark 1:5). During Jesus’ public ministry, many tax collectors and sinners often gathered around Jesus to hear His teaching (e.g., see Luke 15:1-2, 7, 10; Luke 19:1-10). Jesus became known as a friend of tax collectors and sinners (e.g., see Matthew 9:11; Matthew 11:19).

 

John the Baptist’s message of repentance was not restricted to just the common crowds, tax collectors, and religious leaders but also the Roman government officials – Gentiles. God’s message of repentance is for ALL PEOPLE (see Luke 3:6, 19-20, 38). John courageously spoke against Herod Antipas, the Roman ruler of Galilee, for his many wicked and evil deeds, including the sexual sin of marrying his brother Philip’s wife, Herodias (Luke 3:1, 19-20; see also Mark 6:17-18). Repeatedly, John told Herod that his adulterous relationship was against God’s Law for him to marry his brother Philip’s wife, Herodias (Matthew 14:3; Mark 6:18; see also Exodus 20:14; Deuteronomy 5:18). The Sovereign LORD God’s holiness code prohibited close sexual relations amongst the family, including sexual relations with a brother’s wife (see Leviticus 18:16; Leviticus 20:21). John the Baptist’s teaching for unlawful sexual relations was part of the Sovereign LORD God’s holiness code found at Leviticus 18:1-22:33.

 

Because of John’s rebuke and criticism of Herod Antipas’s sexual sins, Herod locked John up in prison. John’s unjust imprisonment added to Herod Antipas’s many others sins that violated God’s moral commands (Luke 3:20; see also Matthew 4:12; Matthew 11:2; Matthew 14:3-4; John 3:24). However, Herod Antipas's unjust imprisonment of John the Baptist DID NOT stop God's repentance message. The Sovereign LORD God’s message of repentance continued with His Son Jesus.

 

C.   John Baptizes Jesus

 

Before Herod Antipas unjustly imprisoned John, Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee to the Jordan River and was baptized by John in the Jordan River (Matthew 3:13; Mark 1:9; see also Matthew 2:22). Jesus was amongst the crowd of people being baptized by John (see Luke 3:21). John the Baptist tried to talk Jesus out of baptism, and John said to Jesus that he was the one who needed to be baptized by Him (see Matthew 3:14). However, Jesus answered to John that His baptism must be done to complete all that God requires and fulfill all righteousness (see Matthew 3:15). John agreed to baptize Jesus (Matthew 3:15; see also Mark 1:9). Notably, Christians are baptized in Jesus’s Name and joined to Jesus at our baptism. The Sovereign LORD God has called all Christians to live new lives for His glory after baptism (e.g., see Acts 2:38-41; Romans 6:3-4; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:17; 1 Peter 3:21).

 

After Jesus’ baptism and as He was praying, immediately the heavenly sky opened, and the Spirit of God (Holy Spirit) in bodily form descended from heaven like a dove and remained on Jesus (Luke 3:21-22; see also Matthew 3:16; Mark 1:10; John 1:32-33). The Sovereign LORD God anointed His Son Jesus the Messiah with the Holy Spirit as predicted by the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 11:1-2; Isaiah 42:1-4; Isaiah 61:1-2; see also Matthew 12:18-21; Luke 4:18-21; John 3:34-35; Acts 10:38). Before His death, Jesus promised He would give the Holy Spirit to all those who believe and obey Him and His Father, the Sovereign LORD God, as predicted by the Old Testament prophets (e.g., see Joel 2:28; Isaiah 44:3; Isaiah 55:1; Ezekiel 36:24-27; Luke 24:49; John 7:37-39; John 14:15-17, 21-23, 26). Later at Pentecost, Jesus would outpour and baptize all believers in Him with the fiery Holy Spirit that He received from His Father (Acts 1:4-5; Acts 2:3-4, 33; Acts 11:16; see also John 7:37-39). As mentioned earlier, John the Baptist predicted Jesus’ outpouring and baptism of the fiery Holy Spirit (Luke 3:16-17; see also Malachi 3:2-3; Matthew 3:11-12; Mark 1:8; John 1:33).

 

Then, the Sovereign LORD God announced from heaven that Jesus was His dearly loved and chosen Son, and Jesus brought Him great joy (Luke 3:22; see also Matthew 3:17; Matthew 17:5; Mark 1:11; 2 Peter 1:17). Truly, Jesus is the Son of God (e.g., see Luke 1:31-35; John 1:34; John 11:27; John 20:30-31). Jesus’ apostles and close followers declared and confessed that Jesus was the long-awaited Jewish Messiah (Christ) and Son of the living God (e.g., see Matthew 1:1, 16-17; Matthew 14:33; Matthew 16:16-17, 20; Matthew 17:5; Mark 8:27-30; Mark 14:60-62; John 11:27; John 20:30-31).

 

Jesus’ baptism by John launched Jesus’ public ministry to the world. He was 30 years old when He started His public ministry (see Luke 3:23). Later, the Holy Spirit of God led Jesus into the wilderness for 40 days of temptation and testing by Satan (Luke 4:1-13; see also Mark 1:12-13). Jesus obeyed, trusted, and worshipped His Father – the Sovereign LORD God, and He resisted Satan’s temptations and allurements by relying upon His Father’s commandments (Matthew 4:1-11, quoting Deuteronomy 8:3; Deuteronomy 6:16; Deuteronomy 6:13). Therefore, Satan fled from Jesus (Matthew 4:11; see also see James 4:7). The holy angels of God attended and watched over Jesus during His period of testing and temptation (Matthew 4:11; Mark 1:13; see also Hebrews 1:14).

 

D.  Jesus Continued John’s Message

 

After John’s unjust imprisonment, Jesus continued John’s message of repentance (Luke 3:19-20; see also Mark 3:2; Matthew 4:12; Mark 1:4, 14-15; John 3:24). Jesus came to first-century Palestine with the same message of repentance as John the Baptist and the Old Testament prophets (e.g., see Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:15; Luke 13:3, 5). Jesus called for ALL PEOPLE, including religious leaders, to turn from sinful, evil, and selfish ways and humbly obey and love Him and His Father and produce good fruit and deeds (e.g., see Matthew 7:12-14, 21-23; Matthew 12:33-35; Matthew 18:1-4; Matthew 22:37; Luke 13:27). As we turn to the Sovereign LORD God, Jesus promised that His Father would come running to us with forgiveness, grace, and mercy (e.g., see Luke 15:17-20).

 

Like John the Baptist, Jesus called EVERYONE to turn away from dark deeds and turn His Father, the Sovereign LORD God of heaven and earth with wholehearted faithfulness and obedience (e.g., see Hosea 12:6; Matthew 4:17; Matthew 22:34-40; John 14:15, 21; John 15:10, 16-17). Even more, Jesus called the people to share with the poor and others in need and hungry like John the Baptist (Luke 3:10-11; Luke 11:41; Luke 12:32-34; Luke 14:12-14; see also Matthew 25:35-36). Like John the Baptist, Jesus rebuked and scolded the religious leaders for their hypocrisy, evil deeds, and lies (e.g., see Matthew 3:7-8; Matthew 23:3-5, 13, 15-16, 23, 25-29, 33; Mark 14:55-59). Jesus' teaching of repentance caused many people in first-century Palestine to consider Jesus to be John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the other Old Testament prophets (e.g., see Matthew 14:2; Matthew 16:14; Mark 6:14-16; Luke 9:7-9; Luke 24:19).

 

Jesus announced the only sign He would give the people is the sign of the prophet Jonah (see Matthew 12:38-42; Matthew 16:4; Luke 11:29-32). The prophet Jonah was an Old Testament prophet. The heart of Jonah’s message was a message of repentance to the wicked people of Nineveh (see Jonah 1:1-2; Jonah 3:1-2, 4, 8-9; Jonah 4:11). The people of Nineveh humbly repented at the prophet Jonah’s message to turn from their wicked ways (Jonah 3:5-10; see also Matthew 12:41; Luke 11:32). Because of the people’s repentance, the Sovereign LORD God relented and did not send His punishment (Jonah 3:10; see also 1 Kings 21:27-29; 2 Chronicles 7:13-14; Jeremiah 18:8; Ezekiel 18:21). Jesus knew His Father was filled with mercy and compassion with a willingness to forgive our sins if we confess our sins and turn to Him with our faithfulness and obedience (e.g., see Ezekiel 18:30-32; 1 John 1:9). The Sovereign LORD God takes no pleasure in the death of anyone but rather that ALL PEOPLE turn from evil deeds, REPENT, and find life through obeying Him (e.g., see Lamentations 3:31-33; Ezekiel 14:6; Ezekiel 18:23, 32; Ezekiel 33:11; Hosea 14:1; Amos 4:6-13; Romans 2:4; 1 Timothy 2:1-4; 2 Peter 3:9).

 

Together, Jesus and John’s messages announced to everyone the need to change one’s life by giving up a sinful, dark, and selfish way of living and turning to the living LORD God and producing good fruit (Luke 3:3, 8-9; see also Matthew 3:8; Matthew 4:17; Matthew 16:24; Luke 16:29-31). Jesus and John declared one must make a genuine and wholehearted decision to TURN from evil deeds, darkness, and selfishness and TURN to the Sovereign LORD God and bear good fruit and good deeds to receive God’s forgiveness (Luke 3:3, 8; see also Matthew 3:8; Matthew 5:14-16; Matthew 22:37-39; Mark 1:4; John 13:34-35; Acts 26:17-20; Ephesians 2:10). Only our intentional decision to live a changed life of goodness for God’s glory leads to forgiveness of sins (Luke 3:3, 8-9; see also Matthew 5:16; 1 Corinthians 10:31; 2 Corinthians 8:21; Ephesians 2:8-10; Ephesians 4:24; Titus 2:14).

 

Jesus calls these good deeds and good fruit Kingdom living (Matthew 5:1-16; Matthew 3:11; Matthew 21:43-44; see also Galatians 5:22-23). Significantly, Jesus declared what a Kingdom citizen looks like at His great Sermon on the Mount (see Matthew 5:1-7:29). Kingdom living produces good deeds of mercy, humility, forgiveness, patience, peace, sharing, and service for one another (Luke 3:11-14; see also e.g., Matthew 12:7; Matthew 18:21-35; Matthew 20:26-28; Matthew 23:23; John 13:13-15, 34-35).

 

During John and Jesus’ public ministries, the religious leaders rejected Jesus and John’s message. Even worse, these religious leaders neglected their duties to proclaim the true message of God, which is to announce faithfulness and obedience to the Sovereign LORD God and His commandments (e.g., Matthew 21:23; Matthew 23:3, 23; Luke 5:29-32; Luke 7:30, 39; Romans 7:12). Even worse, the religious leaders and the people tried to kill Jesus – the Author of Life and Savior of the world (e.g., see Matthew 1:21; Matthew 12:14; Mark 3:6; Luke 2:10-11; John 4:42; John 7:1, 19; John 11:53; Acts 5:31; 1 John 4:14).

 

E.   Messengers of God’s Covenant

 

Jesus and John were messengers of the Sovereign LORD God’s covenant (e.g., see Malachi 3:1-3). Their covenant message of obedience to God gave the people life, peace, and strength inside their hearts (see also Proverbs 3:1-2; Malachi 2:5). Jesus and John’s teaching never voided nor violated the direct commandments of the Sovereign LORD God that He gave through His servant Moses (Matthew 14:3; Matthew 23:2-3; Mark 6:17-18; Luke 3:14, 19-20; Luke 18:18-20; see also Exodus 20:1-17; Deuteronomy 5:6-21; Malachi 4:4). While on earth, Jesus spoke His Father's commands (e.g., see John 5:19; John 8:28). Moreover, Jesus relied upon His Father’s commandments against Satan’s temptations and allurements (Matthew 4:1-11, quoting Deuteronomy 8:3; Deuteronomy 6:16; Deuteronomy 6:13). Jesus is the standard for righteousness, and He NEVER violated the covenant of His Father, the Sovereign LORD God.

 

In fact, Jesus called the people to obey His Father’s commandments and the teaching of Moses and the prophets from our hearts (e.g., see Matthew 7:12; Mark 7:8-10, 20-23; Luke 16:29-31; John 14:15, 21, 23-24; John 15:9-10, 17; John 17:8, 14; 1 John 2:3-5). Jesus taught that obedience to His Father’s commandments from our whole hearts brings life, blessings, and entrance into God’s family (Matthew 15:4-6; Matthew 19:17-18; Luke 8:8, 15, 20-21; John 12:49-50; see also e.g., Leviticus 18:5; Deuteronomy 6:2; Deuteronomy 4:9-10, 40; Ezekiel 18:5-9; Acts 7:38). The summary of all God’s commandments and regulations is to love and worship the LORD God with all your hearts and love one another, including your enemies and those who discriminate against you (e.g., see Exodus 34:14; Leviticus 19:18; Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Deuteronomy 10:12-13, 20-21; Matthew 5:43-44; Matthew 7:12-14; Matthew 22:34-40; Mark 12:28-31; Luke 10:25-28; John 13:34-35; Romans 10:8-10; Galatians 5:14, 22-23).

 

The Holy Scriptures declare that Jesus’ new covenant means the original covenant the Sovereign LORD God gave to Moses on stone tablets at Mount Sinai (Horeb) that has now been written on our human hearts through the Holy Spirit as predicted by the Old Testament prophets (e.g., see Exodus 24:8; Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Jeremiah 31:31-34; 2 Corinthians 3:3, 6; Hebrews 8:8-12; Hebrews 10:15-17). The Sovereign LORD God and His moral commandment are eternal, holy, good, and never changes (e.g., see Malachi 3:6; Romans 7:12, 14; James 1:17).

 

The covenant of God is the Ten Commandments the Sovereign LORD God spoke to Moses and Israel from Mount Sinai (Horeb), and the Sovereign LORD God wrote the covenant on stone tablets (e.g., see Exodus 20:1-17; Exodus 34:1, 28; Deuteronomy 4:10, 13; Deuteronomy 5:2, 7-22; Deuteronomy 10:1-4). The Ten Commandments are the Sovereign LORD God’s moral Law. The Sovereign LORD God’s finger personally wrote His covenant – the Ten Commandments – on the stone tablets for Israel (and the church) to wholeheartedly obey Him and do what is good and right (e.g., see Exodus 19:3-6; Exodus 31:18; Exodus 32:15-16; Exodus 34:1, 27-28; Deuteronomy 4:13; Deuteronomy 5:22; Deuteronomy 6:17-18; Deuteronomy 9:9-11, 15; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; John 14:15, 21, 23-24; John 15:9-10; 1 John 2:3-5; 1 John 5:3; 2 John 1:6). The Ten Commandments (also known as the Decalogue) is the core of the Book of the Covenant the Sovereign LORD God gave Israel (and the church) through His servant Moses from Mount Sinai (Horeb) (Exodus 20:1-23:33; Exodus 24:7-8; see also Deuteronomy 5:1-22). Jesus and the New Testament repeated obedience to the Ten Commandments that is summarized as love (e.g., see Matthew 5:17-19; Matthew 7:12; Matthew 22:34-40; Romans 13:8-10; Galatians 5:14; James 2:8). Israel and the church are to obey the Ten Commandments faithfully. The Sovereign LORD God gave His covenant – the Ten Commandments – as a standard of righteousness. Any violations of the Sovereign LORD’s righteous standard is defined as sin that leads to death (e.g., see Exodus 20:1-17; Exodus 24:12; Deuteronomy 4:13; Deuteronomy 5:22).

 

Some wicked people will say, “we are no longer under the Law but under Jesus’ grace.” The Sovereign LORD God NEVER gave His grace as permission and a freedom to live corrupt, rebellious, and sinful lives (e.g., see Ephesians 2:8-10; Romans 6:1-2, 13-16; Titus 1:16; Jude 1:4). The Sovereign LORD God has called EVERYONE to obey and study His Law daily and wholeheartedly love Him (e.g., see Joshua 1:7-8; Joshua 22:5; Joshua 23:6-8, 11). Our obedience to the Sovereign LORD God and His covenant leads to life, grace, and His blessings (e.g., see Deuteronomy 5:32-33; Deuteronomy 6:17-18, 24-25; Deuteronomy 10:12; 1 Kings 2:3; Matthew 19:17-19; John 12:49-50). The Sovereign LORD God is with His faithful and obedient people, and He is attentive to their prayers (e.g., see Psalm 33:18; Psalm 34:15-16; Malachi 3:16-17; John 9:31; John 15:7; 1 Peter 3:12).

 

The term “law” in the Holy Scriptures have many different definitions. The “law” can be defined as the Torah, human instructions like the Talmud and Mishnah, divine instructions, regulations, various customs, or the Law of Moses (e.g., see Joshua 1:7-8; 1 Kings 2:3; Proverbs 1:8; Matthew 15:2; Mark 7:3-5; Galatians 1:14). The Book of the Law comes directly from the Sovereign LORD God, and He is the Judge of the world (e.g., see Isaiah 33:22; Acts 10:42; James 4:12). Moses was the Sovereign LORD God’s instrument to give His Law to Israel, and Israel was to take that Law to the world (e.g., see Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 5-8; John 1:17; John 7:19). The Law of God is good (see Romans 7:16). However, the Law of God defines what is sin and makes everyone aware of sinfulness (see Romans 7:7, 13).

 

Here is the grand paradox: The Sovereign LORD God gives believers in Jesus the Holy Spirit of God (e.g., see John 14:23, 26; John 16:7; Acts 1:4-5; Acts 2:3-4, 33; Acts 11:16). The Holy Spirit of God comes to live and dwell inside believers’ hearts (e.g., see 1 Corinthians 6:18-19; Romans 8:9-10). Inside our hearts, the Holy Spirit of God give believers of Jesus the spiritual wisdom and understanding to obey the Sovereign LORD God’s Law so they can successful (e.g., see 1 Chronicles 22:12-13; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36:26-27; Philippians 2:12-13). The Holy Spirit of God is the Helper or Advocate sent from the Sovereign LORD God and His Son Jesus to help, guide, and teach believers of Jesus in the way they should live daily (e.g., see John 14:15-17, 23-24, 26; John 16:13-15; Romans 8:26-27). Moreover, the Holy Spirit of God convict believers of sin so they will not disobey the Sovereign LORD God (e.g., see John 16:8). The Holy Spirit is holy and irritated by sin (e.g., see Isaiah 51:1-4, 11; Isaiah 63:10-11). By the Holy Spirit, believers become filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control (e.g., see John 14:27; John 16:33; Galatians 5:22-26; Philippians 4:7).

 

The holy prophets of God after Moses’s death, such as Joshua, David, Elijah, and Jeremiah, continued to proclaim wholehearted love and obedience to the Sovereign LORD God and His moral covenant (e.g., see Joshua 1:7-9; Joshua 23:6; Joshua 24:14; 1 Samuel 15:22-23; 1 Kings 2:1-4; 1 Kings 18:20-21, 24, 36-40; Jeremiah 7:23). The Sovereign LORD God calls EVERYONE to worship Him, seek goodness, mercy, forgiveness, and peace towards one another, and turn away from evil if they want life in His Kingdom (e.g., see Psalm 34:12-14; Psalm 37:27-29; Hosea 6:6; Amos 5:24; Micah 6:8; Matthew 5:16; Matthew 6:33; Matthew 9:13; Matthew 12:7; Titus 2:14; Titus 3:1, 8, 14; 1 Peter 2:12, 15; 1 Peter 3:10-12; James 1:27).[8]

 

F.   Jesus and John and Old Testament Prophets

 

Jesus and John’s preaching sounded like the Old Testament prophets. The New Testament writers revealed Jesus and John’s connection and continuation of the Sovereign LORD God’s covenant message given to the holy prophets. For instance, both Matthew and Luke’s Gospels provide genealogies to reveal how Jesus is the promised Messiah and King from David's family line and His link to Abraham (Luke 3:23-38; see Matthew 1:1-17; Acts 13:23; Romans 1:1-3; Revelation 22:16). Moreover, the Gospel writers reveal John the Baptist as the second Elijah promised by the Old Testament prophecies (e.g., Isaiah 40:3-5; Malachi 3:1; Malachi 4:5-6; Matthew 17:10-13; Mark 9:11-13).

 

The Old Testament prophets' message was God's covenant He gave through His servant Moses. These holy prophets of God were zealous for God’s covenant, and they faithfully proclaimed His covenant message to the people (e.g., see 1 Kings 19:10, 14). The Sovereign LORD God repeatedly sent His messengers – His holy prophets – to call the people of Israel and Judah and their religious leaders to REPENT and turn away from their many sins and idolatry (e.g., see 2 Kings 17:13; Jeremiah 4:1; Jeremiah 18:11; Jeremiah 23:22; Jeremiah 25:4-6; Jeremiah 35:15-16; Ezekiel 14:6; Zechariah 1:4). Throughout the Old Testament, the holy prophets continually called the people to REPENT, humbly seek the Sovereign LORD God, do what is good and right, and obey His commandments (e.g., see Isaiah 1:17; Jeremiah 18:7-12; Amos 5:4, 6, 14-15; Zephaniah 2:2-3). Continually, the holy prophets of God, again and again, called the people to faithfully worship the Sovereign LORD God with their whole hearts and pursue goodness, fairness, peace, humility, and loving-kindness for others, particularly to the fatherless, aliens, the poor, and widows (e.g., see Deuteronomy 10:12-13; Deuteronomy 12:4-7; I Kings 17:13-15, 21-23; Isaiah 1:11, 16-17, 23; Isaiah 55:6-7; Isaiah 56:1; Isaiah 58:6-8; Isaiah 66:1-2; Jeremiah 3:12-15, 22; Jeremiah 4:1-2; Jeremiah 7:2-3; Jeremiah 22:2-5; Ezekiel 18:30-32; Hosea 6:6; Amos 5:4-6, 14-15; Micah 6:6-8; Zephaniah 2:2-3; Zechariah 7:8-10).

 

Particularly, idolatry with the worship of other gods such as Baal, the golden calves, and Ashtoreth plagued Israel and Judah (e.g., see 1 Kings 11:4-8; 1 Kings 16:29-33). For example, King Jeroboam and the many evil kings afterward set up golden calves at Dan and Bethel and called Israel to worship the golden calves and not the Sovereign LORD God (see 1 Kings 12:25-33; 1 Kings 15:25-26, 33-34). The two golden calf shrines remained in Israel from 931 to 722 BC.

 

Moreover, the holy prophets of God announced the Sovereign LORD God’s unending mercy, loving-kindness, and forgiveness for everyone who wholeheartedly REPENTS of their sins and seeks Him with love and obedience (e.g., see Deuteronomy 4:30-31; Exodus 34:6-7; Numbers 14:18; Nehemiah 9:17-21; Psalms 86:5, 15; Isaiah 63:7-10; Hosea 14:1-2; Joel 2:13; Jonah 4:2; 1 John 1:9). The Sovereign LORD God is faithful, patient, and compassionate when will cry out to Him in repentance (e.g., see Nehemiah 9:27-28, 30-31; Proverbs 28:13; Daniel 9:4, 9; Jonah 4:2; 1 John 1:9). The Sovereign LORD God responds to us with His blessings and grace as we wholeheartedly turn to Him with obedience and away from spiritual darkness. In fact, the Sovereign LORD God is the God of second chances to everyone who turns to Him in genuine love. The Sovereign LORD God of heaven and earth loves the world, and He wants everyone to walk with love, faithfulness, and obedience towards Him and goodness, fairness, and love towards others (e.g., see 2 Chronicles 36:15; Isaiah 55:6-7; Isaiah 56:1; Zechariah 8:16-17, 19).

 

Even in His mercy and love, the Sovereign LORD God WILL NOT allow the guilty and wicked to go unpunished who hate Him and continually walk-in disobedience, idolatry, evil, and spiritual darkness (e.g., see Exodus 34:6-7; Deuteronomy 7:9-10; Joshua 24:19-20; Nahum 1:3). Our continual sin and disobedience lead to the Sovereign LORD God’s wrath, trouble, and death (e.g., see Proverbs 13:21; Jeremiah 10:10; Ezekiel 18:4, 20; Romans 6:16, 23). The Sovereign LORD God rejects and disciplines those who reject Him and pursue their own rebellious path (e.g., see Isaiah 66:3-4, 6).

 

Despite the holy prophet’s repeated warnings, Israel, Judah, and their religious leaders refused to listen and obey the Sovereign LORD God, obey His covenant, and seek His guidance (e.g., see Nehemiah 9:13-14, 16, 26-29; Jeremiah 4:22; Jeremiah 11:3-10; Jeremiah 15:16; Zephaniah 1:6). Material wealth and social evils characterized the times (e.g., see Amos 2:6-8; Amos 3:10; Amos 4:1; Amos 5:10-12; Amos 8:4-6). Although the Sovereign LORD God again and again sent His holy messengers to warn the people to repent, Israel, Judah, and their religious leaders pursued their evil deeds, violence, wrongdoing, false gods, and lies (e.g., see 2 Kings 17:12-15; Nehemiah 9:16-17, 29-35; Jeremiah 7:25-28; Jeremiah 18:11-12; Jeremiah 25:4-7; Zephaniah 1:4-5, 9). The people and their religious leaders were continually filled with idolatry, lies, theft, deceit, murder, corruption and bribery, violence, drunkenness, greed, and sexual sins (e.g., see Isaiah 1:21-23; Jeremiah 5:27-28; Jeremiah 7:5-11; Micah 2:1-11; Micah 7:2-3). Mistreatment and exploitation of the poor, widows, orphans, and aliens ran rampant throughout the land (e.g., see Jeremiah 5:28; Ezekiel 22:6-7). Even worse, religious leaders preached their own selfish, polluted, and false messages that did not come from the Sovereign LORD God (e.g., see Jeremiah 5:31; Jeremiah 6:13; Jeremiah 23:11; Lamentations 2:14; Ezekiel 13:1-12; Ezekiel 22:26; Zephaniah 3:4). Furthermore, the judges and leaders did not promote justice and fairness, but they received money for their corrupt verdicts (e.g., see Ezekiel 22:6, 27; Amos 5:12). These corrupt leaders hated good, loved evil, and lead the people away from God’s good commands (e.g., see Micah 3:1-8).

 

Because of the people’s moral lapse and disobedience to God, the land became filled with anarchy and confusion. Even worse, the people mistreated and killed the Sovereign LORD God’s messengers that called for repentance and obedience to God’s moral commands and holy Sabbaths (e.g., see 2 Chronicles 24:20-21; Nehemiah 9:13-14, 26; Matthew 5:12; Matthew 21:33-37; Matthew 23:31, 37; Acts 7:52-53). The people became increasingly arrogant, rebellious, and disobedient to the Sovereign LORD God’s moral ways and truth (e.g., see Nehemiah 9:16, 29).

 

Thus, the Sovereign LORD God sent His wrath and curses against the people – Israel and Judah, scattered them, and gave His people into the hands of their enemies (e.g., see 2 Chronicles 36:15-16; Nehemiah 9:27; Jeremiah 11:6-8; Lamentations 1:3, 5, 8-9, 18; Daniel 9:7, 9-11). Furthermore, the Sovereign LORD God withdrew His hand of protection and allowed Israel and Judah to be invaded, destroyed, and exiled by the Assyrians in 722/721 BC and then the Babylonians in 587/586 BC (see 2 Kings 17:6-23; 2 Kings 25:1-21; 2 Chronicles 36:17-21; Ezekiel 33:21). Indeed, the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets (e.g., see Amos 3:7; Revelation 10:7).

 

Even after Israel and Judah returned from the Exile, the people still did not wholeheartedly obey the Sovereign LORD God and His covenant. Once again, the Sovereign LORD God sent His holy prophets Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi to remind the people that the Sovereign LORD God must be worshipped FIRST in all things and obedience to His moral covenant (e.g., Ezra 9:10-12; Nehemiah 8:1; Haggai 1:12-13; Zechariah 1:2-6; Zechariah 7:8-10; Zechariah 8:14-16; 19; Malachi 1:6; Malachi 3:6-7; Malachi 4:4; Matthew 6:33; Matthew 22:37; 1 John 5:21). However, there were still lying, murder, cheating, oppression, mistreatment, sorcery, and adultery amongst His people in violation of the Sovereign LORD God’s covenant (e.g., see Malachi 3:5). Finally, the Sovereign LORD God sent His Son Jesus (e.g., see Matthew 21:33-46). Jesus called the people to repent of evil and turn to His Father with love and obedience and love one another just like the Old Testament prophets (e.g., see Matthew 4:17; Matthew 7:12; Matthew 22:37-40; Luke 16:29-31; John 14:15-17, 23). Again, Israel and Judah ignored Jesus’ proclamations to repent and turn to His Father – the living LORD God and have kindness towards one another. In AD 70, Israel and Judah were destroyed by the Roman army. Israel and Judah did not return from exile into their land until 1948.[9]

 

The Sovereign LORD calls ALL PEOPLE of the world (Jews, Muslims, Christians, blacks, whites, Hindus, men, women, young, old) to love, honor, and worship Him and obey His good commandments from our whole hearts with humility (e.g., see Deuteronomy 6:1-6; Deuteronomy 10:12-13; Proverbs 1:7; Ecclesiastes 12:11-14; Matthew 22:34-40; John 14:15, 21; John 15:10, 16-17). The holy messengers of God are called by the Sovereign LORD God to share the message of repentance and goodness to the world. For example, the Old Testament prophets Daniel and Jonah proclaimed the Sovereign LORD God’s message of repentance and turning from wickedness to other world nations. Daniel announced to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon (a non-Jew or Gentile) to REPENT and stop sinning and do what is right and good. Instead of evil, the prophet Daniel pleaded with King Nebuchadnezzar to turn from his wicked past and be merciful to the poor, and then he would receive the Sovereign LORD God’s continued prosperity and grace (Daniel 4:27; see also e.g., Isaiah 55:6-7). Similarly, the Sovereign LORD God called Jonah to go to Nineveh of Assyria (non-Jews) and plead with the people to turn from their evil ways and violence and seek what is good and right to receive the Sovereign LORD God’s blessings and compassion (see Jonah 1:1-2, 9; Jonah 3:1-2, 4, 8-9). When the Sovereign LORD God saw Nineveh’s turning from their evil ways, He relented and did not bring on them the destruction He had threatened (Jonah 3:10; Jonah 4:2; see also e.g., Jeremiah 18:7-8).

 

The Sovereign LORD God is merciful, and He will not abandon or destroy anyone who humbly REPENTS, turn from sin, and turn to Him to follow goodness (e.g., see Exodus 34:6-7; Deuteronomy 4:30-31; Nehemiah 9:31; Proverbs 28:13; Isaiah 55:7; Ezekiel 18:21-24; Jonah 4:2; Micah 7:18-20; Luke 15:17-20; 1 John 1:9). Through our repentance and obedience, the Sovereign LORD God brings His blessings to the people and their land and relent from sending His wrath (e.g., see 2 Chronicles 7:14-15; Isaiah 1:18-20; Jeremiah 18:8; Joel 2:12-15). Sin brings the Sovereign LORD God’s wrath and death; however, our repentance and obedience to Him bring His peace and blessings (e.g., see 2 Kings 18:11-12; Jeremiah 26:3-6; Jeremiah 36:3-7; Daniel 9:11-14).

 

G.  Jesus and John’s Disciples Continued the Message of Repentance

 

Jesus and John’s disciples continued the message of repentance and doing good to receive God’s forgiveness of sins (Luke 24:47; e.g., see Acts 8:20-23; Acts 26:16-18). The Sovereign LORD God wants His people to share the message of repentance to the world. After Jesus and John’s deaths, the apostles of Jesus and John continued the message of repentance to the world (e.g., see Jeremiah 31:34; Luke 24:47; Acts 5:31; Acts 10:43; Acts 18:24-25; Acts 19:1-7). For example, the Apostle Peter instructed the Jews to repent (change their lives from sin and selfishness and turn to the Sovereign LORD God) and then undergo baptism in the Name of Jesus, so their sins could be forgiven, and they can receive the gifting of the Holy Spirit (e.g., see Acts 2:36-41; Acts 3:19-20; 1 Peter 2:12, 15; 1 Peter 3:8-13). Moreover, the Apostle Paul also instructed EVERYONE – Jews and Gentiles alike that they must turn to the Sovereign LORD God in repentance (turning from evil and producing good fruit) and have faith in the Lord Jesus (e.g., see Acts 14:15; Acts 20:21; Acts 22:14-16; Acts 26:18-20; Romans 6:1-2; 2 Corinthians 7:9-11; Titus 3:1, 8, 14). Only through our repentance (living for goodness) and belief in the Sovereign LORD God and His Son Jesus can we escape God’s wrath and receive salvation (e.g., see Mark 16:16; John 3:16-18, 36; Acts 16:29-34).

 

Even more, the heart of the Apostle John’s message in the book of Revelation is REPENT by turning to the Sovereign LORD God and away from Satan and his evil alliance (e.g., see Revelation 2:21-22; Revelation 9:20-21; Revelation 16:9, 11). Despite John’s message of repentance, John saw the people’s refusal to turn from spiritual darkness and evil deeds and turn to the Sovereign LORD God and His Son, the Lamb. Sadly, the people continued to worship demons and idols made of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood. Even worse, the people continued their evils deeds of murder, witchcraft, sexual immorality, or theft (see Revelation 9:20-21). Despite the Apostle John’s message of repentance, many people hardened their rebellious hearts, cursed God, and continued worshipping the destructive and deadly forces of demons and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood (Revelation 13:3-4, 16-18; Revelation 16:9,11, 21; see also Psalm 115:4-7; Psalm 135:15-17; Isaiah 17:8; Isaiah 44:6-20; Daniel 5:23). Because of the people’s evil ways and refusal to repent, the Apostle John saw those unrepentant people being plunged into spiritual darkness and eternal death (Revelation 20:11-15; see also Galatians 5:19-21).

 

H.  Who Is God?

 

Some critics have argued that there are so many gods and so many different religions that how can one know the true God. The Holy Scriptures declare there is only one true and living God to be worshiped, and He is the Sovereign LORD God – Yahweh (also pronounced Jehovah) (e.g., see Deuteronomy 4:35, 39; Deuteronomy 6:4-6; 2 Chronicles 20:6; 1 Corinthians 8:4, 6). In the Holy Scriptures, the true and living God goes by many names, including Elohim, El Shaddai, and the LORD of Heaven Armies (Hosts).

 

The Sovereign LORD God of Israel is the living God, eternal King of heaven, and He is the awesome Creator and Savior from everlasting to everlasting (e.g., see Deuteronomy 7:9, 21; Ezra 1:2; Nehemiah 9:5-6; Psalms 10:16; Psalm 29:10; Isaiah 66:1-2; Daniel 6:26; Zephaniah 3:15-17; Revelation 4:11). There is no other god in heaven above or on earth below like the good and awesome LORD God of Israel (e.g., see Deuteronomy 4:35, 39; 1 Kings 8:23, 60; Isaiah 44:6-8; Isaiah 45:5-6, 14, 18, 21-22). The Sovereign LORD God lives in heaven above, and He sits upon the throne (e.g., see Exodus 15:11; Deuteronomy 7:9; 1 Samuel 2:2; 1 Kings 8:23, 27, 60; Isaiah 43:10; Mark 12:32; Revelation 4:2). The highest heavens cannot contain the Sovereign LORD God because of His mighty presence and glory (e.g., see 1 Kings 8:27; Isaiah 6:1-6; Acts 7:49; Acts 17:24). God's existence is displayed each day in the heavens (e.g., see Psalm 19:1-6). For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth — as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords” — there is only one true God (e.g., see 1 Corinthians 8:5). The Sovereign LORD God is great, and He is Lord above all the earth and other so-called gods (e.g., see Exodus 9:29; Psalm 24:1; Psalm 135:5; 1 Corinthians 10:26). The one true and living God is the Father of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (e.g., see Matthew 16:16; Matthew 17:5; 1 Corinthians 8:6). The Sovereign LORD God and His Son Jesus are One (e.g., see John 10:30, 38; John 14:9-11, 20).

 

I.     Why Repent?

 

Some critics argue believers in Jesus need to move forward from the basic teachings about Christ as instructed by the book of Hebrews. In the book of Hebrews, the author commanded the people to stop going over the basic and elementary teachings about Christ again, such as repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God (Hebrew 6:1; see also Hebrews 5:12). Instead, the author of Hebrews encouraged its readers to become mature in understanding Jesus Christ and God's Word as strong and growing Christians (Hebrew 6:1, 3; see also Philippians 3:13). Importantly, mature Christians should be teaching new Christians the basics (see Hebrews 5:12).

 

New believers to Jesus must understand Christianity's essential and fundamental teaching (see Hebrew 6:1). Certain basic instructions are essential and critical for all believers to know and understand. This basic teaching includes the importance of our faith and complete dependence on the Sovereign LORD God (Hebrews 6:1-2; e.g., see Psalm 62:8; John 14:1). Moreover, new believers in Jesus need basic instruction about the meaning of baptism, spiritual gifts, laying on of hands, the facts of resurrection and eternal life, and God’s judgment (see Hebrew 6:2).

 

As instructed by both Jesus and John, new believers must REPENT and turn from evil deeds and place their wholehearted faith in God (Hebrew 6:1; see also Matthew 3:2; Matthew 4:17; Luke 3:3, 8; Mark 1:4). Even more important, new believers need to understand and know the meaning of sin, evil, and wickedness as defined by the Sovereign LORD God.  

 

J.   What is Sin?

 

Sin is essentially selfishness, narcissism, and rebellion against the Sovereign LORD God and His good commands (e.g., see 1 Samuel 15:22-23). From the beginning, the Sovereign LORD God commanded ALL PEOPLE to obey, love, and worship Him from our whole hearts (e.g., see Exodus 19:5; Deuteronomy 6:4-6, 13; Jeremiah 7:22-23; Amos 5:4; Matthew 4:4, 10; Matthew 22:37). All sin starts from the heart – our inner motives and thoughts – that rebels against the Sovereign LORD God and His commands (e.g., see Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28; Matthew 15:17-20; Mark 7:20-23).

 

Lawlessness, rebellion, and rejection of the Sovereign LORD God and His good commands have been the root problem of sin and humanities’ troubles since Adam and Eve (e.g., see Genesis 2:16-17; Genesis 3:1-11; Romans 5:12). The leader of sin, rebellion, and lawlessness is Satan and his evil alliance (e.g., Genesis 3:1, 4; Revelation 12:9; Revelation 20:2-3). Satan and his evil alliance have a form of godliness, but they are filled with bad fruit and spiritual darkness, including murder, lies, division, lawlessness, sexual sins, prejudice, pride, and rebellion (e.g., see Matthew 7:15-23; John 8:44; Ephesians 2:1-3; Galatians 5:19-21; 1 John 3:4, 8-10; Revelation 20:7, 10).

 

The Sovereign LORD God brings His holy wrath and death from heaven against anyone – saint and sinner – that live such evil, ungodliness, and spiritually dark lives and who reject Him and His Son Jesus (e.g., see Ezekiel 18:4, 20, 24, 26; John 3:18-19; Roman 1:18-32; Romans 6:23; Colossians 3:5-6; Revelation 20:11-15; Revelation 21:8; Revelation 22-14-15). Obedience to Satan and his evil alliance leads to eternal death and separation from the Sovereign LORD God and His grace (e.g., see Ezekiel 18:4, 20; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:7-14). Only faith and obedience to the Sovereign LORD and His Son Jesus will save us from wrath (e.g., see Ezekiel 18:5-9; John 3:36; 1 Thessalonians 1:10). Faith and obedience to Jesus bring a rebirth from heaven by the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit cleanses everyone from inside our hearts from lawlessness, rebellion, and darkness (e.g., see John 3:3-8; Titus 3:5). John the Baptist knew that only Jesus makes a clean sweep of one’s life and burn away by the Holy Spirit’s fire our bad fruit and everything that causes sin and lawlessness (Luke 3:17; see also Malachi 3:1-3; Matthew 3:11-12).

 

Since the beginning of human history, the Sovereign LORD God has always called for wholehearted faithfulness, love, allegiance, and obedience to Him and to humbly walk before Him with goodness, humility, and blamelessly (e.g., see Genesis 5:22-24; Genesis 6:9; Genesis 15:6; Genesis 17:1; Exodus 19:5-6; Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Deuteronomy 10:12-13; Deuteronomy 18:13; Psalm 15:1-5; Ezekiel 18:14-17; Micah 6:6-8; Habakkuk 2:2-4; Matthew 6:33; Romans 1:16-17; 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:22). The true and living God called Israel (and now the church) to live wholly devoted to Him and free from sexual sins, idolatry, witchcraft, murder, falsehood, deception, theft and robbery, greed, jealousy, drunkenness, anger, covetousness, and envy because these malevolent deeds are the evil works of Satan and his dark alliance (see Exodus 19:5-6; Exodus 20:1-17; Leviticus 19:10-13; Deuteronomy 5:6-21; Deuteronomy 32:35; Matthew 19:16-19; Romans 6:13; Romans 12:9-21; Romans 13:8-10; Colossians 3:5-7; Revelation 21:8; Revelation 22:14-15). Everyone who does and practice evil, wickedness, and lawlessness like Satan will not enter God’s Kingdom but will experience eternal death and God’s wrath (e.g., see Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 13:25-27; Romans 1:18; Romans 6:23; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:5-7; Colossians 3:5-6; 1 John 3:15; Jude 1:5, 7; Revelation 21:8). HERE IS THE GOOD NEWS: Everyone that loves, obeys, and accepts the Sovereign LORD God and His Son Jesus finds peace with Him and forgiveness from wrath and eternal death (e.g., see Romans 5:1-2, 9; 1 Thessalonians 1:10).

 

The Sovereign LORD God wants our humble obedience to Him and His commandments from our hearts (e.g., see Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21; Matthew 5:21-48; Luke 8:8, 15, 20-21). These commandments of God are eternal, never changing, and reveal the true nature of sin (e.g., see Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Revelation 12:17; Revelation 11:19). Jesus called EVERYONE to the Light and obedience to His Holy Father’s commandments just like the Old Testament prophets (e.g., see Matthew 7:12-14, 21, 24-27; Luke 6:46-49; John 14:15, 21, 23-24; John 15:10, 17; John 17:8, 14; 1 John 2:3-5). Likewise, the Sovereign LORD God calls everyone to honor and respect our parents, not to murder and kill one another, to flee and turn away from sexual sins, adultery, profanity, hatred, criticisms, fighting, quarreling, lies, anger, deceit, falsehood, drunkenness, unbelief in God, wild parties, witchcraft, evil spells, sorcery, theft, greed, rudeness, division, unforgiveness, strife, pride, envy, oppression of the poor, and jealous because such wickedness leads to death (see Exodus 20:12-17; Deuteronomy 5:6-21; Deuteronomy 18:9-13; Ezekiel 18:10-13, 18, 26; Matthew 5:1-7:29; Romans 6:16, 23; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 4:25-29; Ephesians 5:3-5; Colossians 3:5, 8-9; 2 Timothy 2:22-25; James 4:1-3). In summary, the commandments of God call ALL PEOPLE to love, worship, and obey the Sovereign LORD God and to love and care for one another (e.g., see Deuteronomy 5:29; Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Matthew 6:33; Matthew 7:12; Matthew 22:37-40; John 13:34-35; John 15:10).

 

In both the Old and New Testaments, the Sovereign LORD God requires love, mercy, compassion, joy, peace, forgiveness, patience, kindness, goodness, fairness, humility, faithfulness, thanksgiving, gentleness, and self-control (e.g., see Isaiah 1:15-17, 23; Hosea 6:6; Micah 6:6-8; Matthew 12:7; Matthew 23:23; John 13:34-35; Romans 13:8-10; Colossians 3:12-17). These good deeds are the very nature of God and godliness (e.g., see Exodus 34:6-7; Galatians 5:22-23). The Apostle Paul in Ephesians 2 is clear on salvation. We are saved by the goodness of God's grace through faith in Jesus and not by our self-efforts nor good deeds (see Ephesians 2:8-9). However, once God's grace saves believers, we are to continue the good works and deeds of Christ on earth (e.g., see Ephesians 2:10; 1 Peter 4:8-11; 3 John 1:11). The Apostle Paul called the church not to allow sin to control our lives and not allow any part of our bodies to become instruments of corruption and lawlessness (see Romans 6:12-15).

 

Through faith in Jesus, we become one with the Sovereign LORD God and His Son Jesus and members of God’s family (e.g., see John 1:12-13; Galatians 3:26; Colossians 3:1-3).  As part of God’s family, Jesus protects, guards, and cares for His obedient and faithful family away from harm and danger (John 10:15, 17-18, 26-29; see also Matthew 7:21, 24-25; John 6:37, 39; John 8:47; John 17:12; John 18:9; James 1:22-25). Jesus leads and guides His obedient family into safety and security and teaches His sheep the right way of living (John 10:7, 9; see also Psalm 25:9-10; Matthew 7:13-14; Matthew 21:14; Luke 21:17-19; John 14:6; 2 Corinthians 4:8-10; Hebrews 4:16). Even more, Jesus supplies all His family’s needs and wants, so His obedient and faithful sheep lack no good thing (see also Psalm 23:1; Psalm 34:9-10; Psalm 40:4; Psalm 84:11-12; Psalm 107:9; Philippians 4:19).

 

K.   Come to the Light of Jesus

 

Let EVERYONE turn away from darkness and evil and turn to the Light of the Sovereign LORD God and His Son Jesus and receive a new heart and new spirit (e.g., see Psalm 104:2; Ezekiel 18:30-32; Matthew 3:2, 8, 11-12; Matthew 4:15-17; Ephesians 5:8-9, 11, 13-14; 1 Thessalonians 5:4-5; 1 Timothy 6:16; 1 John 1:5, 7). Jesus truly is the Ruler and Light of the world that defeats all darkness, and He is the radiant glory of His Father – the Sovereign LORD God (e.g., see Isaiah 60:1-2; Malachi 4:2; Luke 2:32; John 1:4-5, 9, 14; John 8:12; Hebrews 1:3; Revelation 1:5; Revelation 17:14; Revelation 19:16). The Apostle John eyewitness Jesus’ glorious Light when Jesus’s face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light (see Matthew 17:1-2; Revelation 1:15-16; Revelation 10:1).

 

Zechariah the priest predicted Jesus’ Light coming into the world at the birth of his son John the Baptist (Luke 1:78; see also Isaiah 42:6-7; Isaiah 60:2-3; Luke 2:32; John 1:4-5, 9). Jesus gives light to everyone who sits in evil’s darkness, and He leads us to the path of healing, deliverance, and peace (Luke 1:78-79; Luke 2:14; see also Genesis 1:3-5; Psalm 18:28; Isaiah 9:1-2, 6; Malachi 4:2; Matthew 4:16; John 1:4-5, 9; John 8:12; John 9:5; John 12:46; John 14:27; John 16:33; Romans 5:1; 2 Corinthians 4:6; 1 John 2:8; Revelation 22:16).[10] The Sovereign LORD God sent His messenger John the Baptist as a witness to testify concerning the Light of His Son, Jesus (see John 1:6-8). Some people reject the Light of Jesus and turn to the darkness of evil Night (e.g., see John 3:19-21). Everyone that accepts and believes in the Sovereign LORD God’s Son Jesus repents and turns to the Light of God and away from sin and darkness (e.g., see Acts 26:15-18; Ephesians 5:8, 14; 1 John 1:5-10). The Sovereign LORD God promises that if a wicked person turns away from sins and evil deeds and humbly turns to Him and does what is just and right, he shall surely live and not die (e.g., see Ezekiel 18:21-23, 27-28). The Holy Scriptures are clear: The Sovereign LORD God is good, and His faithful love endures forever (e.g., see Jeremiah 16:19; Jeremiah 17:7, 11-14; Jeremiah 33:11; Nahum 1:7; Zephaniah 1:18; Zephaniah 3:16.).

 

References

Apologetics Study Bible: Understanding Why You Believe (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2012).

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

Life Application Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House, 1971).

New Student Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992).

Ryrie Study Bible (Chicago, IL: Moody, 1995).

The Living Bible Paraphrase (Tyndale House, 1971).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Butler, Trent C. Holman Bible Dictionary (Nashville, TN: Broadman and Holman Publishers, 1991).

Douglas, J.D. and Tenney, Merrill. NIV Compact Dictionary of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI:  Zondervan, 1989).

 

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[1] In the New Testament, the word Messiah translates the Greek word for Christos or Christ, which means Anointed One (see Matthew 1:17). Messiah (Hebrew term) and Christ (Greek term) both mean “Anointed One” (John 1:41; see also John 4:25). For the Jews, the Messiah was the same as the “Son of God” (see Matthew 26:63-64; Mark 14:61-62; Luke 22:67-70). Moreover, when the Jews spoke about their Messiah, they were also thinking of the King from David’s family line who would come to save them and establish God’s Kingdom on earth (see Matthew 1:1, 16-17, 21; Luke 24:19-21; Acts 13:22-23).

[2] Emperor Tiberius Caesar ruled the Roman Empire AD 14-37.

[3] Pontius Pilate was governor of the Judea province AD 26-36.

[4] Elijah was one of the greatest prophets who ever lived along with the prophets Moses and David. Like the prophets Moses and David, Elijah called the people to turn from their worthless gods and wickedness and to worship and serve the Sovereign LORD God and obey His moral commands (1 Kings 18:36-39; see also Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Deuteronomy 11:1-32; 1 Kings 2:1-4). Interestingly, the prophets Elijah and Moses met with Jesus during His public ministry (see Matthew 17:3-4; Mark 9:4-5; Luke 9:30-33).  To learn more about the prophet Elijah and his powerful ministry, read 1 Kings 17 through 2 Kings 2.

[5] Even Jesus condemned these false religious leaders and their deceptive and misleading teaching because they often did not practice what they preached (e.g., see Matthew 5:20; Matthew 16:11-12; Matthew 23:1-3).

[6] Abraham is the father of many nations, including the Jewish nation (see Genesis 12:2; Genesis 13:16; Genesis 15:15; Genesis 17:2, 4, 6; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 22:18; Genesis 26:4; Genesis 28:14; Matthew 3:9; Luke 3:8). The Sovereign LORD God blesses all nations of the world through Abraham (e.g., see Genesis 12:1-3; Acts 3:25).  Abraham was a man of faith that trusted and relied upon God and God’s promises to him; therefore, God declared Abraham righteous (good) (e.g., see Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:3, 5, 9, 22; Galatians 3:6; James 2:23). The Sovereign LORD God found Abraham’s heart faithful to Him (e.g., see Genesis 22:15-18; Nehemiah 9:7-8). Because of Abraham’s faith and trust in God, he now sits in the Kingdom with Christ (e.g., see Matthew 22:32; Luke 13:28).

[7] God's good fruit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (see Exodus 34:6-7; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 5:9). 

[8] he Law's sacrificial elements ended in AD 70 with the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple by the Romans.  The Book of Hebrews found in the New Testament declares that the ceremonial law has passed away with the coming of Jesus. Jesus is the perfect Priesthood and final Sacrifice.

[9] Many of the Old Testament messengers of God like Jeremiah and Ezekiel also announced Israel and Judah’s future glory, spiritual renewal, and restoration by the Sovereign LORD God (e.g., see Isaiah 66:12-14; Jeremiah 29:10-11; Lamentations 3:23, 31-33; Ezekiel 36:24-38; Ezekiel 37:12-14, 21-28; Ezekiel 39:25-29; Micah 2:12-13; Micah 7:18-20; Zechariah 8:13-15).

[10] Jesus is not the sun nor a stary hosts. The Sovereign LORD God created the sun, the moon, and stary hosts on the fourth day of the creation story (see Genesis 1:14-19). Importantly, the Sovereign LORD God forbids the worship of the sun, moon, and the stary hosts of heaven (e.g., see Deuteronomy 4:19; 2 Kings 17:16; Ezekiel 8:16-18).  The Holy Scriptures command we are to worship, praise, and serve the Sovereign LORD God and His Son Jesus (e.g., see Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Matthew 22:37; Romans 1:25; Romans 9:5; 2 Corinthians 11:31).