October 3
The Call to Repentance
and Forgiveness
Luke 24:47
and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Daily Steps
After presenting the factual basis of the Gospel (Christ died and was raised, Day 277), this verse—spoken by the risen Christ—defines the necessary response required from the world and the resulting gift. It emphasizes the two non-negotiable elements of the Gospel proclamation: repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
The peace in this principle is found in transformative change:
The Requirement: Repentance: The first necessity preached to all people is repentance. This means a radical change of mind and direction—a turning away from sin (The Final Command, Day 215) and self-rule, and a turning toward God. True joy (Day 261) and peace (Day 222) begin with this humbling act of conversion.
The Result: Forgiveness of Sins: The result of true repentance is the guaranteed forgiveness of sins (Day 216). This is the supreme gift of the Gospel, secured by Christ's sacrificial death (Day 277). This gift removes all guilt and shame, creating righteousness and a clear conscience (Day 268).
The Scope of the Message: The message of repentance and forgiveness is to be preached in His name to all nations (The Scope of the Command, Day 274). This reiterates that the Call to Mission is universal, and the message, anchored in Christ's Authority (Day 273), is the same for every person everywhere.
Your peace is secured by transformative change. Embrace your Call to Mission today by clearly preaching repentance for the forgiveness of sins, knowing that this message holds the power to transform lives and usher others into the kingdom of God.
Reflective Question
If the Gospel requires repentance, is there a specific, long-held sinful pattern you need to fully turn away from today? How can you offer the forgiveness of sins with boldness (Day 236) to someone who feels unworthy or unforgivable?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I confess that I often fail to live in the joy of forgiveness. I pray for the humility to continually embrace repentance in my own life. I ask for the courage to preach this message of transformative change to all nations. Secure my peace today in the certainty that when I preach forgiveness of sins in Jesus' name, Your saving power is released. Amen.
