Repentance Of Sin And Faith In Christ

"I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus."  Acts 20:21 (NIV)

Luke, the physician travelling companion of the Apostle Paul, recorded these words which Paul spoke to the elders of the church at Ephesus.  Paul told them that he had preached to both the Jews and to the Greeks, that they all must repent of their sins, and turn to God, and have faith in The Lord Jesus.  Paul was on his way to Jerusalem where, as The Holy Spirit had warned him, he knew that prison and hardship awaited him. (Acts 20:23)  However, he wanted to warn the elders that after he left, men would come and distort the truth which he had preached. (Acts 20:29-30)

Today, we need to be mindful of the fact that as Christians, repentance of sin and faith in Jesus Christ are our sacred duties.  That was the point that Paul was making, we must turn from sin and turn to God, and have faith in Christ. (Acts 20:21)  If we do not repent of our sins, then sin will be our downfall when we are judged by The Lord. (Ezekiel 18:30)  Because we are believers, it is by our faith in Jesus that we have a relationship with God. (Galatians 3:26)  Repentance is an importance part of the gospel, it is the message which Jesus preached. (Matthew 4:17, Luke 5:32, and Luke 24:46-47)  Belief and faith in Jesus, The Christ, is essential for our salvation.  We must accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, for only through Him is it possible to gain access to God and heaven. (John 14:6)  Jesus is The Way, The Truth, and The Life.  For this reason we should give Him all glory, honor, and praise.  He is worthy of our worship.