CALL TO REPENTANCE

At Mars Hill, once Paul had described to the Athenians the true nature of God—not a man-made idol but the Lord of heaven and earth—he told them their response. He put it this way:

God overlooked people’s ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now he commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him. For he has set a day for judging the world with justice by the man he has appointed, and he proved to everyone who this is by raising him from the dead. (Acts 17:30-31)

Paul called the Athenians to repentance. Repentance means turning from idols and turning to Jesus for the forgiveness of sins.

Repentance was a common refrain for Paul wherever he went. He would later summarize his ministry like this: “I preached first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that all must repent of their sins and turn to God—and prove they have changed by the good things they do” (Acts 26:20).

The “unknown god” can be known: His name is Jesus, the One who rose from the dead and wants everyone to repent and give their lives to him (2 Peter 3:9).

On the wall of my office is a picture of Jesus running after a lost lamb. The lamb is alone, covered in mud, terrified, and in danger. If only the lamb would turn around and see who is coming for her! Jesus leaves the ninety-nine sheep who are safe in the pen to chase down the one who is lost. He pursues us with grace, holding and securing us with his nail-pierced hands of mercy. All of heaven is lit up with happiness when one sinner repents and turns to God’s loving rest (Luke 15:7).

When you share the gospel with people, the Holy Spirit is working on them. You do not have to manipulate or pressure them. Just love them and share the gospel. As the Spirit moves on them, you can call them to repentance and faith in Jesus.

Missional principle #6: Call others to repentance.