Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away.
— ACTS 3:19 —
David González: Berea Seminary | Spain
Repentance is a term that is increasingly rejected in our society. Talking about the need for repentance is antagonistic and offensive in our culture. Most people think that they are right, and they do not need to repent for anything. Like the crowd who clung to Peter and John, people are more interested in the power of the creature than in the Creator. They reject the holy and righteous One and defend sin and evil. It is not enough to have regret or sorrow for sin; you must genuinely repent from your sin and turn to God. On the contrary, the Bible clearly declares that repentance is a required response for salvation. It is the only way your sins can be wiped away. When Peter proclaimed this, he was not intimidated by the crowd’s opposition but persuaded by the power of God. Though the crowd did not want to hear about repentance, Peter responded to them with this great message: “repent and return.” Change your mind, stop sinning, and turn back to God because He commands all people everywhere to repent from their sins. Maybe you are not a Christian, so you need to confess your sin and your rebellion against God. It is not enough to have regret or sorrow for sin; you must genuinely repent from your sin and turn to God. If you are a Christian, consider Peter’s conviction in God’s word. Do not be afraid of the opposition you will face. Find comfort in God’s will. Proclaim repentance. Do not be carried along by modern influences—confront people with their sin, and call them to repentance and belief in Christ.
