Col 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
"That repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name." Most of what is preached should not be preached, because it is not true to scripture. But here the Lord tells us what should be preached. Repentance and remission of sins. What does that mean? How often have you tortured yourself over a mis-understanding of repentance. Have I really repented? Is my repentance deep enough and sincere enough? What does the Bible mean by repentance? The word means literally "a change of mind". Repentance and the remission of sins are not two different parts of the Gospel message. This could just as easily read.... "Repentance toward or concerning the remission of sins." A "change of mind" concerning the remission of sins. We all naturally think that the remission, or forgiveness of sins comes to us through our doing something. Repentance is changing your way of thinking regarding how we have the remission of sins! We have the remission of sins through the work of the Lord Jesus on Calvary's Tree! "In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins" Col. 1:14. The remission of sins was accomplished for the elect when He died on the cross. "It is finished" .....means.....remission of sins is accomplished. If we are granted a change of mind concerning the remission of sins, we will have a change of mind concerning everything else! Somebody once said, "Repentance is a change of mind, but, oh what a change." This changes your mind concerning how you think about God, sin, salvation, and every aspect of your life. When one's mind is changed concerning the remission sins, his motive is changed in serving Christ, and his manners (conduct) will necessarily be changed. There is no true obedience to Christ that is not founded on an understanding of how our sins are remitted through Christ. "Be ye kind, tenderhearted, forgiving one another even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (Eph. 4:32).
by Todd Nibert
