John the Baptist prepared the way for Christ's coming by preaching a message of repentance, emphasizing that righteousness could not develop in people until they had repented. They needed to be convicted of their sins and turn from them to accept Jesus' teachings. The proof of true repentance, as John taught, is seen when a person's life begins to show right living, the fruit of a changed heart and lifestyle. If one claims to have repented but continues on the path leading to death, true repentance has likely not occurred. Repentance is vital, for judgment is upon us, and failing to live righteously means failing to show godly fruit, leading to severe consequences, as John warned. Since Jesus, being sinless, could not exemplify repentance, David serves as a profound example. God loved David for his heart that always sought to do right, and when he fell, his humility led him to repent and move forward. David's approach to repentance, as seen in Psalm 51, highlights critical aspects. He throws himself on God's mercy, pleading for forgiveness without justifying his actions. He confesses his sins openly, admitting them without hiding from God. David acknowledges that his sins are primarily against God, affecting their relationship deeply. He recognizes his sinful nature and the need to overcome it with God's help. He understands that only God can cleanse him of sin, hinting at the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ for remission of sins. David asks God to change his heart and grant true repentance, acknowledging it as a cooperative act with God. He pleads for the renewal of God's Holy Spirit within him, fearing separation from God's presence. He seeks restoration to the path of salvation, desiring to return to the way leading to God's Kingdom. David also wishes to become a good example, teaching others God's way of life through his transformed conduct. He praises God for His goodness and mercy, showing gratitude for His grace. David understands that no physical act can atone for sin; God desires a humble, transformed heart and mind. He prays that his sin does not harm others or dishonor God's people, asking God to turn the effects of his sin to good. Repentance, therefore, involves a thorough conversion of mind and attitude, a change in conduct to what is right and godly, preparing one for the Kingdom of God through earnest effort and reliance on God's cleansing power.

Repentance, as conveyed through the Hebrew word *naham*, often translated as repentance in the Old Testament, involves more than mere sorrow for sin, which can be self-pity. A person might feel shame or fear for their reputation, but true repentance goes beyond emotion to produce godly change. The essence of repentance lies in change, highlighted by the Hebrew word *shûb*, meaning to turn or return, akin to an about-face or a complete reversal of direction. When we repent, we turn from the path of destruction to the narrow path leading to life in the Kingdom of God. In Ezekiel 33, God describes the Israelite's way of life as evil and implores them to turn from it onto the path that leads to life, emphasizing that living as He lives brings true life. Similarly, Ezekiel 18 underscores that repentance involves a rational, mental factor alongside emotion and action. God notes that a person must consider and turn away from sin, engaging the mind in the process. Sorrow without consideration is mere reaction, not godly repentance, as it lacks understanding of what one is turning toward and the change required. Godly repentance requires deep thought, where a sinner considers the entire process of their sin, what tempted them, how they progressed, and the realization that it was not good. They think about the hurt caused to themselves and others, feeling sorrow and regret, and pledge never to repeat the sin. They then embark on a diligent program of doing what is good, right, and pleasing to God. The Hebrew word *ra'ah*, translated as considers, encapsulates this process of seeing, understanding, examining, and admitting one's guilt. When we sin, we must seek to understand our actions fully, confess them to Him, and seek forgiveness, motivated by a new heart and spirit to turn from evil and pursue good with God's help.

Repentance, a concept often used to instill fear, holds a profound meaning in the context of God's purpose. True godly repentance is of primary importance, linked inseparably with baptism. It signifies a change of mind about a matter, a fundamental shift in thinking. Initial repentance involves recognizing, accepting, and believing the true gospel, leading to changes in one's life to align with this new way. Christ connects repentance with the Kingdom of God and believing the gospel, while forgiveness of past sins and the gift of God's Spirit are tied to this change. Emotion plays a significant role in repentance, as seen in David's deep sorrow and remorse when he realized he had hurt God and His purpose. Such opposition to God should evoke a similar emotional response, acknowledging our role in our Savior's death. However, emotional sorrow alone is insufficient; godly sorrow produces a change toward salvation, unlike worldly sorrow which lacks true transformation. Repentance involves not only regret for specific actions but also for what we are that leads to those actions. It is recognizing the self as the root of falling short of God's righteousness. This change is not a one-time event but a lifelong process, bearing fruits worthy of repentance over time, producing the fruit of the Spirit more consistently than the works of the flesh. Other terms like conversion also imply a change, from sinner to saint, filthy to holy, worldly to godly. Repentance and conversion together mean recognizing self and sin, and pursuing righteousness. This transformation contrasts with conformity to the world, requiring a change in composition, structure, character, and condition. The depth of this change aims to bring every thought into captivity, striving to have the very mind of Jesus Christ. Failure to repent carries penalties, as salvation depends on a lifetime of turning from dead works and overcoming in faith. One must count the cost before embarking on this path, for once committed, there is no turning back. Conversely, repentance brings rewards beyond human comprehension, including the gift of the Holy Spirit, forgiveness of sin, and the grace and acceptance of God as joint-heirs with Christ. It offers faith and hope of ruling with Christ for eternity, benefiting not only oneself but also aiding others to turn from their ways. Repentance is arduous, yet through Jesus Christ, it is positive and achievable, for the Kingdom of God is at hand.

The message admonishes every member of God's church that we should constantly be in a continuous state of repentance, but that signs of the end should get us urgently in that state. Being a literal descendant of Abraham or a part of God's church and doing basic rituals is not enough to produce those fruits. Repentance doesn't just involve the negative aspect of removing sin and bad actions but turning towards righteousness and willful good actions. Presenting a three-step way of looking at repentance demonstrated by the parable of the Prodigal son (Luke 15:11-18), we must realize that it involves first changing our mind, second changing our heart, and then changing our will. Change of mind involves coming back to a sane state of thought through the holy spirit or an event that shakes us back on the way. Change of heart is importantly realizing through sorrow that our primary offense was against God and then others and ourselves. Change of will means demonstrating fruits of repentance through action and showing fruits of repentance (carefulness, indignation, and zeal) as shown in 2 Corinthians 7:11. As we repent and ask forgiveness ourselves, we must also forgive others, so we spread God's attributes of mercy in the church and world.