John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. (Mark 1v4-5)

Here we see John preached the baptism of repentance. That is that when he baptized people they first confessed their sins. We likewise when we come to Jesus need to repent of our sins, it is not merely a case of being sorry that we have done them, it is wanted to turn things around, to not keep doing them but to make a fresh start. What God cares is not so much our actions but our motives, our inward thoughts. Turn with me if you will to 2 Corinthians 7v10:

For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.

If we are truly sorry for our sins then we will repent of them, that is to turn to God and not only confess them but ask Him to help us change.

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you,[ not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 2 Peter 3v9

The promise in question here, is the promised coming of the Lord Jesus Christ in judgement to judge the earth. There are many who scoff at this promise, saying it has been 2000 years, He is never coming back. This verse tells us why He has not yet returned, it is because He is longsuffering, He wants to give all a chance to repent of their sins.

Can I ask you, have you repented of your sins and ask Christ into your life? If so, then rejoice, if not, then why not?

If you have any long words you want explained or indeed any other comments or questions about this article then please e-mail me at a.wood@assemblyyouth.net

Spending time in the Scriptures Ecclesiastes	Next month: Redemption.	Wilderness years Interceding for others
	Long Words
	Last month: Circumcision.

All quotes are from the English Standard version of the Bible unless otherwise specified.