Repentance and Forgiveness of Sin be preach in the name of Jesus.

This is the absolute core of the Christian gospel—the non-negotiable, life-changing message that must be proclaimed to all.

Here is a poem and reflection on this foundational command.

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The Commission to Preach

It is not a suggestion, but a command, For every woman,child, and man. It is the mission of the Church, To leave no soul within the lurch.

“Repentance and forgiveness of sins…” This is where new life begins. It is the message,strong and true, For me,for her, for you.

This is not our own idea, No philosophy from afar. It was the Savior’s final charge, Before He rose to heaven,large: “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations…”(Luke 24:46-47)

The Twofold Message

First, Repentance: The turning‘round, the change of mind, Leaving the old life behind. A sorrow not for getting caught, But for the holy life we’ve fought. It is a U-turn on the road, Laying down sin’s heavy load. “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation…”(2 Corinthians 7:10)

Then, Forgiveness: The glorious news,the declaration, Of full and free justification! The debt is canceled,wiped away, Because of what Christ did that day. The sin that stood between us,God, Is buried‘neath the righteous sod. “Everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”(Acts 10:43)

The Authority: In His Name

We do not preach a vague, good mood, Or simply say,“Try to be good.” We preach a Person,and His claim: The powerfulname of Jesus. For there’s no other name we need, No other power,no other creed. “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”(Acts 4:12)

In His name, the chains are broke. In His name,the word is spoke. In His name,the dead are raised. In His name,God’s name is praised.

The Poem: Proclaim It

Go tell the world the joyful sound, On every corner,fertile ground. Proclaim it to the proud and weak, To all the humble,all the meek.

Preach it not with prideful voice, But as a herald who rejoices! The King has paid the prisoner’s fee, The guilty soul can now go free!

Preach it to the one who’s shamed, Who thinks they cannot be reclaimed. Preach it to the one who’s“good,” Who’s misunderstood their need for blood.

“Repent!” we cry, “Turn from your sin! Let the new life now begin! Believe!”we shout, “And be forgiven! Receive the hope of heaven!”

This is the message, clear and plain, That washes clean the guilty stain. So let the Church her voice now raise, To preach Repentance,and to speak His Praise.