Have you ever considered that someone can attend church every Sunday, profess to serve the Almighty God, yet not truly believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ? It's a startling but real situation.
“...The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!” (Mark 1:15). This powerful statement by Jesus carries a clear message: "Repent of your sins and believe the Good News." The Good News Bible rephrases it as: "Change the way you think and act, and believe the Good News."
Jesus' instruction in this scripture is simple, yet many today miss its significance. He calls us to repent of our sins and believe in the salvation offered through Jesus Christ. Before I encountered this truth and became born again, I mistakenly believed I had already accepted the Gospel because I was a chorister, attended church services regularly, prayed, and read the Bible. I thought that since I acknowledged Jesus as God, I was on the right path. I even recited the "Sinner's Prayer" multiple times. But I was mistaken.
This reflects the experience of many in the church today. Many Christians pray, read the Bible, attend church frequently, and acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God who died for our sins. They call on Him in times of need and declare Him as their Savior. But have they truly believed in the Gospel? Is mere acknowledgment of Jesus as Savior the full proof of salvation? According to Jesus’ words in Mark 1:15, it is not.
Jesus' message in Mark 1:15 is clear: if you have genuinely believed in the Gospel, sin will no longer dominate your life. No matter the level of immorality, wickedness, or corruption in your environment—whether in your country, workplace, or family—you must stand out and live a righteous life. That’s why Jesus stresses repentance and belief in the Gospel.
True repentance means leaving behind a life of sin and immorality, regardless of the cost—whether it's a job, relationship, friendship, or even family ties. If you have truly believed in the Gospel, you will embrace a life of righteousness and holiness. You cannot claim to believe in the Gospel and accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior while continuing to lie, cheat, covet, hate, engage in sexual immorality, or commit other sins. Publicly professing faith in Jesus while secretly holding onto sin is a serious contradiction. Your private and public lives must align as someone who has truly believed in the Gospel.
The true evidence of belief in the Gospel is this: you sin no more. When Jesus healed some individuals in the Bible, He often said, “Go and sin no more.” You cannot cling to sin while claiming to embrace the Gospel. You must fully abandon sin and embrace the Gospel wholeheartedly.
Today, I encourage you to reflect. Look inward and examine whether this vital factor is missing in your service to God. Have you truly believed in the Gospel? Have you fully let go of sin and embraced a life of righteousness in Christ, standing firm for what is right and rejecting evil, unrighteousness, and corrupt practices? Remember, if sin still has a hold on you, you have not fully embraced the Gospel.
Sin and the Gospel cannot coexist. The Gospel came to eradicate sin. If you are ready to let go of sin and embrace the Gospel, pray this prayer in faith:
"Lord Jesus, I am sorry for holding onto sin. I am ready to let go of all sinful practices and live a holy life that honors You. I receive You as my Lord and Savior. I believe You died for my sins to set me free. I accept the freedom You have given me from sin, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, I will live righteously as Your child henceforth, in Jesus' Name, Amen."
Congratulations on making this decision! I encourage you to find a Bible-believing Church, engage in personal Bible study and daily prayers (God's Word is the Sword of the Spirit, helping you resist temptations), and build a relationship with the Holy Spirit (by talking to Him, listening to Him and asking Him questions). He empowers you daily to live above sin. Worship and praise God daily, and surround yourself with godly friends.
If you need guidance as you navigate this new stage and seek spiritual growth, feel free to reach out to me on Facebook @Precious Victor Akah or via email at preciousvictorakah@outlook.com.
Stay blessed and enjoy your new life in Christ Jesus.
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