Within the context of American society, we have strayed from the true purpose and identity of what the church was originally created to be. When we hear the word, “church,” we think of a building, a mere location where believers gather together every Sunday. The church of America might believe the essential elements of the church are an air-conditioned sanctuary, ten different ministry opportunities, and a full band to lead worship. While none of these things in themselves are bad, they do not comprise the biblical model of what the church was created to be. In Acts 2:38, Peter tells a group of listeners, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” The church comes into existence when lost people repent of their sin, turn to Him in faith, are baptized, and self-identify as the church. The church is not …show more content…
Romans 3:23 states, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” A person without repentance is utterly fallen and hopeless in the midst of God’s glory, not able to take on the name, “Body of Christ.” It is impossible for a person to enter into a relationship with Christ without repentance and faith in Him. Consequently, without a relationship with Christ, a person cannot be considered part of the church. All throughout Scripture, we see how important this necessity of repentance is. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus commands His listeners to “repent for the Kingdom of God is near.” One cannot possibly enter into a relationship with God without repentance, which is why it is the first essential element of the church. Repentance and faith in Christ turns a person away from his or her sin, and allows that person to enter into the grace of God. Repentance is a central command of Peter to the church, and so it must be a central command in our churches