"In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the
wilderness of Judea, and saying, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven
is at hand!'" (Matthew 3:1,2).
After God calls us, repentance is the starting point in our relationship
with Him. Without repentance, we are cut off from God: "Behold,
the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy,
that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your
God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not
hear" (Isaiah 59:1,2).
However, God wants all to repent and become His children
Notice how Peter was used by God to instruct those He was calling.
In Peter's first recorded sermon on the Day of Pentecost, he said, "Therefore
let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus,
whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." Those listening were "cut
to the heart." They implored Peter and the other apostles, "Men
and brethren, what shall we do?"
