Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3 – October 3

Through the ages, Kings and priests were anointed with oil to consecrate them into their place. When Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan, the heavens were open and He was anointed as Holy Spirit came upon Him. What happened to Jesus was the reality of the Old Testament “shadows.” When the Holy Spirit came upon Jesus, the voice of His Father said, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." This was more than a “FYI;” the Father was saying this is the One who can rightfully take the throne by saying He was His “Son.” Psalms 2:7-8 is a Psalm of David that contains the prophetic words of Jesus. It says, "I will declare the decree: The LORD has said to Me, 'You are My Son, Today I have begotten You. Ask of Me, and I will give You The nations for Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth for Your possession.”

Mark 1:15 says that Jesus began His ministry by preaching, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." Is repentance just a “good suggestion” for those who believe on Jesus Christ? Repentance goes hand in hand with believing. If we truly believe, it will change our thinking and our actions and this is repentance. I’m not saying that perfect obedience is necessary for salvation; (we are saved by grace through faith), but there must be a real decision to pursue righteousness, or we don't have real faith in Christ. Jesus will say to many, “'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!' (Matt 7:23). Our righteousness and our salvation is by the blood that Jesus shed on the cross alone, but true faith to receive this salvation is accompanied by a decision to change (repentance).