February 3
Glad tidings
“Repent ye, and believe the gospel.” —Mark 1:15
Read Mark 1:1-15
The changing of the guard took place: John the Baptist had to make way for the Lord Jesus. John’s task to prepare the way for the Lord was accomplished and now he had to leave it in the hands of the great Master. John had warned the people, calling them to repentance. The Lord Jesus told His listeners, John’s former followers, to believe the gospel (v. 15), and they had to discern what the gospel offered. John had pointed the people to the law and their obligations to it. He had called them to turn from their evil ways. And now the Lord Jesus revealed to them the fruit of repentance. Repentance does not end by turning to God. Think of the parable of the prodigal son. He came to himself, returned to his father’s house, and was shown the gospel. The term “gospel” means glad tidings for sinners, whose salvation has been made possible by Christ’s blood. Sinners are brought to see that there is no redemption without the blood of Christ. What a miracle this is when it is shown to you personally! How precious the Lord Jesus becomes. Then you will beg the Lord to never leave you, to always abide with you. But He does sometimes withdraw the sense of His presence, in order that you would pay closer attention to the gospel, and so that you experience that you cannot live without the cleansing power of Christ’s blood. These things will continue throughout your life until the Lord receives you to Himself forevermore.
What is the content and meaning of the gospel?
This devotional was taken from “The Time of Your Life” a daily devotional published by the Youth & Educational Committee of the FRC. To order a printed copy of this book, contact: bookorders@frcna.org.