Simply put, repentance is one of the hallmarks of one who has entered the kingdom of God. Without it, there is no citizenship, no matter how much one may protest his or her “faith” in Jesus.

Reason to Repent
So the kingdom of God provides good reason to repent. Life in that kingdom is good. Those who have truly entered into that realm discover that the blessings of knowing God and living according to His law are far more enjoyable, satisfying, edifying, and lasting than those old ways of sin that they used to think were so much fun.

Life in the kingdom is exciting! It’s like riding the crest of the wave of history, seeing far off in the distance just where and how that wave is going to break on the beaches of eternity, and navigating exuberantly across the face of that wave as the power of God drives it and you forward onto the shores of paradise.

Life in the kingdom is meaningful. You’re living for something far greater than yourself. You discover the joy of loving God just because He’s God, and of loving others because He enables you do so.

Life in the kingdom is peaceful and full of hope.

Life in the kingdom provides strength and reasons to persevere through the trials of life without becoming bitter, resentful, fearful, or mean.

Life in the kingdom is beautiful, in that it produces moral purity, encourages aesthetic pleasure, and fills the soul with the wonder of mystery.

John the Baptist knew the truth of the kingdom of God. Jesus did, too. Countless millions of believers from every age, every culture, and every walk of life have embraced this truth as well. The kingdom of God! This is the place to be!

But you can’t bring the baggage of sin with you. And if you try to sneak in, still clinging to that nasty old stuff, all the benefits and joys and delights of that ineffable realm will simply elude you. You’ll still be the same old unhappy, inconsiderate, self-centered person you always were, in spite of your “profession of faith,” for the simple reason that, without repentance, you have not yet entered the kingdom of God.

So how’s this for a resolution — New Year’s or any time: Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand.

The Way of Repentance
Practicing the discipline of repentance involves three things. First, you will only repent if you are completely confident that you can admit your sins to God and not have to worry about being annihilated. Jesus has taken all God’s wrath against you and borne it away. Come to God through Jesus, every time repentance is in order, and claim His suffering for your sin. Seek the grace of repentance for the sake of Jesus, and on the basis of His having endured all the wrath of God that you deserve.