What is the meaning of Mark 1:15? The time is fulfilled • Jesus announces that God’s redemptive calendar has reached its decisive moment. Prophecies such as Daniel 9:24-26 and Isaiah 40:3 are now coming to pass. • Paul echoes this idea: “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son” (Galatians 4:4). • The long wait is over; every promise converges in Christ’s arrival. Our confidence in Scripture’s reliability rests on these fulfilled predictions. and the kingdom of God is near • “Near” means present in the person and work of Jesus (Luke 17:21) while still awaiting its future consummation (Revelation 11:15). • Matthew records the same announcement: “From that time on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near’” (Matthew 4:17). • Key implications: – God’s rule is breaking into human history. – Signs and wonders (Mark 1:32-34), authority over demons (Mark 1:27), and life-giving teaching all testify that the King has arrived. – Believers today live in the tension of “already” and “not yet,” called to display kingdom values while awaiting Christ’s return. Repent • Repentance is more than remorse; it is a Spirit-empowered turnaround of mind and behavior (Acts 3:19). • John the Baptist prepared the way by preaching repentance (Mark 1:4), underscoring its non-negotiable place in entering the kingdom. • Genuine repentance: – Confesses sin (1 John 1:9). – Forsakes self-rule (Isaiah 55:7). – Produces visible fruit (Luke 3:8). • God’s kindness leads us to this change (Romans 2:4), showing His desire that none should perish (2 Peter 3:9). and believe in the gospel! • The gospel is the “good news” of what God has done through Jesus’ death and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). • Belief is wholehearted trust, not mere assent. Jesus told Martha, “Whoever lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:26). • Faith and repentance are two sides of one response: turning from sin and turning to Christ. As Paul declared, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). • Practical outworking: – Resting in Christ’s finished work (John 19:30). – Ongoing obedience flowing from faith (James 2:17). – Proclaiming the same message to others (2 Corinthians 5:20). summary Mark 1:15 captures Jesus’ inaugural declaration: history’s awaited moment has arrived, God’s reign has drawn near in Him, and the only fitting response is a decisive about-face from sin and a trusting embrace of the gospel. This call remains timeless—urgent, gracious, and backed by every promise God has ever made. |
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