While working on another writing project, an epiphany occurred which led to this book. Although I have read both John the Baptist's and Jesus' statements about repentance and the kingdom of heaven many times, I became intrigued that both used the same phrase to describe how one prepares to experience the spiritual blessings of that divine realm - "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
The longer I pondered its meaning, the more I understood the enormous challenge Jesus faced in transforming the historic religious attitudes of Israel. Repentance was not solely about ceasing prior bad behavior. Instead, its greater meaning involved turning away from self-righteousness under the ancient legal codes of Israel and turning to righteousness based on faith in the redemptive life and work of Jesus alone. In order to accomplish that, centuries of deeply entrenched religious legal standards, traditions of the elders, social standards and attitudes, and the very order of Jewish society would have to change. It would involve the greatest physical challenge and the greatest danger one could face, but the spiritual rewards would also be the greatest anyone could experience.
Given the spiritual importance of repentance, it seemed logical that Jesus would have woven its meaning into all of His teaching. This inquiry led to a deeper study of the Sermon on the Mount and to the discovery of a treasure trove of spiritual truths regarding repentance.
This project has been both spiritually and physically challenging. It has been the focus of my attention and interest for a long while and has involved many hours of study and writing. The challenge seemed endless at times, but it resulted in a broader and deeper understanding of this vital spiritual concept.
I am indebted to many friends and family members for their encouragement and help. I am especially grateful to Jeffery McClendon who edited the original draft and offered many insightful comments and suggestions regarding both content and style.
I do not consider myself a biblical scholar, nor am I adept with either Hebrew or Greek. The resources which I used were no greater than those available to any biblical student. Bible references are from the New King James translation, and word meanings were derived from a Hebrew-Greek study bible, Vine's Expository Dictionary, and several computer based resources. Word references are basic without any significant effort to explore their wider meanings and nuances.
Christianity is a deeply personal spiritual experience applicable to all believers equally. However, throughout this book I used masculine gender nouns and pronouns as a traditional means of expression, and for simplicity in writing, to describe both Christianity's universal impact on mankind and its personal transformation of individual Christians. The reader should understand that no racial, ethnic, or gender disparity is intended.
I did not intend to write a scholarly treatise, but rather a direct, common-sense examination of the importance of repentance in the birth and development of the Christian faith. I hope it is meaningful.
