A foolish, silly attitude is often found among Evangelical believers. There is much jesting and lightness. This blithe attitude, this false sense of security, which is not characteristic of true Christianity, has arisen because there is little terror of the Lord in the churches. There is little terror of the Lord in the churches because of a misunderstanding of the nature of the Christian redemption. It is time for Christian people to repent of their carelessness, sin, and self-seeking and awaken to the righteous behavior required by the Lord.

What has happened to the terror of the Lord? We do not see believers working out their own salvation with fear and trembling. Why is this?

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. (Philippians 2:12)

Are the believers of today working out their own salvation with fear and trembling or with silliness and a carefree spirit of false assurance, the false assurance that goes with today's preaching? "Take the four steps of salvation and you never can lose the favor and blessing of God. God has saved you eternally and unconditionally no matter how you behave. The blood of Jesus is your ticket to Paradise when you die."

Our preaching today is lacking a vital element—the call to repentance, to a change of behavior. We are preaching "another gospel," a gospel that does not make the Divine demands on the hearer.

John the Baptist preached repentance. The Lord Jesus preached repentance. The Apostles of the Lamb always preached repentance. They did not preach "let Jesus into your heart," or "you must be born again," or "slip up your hand and accept Jesus," or anything of the kind. The Book of Acts portrays the Apostles preaching repentance, and water baptism as a sign that the believer has turned away from the malice and wickedness of the world.

And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (Luke 24:47)

The first message of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God is "repentance."

"Repent, and be baptized." The Apostle Peter spoke to the Jews concerning the Lordship of Christ. Then he commanded them to change their behavior and to be baptized in water so they could have their sins forgiven.

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; (Acts 3:19)

Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities. (Acts 3:26)

"Repent ye therefore." "Turning away every one of you from his iniquities."

The message of the Book of Acts is, "Repent"!

When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. (Acts 11:18)

To be continued.