Urgency

The urgency of the call to repent

In the preaching of John the Baptist

Matthew 3:2 parallels Mark 1:4, Luke 3:3

and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”

In the preaching of Jesus Christ

Mark 1:15 See also Matthew 4:17; Luke 13:3

“The time is fulfilled,” He said, “and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!”

In the preaching of Peter

Acts 2:38 See also Acts 3:19

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

In the preaching of Paul

Acts 20:21, Acts 26:20

The urgency of the need to proclaim the gospel

2 Timothy 4:1–2 See also John 4:35–37; 2 Corinthians 6:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:2 in the light of the coming day of the Lord

I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction.

Examples of urgent summons by officials

Numbers 22:37; 1 Samuel 21:8; Daniel 3:22