The Call from Jesus to Repent and is essential for Salvation

[JesusFollowerForever]

The Call from Jesus to Repent and is essential for Salvation​

Repentance was central to the ministry of Jesus Christ. Before Jesus began His public ministry, John the Baptist was sent to prepare the way by preaching repentance. As it is written, “In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!’” (Matthew 3:1-2, NKJV). John’s baptism of repentance called people to turn from their sins and be ready for the coming of the Messiah. Jesus Himself affirmed John’s role, saying, “For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John” (Matthew 11:13, NKJV).

From the beginning of His public ministry, Jesus also proclaimed, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Matthew 4:17, NKJV). This message was not merely a call to feel regret but an urgent summons to turn away from sin and align one’s life with the will of God. Jesus made it clear that repentance is necessary for salvation when He warned, “I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3, NKJV).

Sin, as defined by the moral law, is transgression of God’s eternal commandments. Jesus affirmed the unchanging nature of this law when He declared, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled” (Matthew 5:17-18, NKJV). Thus, repentance involves a recognition of where we have fallen short of God’s holy standards and a heartfelt decision to turn away from such sin.

One striking example of Jesus’ teaching on repentance is found in Luke 19:1-10. When Jesus encountered Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector and a wealthy man, Zacchaeus demonstrated true repentance. After welcoming Jesus into his home, Zacchaeus said, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold” (Luke 19:8, NKJV). Jesus responded, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:9-10, NKJV). This account illustrates that repentance leads to tangible changes in behavior and a restoration of what was wrongfully taken.

Repentance is not just an inward change but must bear visible fruit. As John the Baptist declared, “Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance” (Matthew 3:8, NKJV). True repentance manifests in actions that reflect a transformed heart.

Moreover, repentance is an ongoing process. Jesus taught His disciples to pray daily, “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Matthew 6:12, NKJV). This underscores the need for continual self-examination and turning away from sin.

Jesus also warned of the consequences of unrepentance. In Matthew 11:20-24, He rebuked the cities where most of His mighty works had been done, saying, “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida!” (Matthew 11:21, NKJV). This serves as a solemn reminder that ignoring the call to repent leads to judgment.

God’s patience is evident in the parable of the barren fig tree (Luke 13:6-9). The vineyard owner’s willingness to give the tree another chance to bear fruit demonstrates God’s mercy and His desire for all to come to repentance. As Jesus commanded after His resurrection, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations” (Luke 24:46-47, NKJV).

Repentance is also linked to readiness for Christ’s return. Jesus cautioned, “Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass” (Luke 21:36, NKJV). A repentant life keeps us prepared for His second coming.

It is vital to understand that God sees beyond outward appearances and knows the heart. As Jesus taught, “For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known” (Luke 12:2, NKJV). Repentance cannot be superficial or merely performative; it must stem from a deep awareness of one’s sin and a sincere desire to return to God. The prophet Isaiah’s words, quoted by Jesus, underscore this point: “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me” (Matthew 15:8, NKJV).

Jesus also revealed the joy that repentance brings to heaven. He said, “I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance” (Luke 15:7, NKJV). He reinforced this truth by saying, “There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10, NKJV).

Furthermore, the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) illustrates the depth of God's mercy. When the wayward son returned home in repentance, his father ran to embrace him and celebrated his return, saying, “For this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found” (Luke 15:24, NKJV). This parable highlights God's eagerness to forgive and restore those who genuinely turn back to Him.

Jesus’ teachings on repentance call us to examine our lives in light of God’s eternal moral law and to turn away from all that separates us from Him. This turning must be genuine and heartfelt, for “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24, NKJV). Let us remember the words of Jesus: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6, NKJV).

Text by JFF

Blessings and Happy Sabbath.

 

[Hoping2]

The Call from Jesus to Repent and is essential for Salvation​

Repentance was central to the ministry of Jesus Christ. Before Jesus began His public ministry, John the Baptist was sent to prepare the way by preaching repentance. As it is written, “In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!’” (Matthew 3:1-2, NKJV). John’s baptism of repentance called people to turn from their sins and be ready for the coming of the Messiah. Jesus Himself affirmed John’s role, saying, “For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John” (Matthew 11:13, NKJV).

From the beginning of His public ministry, Jesus also proclaimed, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Matthew 4:17, NKJV). This message was not merely a call to feel regret but an urgent summons to turn away from sin and align one’s life with the will of God. Jesus made it clear that repentance is necessary for salvation when He warned, “I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3, NKJV).

Sin, as defined by the moral law, is transgression of God’s eternal commandments. Jesus affirmed the unchanging nature of this law when He declared, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled” (Matthew 5:17-18, NKJV). Thus, repentance involves a recognition of where we have fallen short of God’s holy standards and a heartfelt decision to turn away from such sin.

One striking example of Jesus’ teaching on repentance is found in Luke 19:1-10. When Jesus encountered Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector and a wealthy man, Zacchaeus demonstrated true repentance. After welcoming Jesus into his home, Zacchaeus said, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold” (Luke 19:8, NKJV). Jesus responded, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:9-10, NKJV). This account illustrates that repentance leads to tangible changes in behavior and a restoration of what was wrongfully taken.

Repentance is not just an inward change but must bear visible fruit. As John the Baptist declared, “Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance” (Matthew 3:8, NKJV). True repentance manifests in actions that reflect a transformed heart.

Moreover, repentance is an ongoing process. Jesus taught His disciples to pray daily, “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Matthew 6:12, NKJV). This underscores the need for continual self-examination and turning away from sin.

Jesus also warned of the consequences of unrepentance. In Matthew 11:20-24, He rebuked the cities where most of His mighty works had been done, saying, “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida!” (Matthew 11:21, NKJV). This serves as a solemn reminder that ignoring the call to repent leads to judgment.

God’s patience is evident in the parable of the barren fig tree (Luke 13:6-9). The vineyard owner’s willingness to give the tree another chance to bear fruit demonstrates God’s mercy and His desire for all to come to repentance. As Jesus commanded after His resurrection, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations” (Luke 24:46-47, NKJV).

Repentance is also linked to readiness for Christ’s return. Jesus cautioned, “Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass” (Luke 21:36, NKJV). A repentant life keeps us prepared for His second coming.

It is vital to understand that God sees beyond outward appearances and knows the heart. As Jesus taught, “For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known” (Luke 12:2, NKJV). Repentance cannot be superficial or merely performative; it must stem from a deep awareness of one’s sin and a sincere desire to return to God. The prophet Isaiah’s words, quoted by Jesus, underscore this point: “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me” (Matthew 15:8, NKJV).

Jesus also revealed the joy that repentance brings to heaven. He said, “I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance” (Luke 15:7, NKJV). He reinforced this truth by saying, “There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10, NKJV).

Furthermore, the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) illustrates the depth of God's mercy. When the wayward son returned home in repentance, his father ran to embrace him and celebrated his return, saying, “For this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found” (Luke 15:24, NKJV). This parable highlights God's eagerness to forgive and restore those who genuinely turn back to Him.

Jesus’ teachings on repentance call us to examine our lives in light of God’s eternal moral law and to turn away from all that separates us from Him. This turning must be genuine and heartfelt, for “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24, NKJV). Let us remember the words of Jesus: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6, NKJV).

Text by JFF

Blessings and Happy Sabbath.

Amen !

 

[SavedByGrace3]

Is it a task that is possible?
You may be called to do so, but do you have the tools and nature to actually accomplish complete repentance as:

Matthew 5:48 KJV
48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Has anyone accomplished this Perfection in their manner of living?

 

[Hoping2]

Is it a task that is possible?
You may be called to do so, but do you have the tools and nature to actually accomplish complete repentance as:

Matthew 5:48 KJV
48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Has anyone accomplished this Perfection in their manner of living?

Short answer...Yes.
Everyone who loves God more than anything else, has accomplished it.

Why do you call it "complete repentance" ?
Either one turns from, sin in this case; or they don't turn from it.

 

[JesusFollowerForever]

Is it a task that is possible?
You may be called to do so, but do you have the tools and nature to actually accomplish complete repentance as:

Matthew 5:48 KJV
48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Has anyone accomplished this Perfection in their manner of living?

I have not certainly, but am working on it, it is not an easy task since we live in this world and in it, not easy at all. Jesus said it was not an easy task but we must persevere, and if we fall, repent and continue.

 

[SavedByGrace3]

I have not certainly, but am working on it, it is not an easy task since we live in this world and in it, not easy at all. Jesus said it was not an easy task but we must persevere, and if we fall, repent and continue.

Exactly. We are all trying. But if one must accomplish God's perfection to be saved, then nobody is saved. Yet we hear this all the time: Those who demand that others achieve God's perfection to be saved while not accomplishing it themselves. There is a serious dichotomy there. Many will be discouraged from trying merely because they are honest in their self-appraisal and realize they cannot do it. So they quit.
Imagine preaching a gospel that says you are saved by faith but must also do 1 million pushups. I might do 50 before passing out. But that is a failed gospel. Nobody can do it. Same with the requirement of total perfection. Honest people know. Honest people (like yourself) see this and understand.

 

[Lost4words]

We all fall. We are all sinners.

We all need to repent when we fall. Seek forgiveness and strive not to sin again. For me, i am def not perfect. I need God's mercy.

 

[SavedByGrace3]

Short answer...Yes.
Everyone who loves God more than anything else, has accomplished it.

Why do you call it "complete repentance" ?
Either one turns from, sin in this case; or they don't turn from it.

Repentance is a task that was meant to be failed. Its effect is to condemn and show that we must be saved by faith.

Romans 3:20 KJV
20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

"Turning from" does not equate to the success of actually doing it. I can turn toward the moon but never get there.
Yes, we should all repent from sin, but not delude ourselves into thinking we are perfect in our manner of living.

1 John 1:8-10 KJV
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

John is talking to believers here. He is, in fact, including himself ("we"). It is an honest and true understanding of our current state. He goes on to solve the problem:

1 John 2:1-2 KJV
1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

Again, he includes himself ("our") and even those unsaved.

And before anyone accuses me of excusing sin... I wrote a book on the subject many years ago and teach its contents:

"How to Never Sin Again"
Technically, we have the tools to accomplish the task, mainly a born-again spirit that has the seed of God. And Jesus knows how to sanctify us.

 

[JesusFollowerForever]

Exactly. We are all trying. But if one must accomplish God's perfection to be saved, then nobody is saved. Yet we hear this all the time: Those who demand that others achieve God's perfection to be saved while not accomplishing it themselves. There is a serious dichotomy there. Many will be discouraged from trying merely because they are honest in their self-appraisal and realize they cannot do it. So they quit.
Imagine preaching a gospel that says you are saved by faith but must also do 1 million pushups. I might do 50 before passing out. But that is a failed gospel. Nobody can do it. Same with the requirement of total perfection. Honest people know. Honest people (like yourself) see this and understand.

Show me where it is said se need perfection to be saved, God knows mens hearts, knows if we love him, knows where we fail, he wants us to keep trying until the end, he wants a changed heart, He promised his help is we ask. Never was an easy task..we need to prove we love him, he tests us to see, He has His ways And his ways are just.

 

[Hoping2]

Repentance is a task that was meant to be failed.

I cannot agree !

Its effect is to condemn and show that we must be saved by faith.

The entire OT did that, but we have been enabled to move past that.

Romans 3:20 KJV
20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

Thank God we can be dead to the Law now.
Now we can be alive unto God.

"Turning from" does not equate to the success of actually doing it.

Only a false turn would breed failure, and remember, it is a gift from God.
How can God give us faulty gifts ?

I can turn toward the moon but never get there.

If you were previously headed away from the moon, you would get there...unless your "turn" was false.

Yes, we should all repent from sin, but not delude ourselves into thinking we are perfect in our manner of living.
1 John 1:8-10 KJV
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Looking at the rest of 1 John 1, I must ask...If God is the light, v5, and we are walking in Him, v7, how can we be in sin ?
Verses 6, 8, and 10, are all addressing those who walk in darkness, which Pro 4:19 says "is the way of the wicked".

John is talking to believers here. He is, in fact, including himself ("we").

He is telling believers how to spot the unbelievers.

It is an honest and true understanding of our current state. He goes on to solve the problem:

1 John 2:1-2 KJV
1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

The "any man" are those who have yet to use the Advocate's intercession.
Those who have used it, continue walking in the light-God.

Again, he includes himself ("our") and even those unsaved.

"We" have an advocate for sinners.
If sinners are unwilling to adhere to our Advocate's rules, what will happen to them ?

And before anyone accuses me of excusing sin... I wrote a book on the subject many years ago and teach its contents:
"How to Never Sin Again"
Technically, we have the tools to accomplish the task, mainly a born-again spirit that has the seed of God. And Jesus knows how to sanctify us.

I am glad you realize it IS possible to remain on God all the time, so can say we have no sin.
But I would define it as...We have been born again from God's seed, and His seed cannot bring forth liars. thieves, adulterers, or murderers.

 

[SavedByGrace3]

Show me where it is said se need perfection to be saved, God knows mens hearts, knows if we love him, knows where we fail, he wants us to keep trying until the end, he wants a changed heart, He promised his help is we ask. Never was an easy task..we need to prove we love him, he tests us to see, He has His ways And his ways are just.

When people preach "repentance," that includes ceasing from all sin. That is what repentance is... ceasing from sin... and not just a couple but all. Which sins are ok? Of course, we need to repent, which means to turn away from sin... but as shown in this thread, some seem to think that results in sinnless perfection. Some even make this sinnlessness a prerequisite to saving faith.

 

[SavedByGrace3]

I am glad you realize it IS possible to remain on God all the time, so can say we have no sin.
But I would define it as...We have been born again from God's seed, and His seed cannot bring forth liars. thieves, adulterers, or murderers.

But we still have a flesh and unrenewed mind. Our reborn spirit, if we walk according to its inclinations, we will never sin. Does that happen to all believers all the time? Obviously not. The important message to include when teaching repentance is that it is a lifelong struggle. Remain in hope and faith. God is for you and will help you. Do not give up because you fail.

 

[JesusFollowerForever]

When people preach "repentance," that includes ceasing from all sin. That is what repentance is... ceasing from sin... and not just a couple but all. Which sins are ok? Of course, we need to repent, which means to turn away from sin... but as shown in this thread, some seem to think that results in sinnless perfection. Some even make this sinnlessness a prerequisite to saving faith.

As you Get closer to God, Things change it is an ongoing transformative process, it also Implies that we trust GOD to send us the Holy Spirit, the comforter to help us and guide us, We have to let go of our old self, Our Hold habits and become something New be born again of the spirit. You asked what sins are O.K., these sins are defined by the ten Commandments they are the Covenant, but in the new Covenant that was instituted By out Lors Jesus Christ, The Lord who made us in his image said; Be Holy as I am Holy. He wants us to be one as Jesus and our Holy father in heaven are One. ( John 17)

As for sinless perfection, Only Jesus Christ merits this title with our Holy Father in Heaven.

I am far from perfect but I give it all I have and I trust in God to brig me about.

 

[Hoping2]

But we still have a flesh and unrenewed mind.

Do you have a scripture stating that those reborn of God's seed are in any manner 'unrenewed' ?
How can one be partially reborn ?
Rom 6:6 says the old man (and the flesh) was destroyed at its baptism into Christ's death.
Col 2:11 says the old man was circumcised, ie. cut off of the new man.

Our reborn spirit, if we walk according to its inclinations, we will never sin.

So who is in control ?

Does that happen to all believers all the time? Obviously not. The important message to include when teaching repentance is that it is a lifelong struggle. Remain in hope and faith. God is for you and will help you. Do not give up because you fail.

A turn (repentance) is instant, and if that turn is from sin, that too is instant.
Those who love God and His Son have no reason to cling to any part of the past.
It cannot be forced onto us anymore.

 

[SavedByGrace3]

Do you have a scripture stating that those reborn of God's seed are in any manner 'unrenewed' ?
How can one be partially reborn ?
Rom 6:6 says the old man (and the flesh) was destroyed at its baptism into Christ's death.
Col 2:11 says the old man was circumcised, ie. cut off of the new man.

So who is in control ?

A turn (repentance) is instant, and if that turn is from sin, that too is instant.
Those who love God and His Son have no reason to cling to any part of the past.
It cannot be forced onto us anymore.

Not scriptural, realistic, or found in any experiential life.
If this were so, there would be no need to confess sin, be forgiven, or be cleansed from unrighteousness. There would be no need for an advocate with the Father, and no need for the prayer of faith to effect the forgiveness of sin.
This sort of doctrine only serves to destroy believers' faith and discourage them from continuing. "This believer claims never to sin, and I cannot overcome it. What is wrong with me? Maybe I am not even saved!!" It is also indicative of someone who has a faulty self-perception, which is the first step toward repentance.

 

[Hoping2]

Not scriptural, realistic, or found in any experiential life.

If you are saying we cannot be totally renewed, I disagree.

If this were so, there would be no need to confess sin, be forgiven, or be cleansed from unrighteousness. There would be no need for an advocate with the Father, and no need for the prayer of faith to effect the forgiveness of sin.

The Advocate isn't a band-aid.
He is a cure.
What sort of life will a real love for Jesus yield ?
He died for our sins, so how can we keep going back to them after the Advocate's intercession on our behalf ?
Where is the love and appreciation ?

This sort of doctrine only serves to destroy believers' faith and discourage them from continuing. "This believer claims never to sin, and I cannot overcome it. What is wrong with me? Maybe I am not even saved!!" It is also indicative of someone who has a faulty self-perception, which is the first step toward repentance.

That sort of doctrine may be the answer to those who are so sick and tired of guilt and lost innocence, they will do anything to get right with God.
What is your definition of "believer" ?
Mine is...anyone who obeys God, unto death.

 

[fli]

The Call from Jesus to Repent and is essential for Salvation​

Repentance was central to the ministry of Jesus Christ. Before Jesus began His public ministry, John the Baptist was sent to prepare the way by preaching repentance. As it is written, “In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!’” (Matthew 3:1-2, NKJV). John’s baptism of repentance called people to turn from their sins and be ready for the coming of the Messiah. Jesus Himself affirmed John’s role, saying, “For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John” (Matthew 11:13, NKJV).

From the beginning of His public ministry, Jesus also proclaimed, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Matthew 4:17, NKJV). This message was not merely a call to feel regret but an urgent summons to turn away from sin and align one’s life with the will of God. Jesus made it clear that repentance is necessary for salvation when He warned, “I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3, NKJV).

Blessings and Happy Sabbath.

As I said in my post on “How is one's name is written in the book of life”, which you apparently did not read, repentance is granted to believers by God, so we do not have to repent for our sins to be saved. If you will go to Acts 5: 31 and 11: 18 it states that God gives repentance to Israel and grants repentance to gentiles.

As for calls for the Jews to repent in the gospels. We must remember that until Jesus died the Jews were still under the law and expected to obey it. In the OT they obeyed because by obedience it showed they believed God proving they believed in His word.

Matthew 5:17 I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. NKJV

Jesus had to tell them they had to obey the law until the time of the new covenant. After He died, we are under the New Covenant.

John 14:15 "If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever — NKJV

After that time, we must keep His commandments.

1 John 3:22 And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. 23 And this is His commandment: (1) that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and (2) love one another, as He gave us commandment. NKJV

His commandments are in 1 John above. Doing things pleasing in His sight are obeying His convictions and the writings in the epistles. His commandments we keep for salvation, we do things pleasing in His sight to stay in the Spirit and show our love for Him and the brethren.

 

[JesusFollowerForever]

As I said in my post on “How is one's name is written in the book of life”, which you apparently did not read, repentance is granted to believers by God, so we do not have to repent for our sins to be saved. If you will go to Acts 5: 31 and 11: 18 it states that God gives repentance to Israel and grants repentance to gentiles.

As for calls for the Jews to repent in the gospels. We must remember that until Jesus died the Jews were still under the law and expected to obey it. In the OT they obeyed because by obedience it showed they believed God proving they believed in His word.

Matthew 5:17 I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. NKJV

Jesus had to tell them they had to obey the law until the time of the new covenant. After He died, we are under the New Covenant.

John 14:15 "If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever — NKJV

After that time, we must keep His commandments.

1 John 3:22 And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. 23 And this is His commandment: (1) that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and (2) love one another, as He gave us commandment. NKJV

His commandments are in 1 John above. Doing things pleasing in His sight are obeying His convictions and the writings in the epistles. His commandments we keep for salvation, we do things pleasing in His sight to stay in the Spirit and show our love for Him and the brethren.

I did reply to the one you said about the book of life I did put an Agree to it but Ill reply if you want me to comment and if there is anything for me to add, but in the proper thread not this one.