When Jesus began His public ministry, He said, “Repent, the kingdom of heaven is near!” (cf. Matthew 4). He meant much more than, “Be sorry you got caught and try to wriggle free from any consequences.” Martin Luther taught that the whole Christian life is to be one of repentance: genuine sorrow over sin, restitution wherever possible, and 180 degree change of mind about the sin and sinful behavior.
     May God bless us with repentance of biblical proportions and grace us with saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ Who was punished for our offenses!