Repent and Believe Matters More Than Accepting Jesus

I recently read this quote and it got me thinking:

“Nowhere in the New Testament will you find that salvation is about "accepting" Jesus. Nowhere are you called to "accept Jesus". Nowhere in the New Testament will you find that salvation is about "asking Jesus into your heart". Nowhere in the New Testament are we told to "ask Jesus into your heart….Nowhere. Nowhere. Nowhere. It's not there. What you are told again and again and again is to repent and believe.”

This quote by Dr. Voddie Baucham is powerful. The words cut through much of the cultural language surrounding salvation: “Nowhere in the New Testament will you find that salvation is about ‘accepting’ Jesus. Nowhere are you called to ‘accept Jesus.’ Nowhere in the New Testament will you find that salvation is about ‘asking Jesus into your heart.’… [we're] told again and again and again is to repent and believe.”

This statement challenges many of the modern interpretations of the Gospel message. While phrases like "accepting Jesus into your heart" are popular in contemporary evangelicalism, they are not explicitly found in Scripture. Instead, the Bible consistently emphasizes two inseparable commands: repentance and faith (or belief).

The Biblical Command to Repent and Believe
The exact phrase "repent and believe" appears in Mark 1:15, where Jesus begins His public ministry with these words: "The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the Gospel." This concise statement encapsulates the essence of salvation. It is a call to action—a call to turn away from sin (repentance) and to place trust in the Good News of Jesus Christ (belief). But this command is not isolated to one verse. The themes of repentance and faith echo throughout the New Testament.

Repentance: Turning Away From Sin
Repentance is a change of mind and heart that leads to a change in behavior. It is more than mere regret or sorrow for wrongdoing; it is an intentional turning away from sin and toward God.

Consider these key passages:
Acts 2:38: On the day of Pentecost, Peter proclaimed to the crowd: “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.” Peter’s call to repentance was the starting point for their relationship with God. Repentance is foundational to entering into the new covenant.

Luke 13:3: Jesus warns: "Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish." 

Repentance is not optional; it is an essential response to the reality of sin and the holiness of God.

Faith: Trusting in the Good News
While repentance involves turning away from sin, faith involves turning toward God. Faith is placing your trust in Jesus Christ—His life, death, and resurrection—as the only means of salvation.

Acts 20:21: Paul summarizes his ministry as: "testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ."

Hebrews 11:6: The author of Hebrews emphasizes the necessity of faith: "Without faith it is impossible to please Him [God], for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him."

Faith is not merely intellectual agreement; it is a deep trust in God’s promises and a personal reliance on His grace.

A Biblical Blueprint for Salvation
The New Testament consistently presents repentance and faith as two sides of the same coin. They are distinct yet inseparable. You cannot truly repent without believing, and you cannot truly believe without repenting. Together, they form the biblical response to the Gospel.

Consider Hebrews 6:1, which refers to: "repentance from dead works and faith toward God."

This verse highlights the turning away (repentance) from a life of sin and self-reliance and the turning toward (faith) a life rooted in God’s grace.

The Problem With "Accepting Jesus Into Your Heart"
Phrases like "accept Jesus into your heart" or "ask Jesus into your heart" are often used to simplify the Gospel message. While well-intentioned, these phrases can obscure the biblical emphasis on repentance and faith. They may give the impression that salvation is merely about a one-time decision or emotional experience, rather than a lifelong commitment to follow Christ.

Dr. Baucham’s quote reminds us to return to Scripture for clarity. Salvation is not about "accepting" Jesus on our terms; it is about submitting to Him as Lord and Savior through repentance and belief.

Responding to the Call
The call to "repent and believe" is as urgent today as it was when Jesus first proclaimed it. It is a call to acknowledge our sin, to turn away from it, and to trust wholly in Christ’s finished work on the cross. This is not merely a one-time decision but a continual posture of the heart.

As you reflect on your own faith journey, consider these questions:

1. Have you truly repented of your sin, or are there areas where you still cling to self-reliance?
2. Is your faith rooted in the Gospel—the Good News of Jesus—or in your own efforts or feelings?

The good news is that God’s grace is sufficient. When we repent and believe, we find forgiveness, freedom, and the promise of eternal life.

The message of the New Testament is clear: Salvation is not about "accepting" Jesus or "asking Him into your heart." It is about responding to His invitation to repent and believe. This biblical call transforms lives, breaks chains, and leads us into a relationship with the living God.

Today, hear His call afresh: "Repent and believe in the Gospel." (Mark 1:15)

How does the biblical call to "repent and believe" reshape our understanding of salvation compared to the cultural language of simply "asking Jesus into your heart"?

Read more: The Romans Road to Salvation and Let's Explore Christianity.