What Does it Mean to Repent?

Jesus came preaching the Gospel of theKingdom of God. What were the first words in His message? Matthew 4:17 tells us: "Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Jesus was not suggesting repentance here, He was commanding it. Indeed, God commands all people everywhere to repent (see Acts 17:30) because repentance is a prerequisite to seeing and entering the Kingdom of God.Those who don't repent cannot be saved; they will perish in their sins. "I tell you, nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish" (Luke 13:3)