First Word of Jesus was repent

Christians often scold other Christians for trying to be perfect before the Lord. They point out that it is impossible to achieve perfection and it is prideful to even try. They point to the fact that our personal righteousness does not save us, we are misinformed to even try to achieve it.

Repentance would necessarily mean working toward our personal ability to be righteous. Jesus told us in His very first message to us to repent.

Matthews 4:17 From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven has become near”.

Christians often scold other Christians for trying to be perfect before the Lord. They point out that it is impossible to achieve perfection and it is prideful to even try. They point to the fact that our personal righteousness does not save us, we are misinformed to even try to achieve it.

Repentance would necessarily mean working toward our personal ability to be righteous. Jesus told us in His very first message to us to repent.

Matthews 4:17 From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven has become near”.

Christians often scold other Christians for trying to be perfect before the Lord. They point out that it is impossible to achieve perfection and it is prideful to even try. They point to the fact that our personal righteousness does not save us, we are misinformed to even try to achieve it.

Repentance would necessarily mean working toward our personal ability to be righteous. Jesus told us in His very first message to us to repent.

Matthews 4:17 From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven has become near”.

How do you define perfect?

I don't think the word "perfect" is included in the definition of the word "repent". To repent is to turn from all sin, it does not have anything to say about our ability to perfectly do this.

It is best to follow the Lord and what the Lord tells us. We are told to repent, we are told we can't be perfect, we are told to be perfect. There is no instructions to us to give up on our goal of perfection because we can't reach it. If that was what the Lord wanted from us God would tell us so, God hasn't. Our instructions are to repent and to be perfect, nothing about not making perfection our goal.

Christians often scold other Christians for trying to be perfect before the Lord. They point out that it is impossible to achieve perfection and it is prideful to even try. They point to the fact that our personal righteousness does not save us, we are misinformed to even try to achieve it.

Christians often scold other Christians for trying to be perfect before the Lord. They point out that it is impossible to achieve perfection and it is prideful to even try. They point to the fact that our personal righteousness does not save us, we are misinformed to even try to achieve it.

Repentance would necessarily mean working toward our personal ability to be righteous. Jesus told us in His very first message to us to repent.

Matthews 4:17 From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven has become near”.

Is the Kingdom of Heaven still at hand for us now?

for always

How do you define perfect?

Our Lord told us to be perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect.

“One thing thou lackest...” said our Lord to the rich man.

We should rid ourselves of whatever it is that is causing us to lack, whatever the cost, in order to be perfect.

Repent from what? Never ever sinning again?

Or repent from your dead works to attain and maintain Salvation?

Actually, Jesus' first words were "Let there be light"

You should read scripture, it tells you what to repent from. I don't think our sins are dead at all, they work perfectly to kill unless we repent and take them to Christ for forgiveness. I wonder what happens with our sins they we don't take to Christ with our repentance? Thanks for reminding us that Christ is eternal God.

I don't think, however, that it makes it untrue that Christ started His earthly ministry by asking us to repent.

Is the Kingdom of Heaven still at hand for us now?

It would do you well to be more specific.

If someone asked me "what were Jesus' first words?" I would say "Let there be light". (Eternity)
If someone asked me "what were Jesus' first words in the flesh?" I would say "Where are you?". (Eden)
If someone asked me "what were Jesus' first words after His incarnation?" I would say "Why is it that you were looking for Me?" (The Temple)
If someone asked me "what were Jesus' first words as an adult?" I would say "Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness". (Jordan River)
If someone asked me "what were Jesus' first words after His baptism?" I would say "It is written: 'Man shall not live by bread alone'". (The Wilderness)
If someone asked me "what were Jesus' first words as a teacher?" I would say "What do you seek". (Jordan River)
If someone asked me "what were Jesus' first words of His earthly ministry?" I would say "Give me a drink." (Samaria)
If someone asked me "what were Jesus' first words as a preacher?" I would say "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand". (Galilee)
If someone asked me "what was Jesus' first words as the risen Lord?" I would say "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking". (The tomb of Joseph)

You see...You're gonna get different answers if you're not specific
If you specified "Jesus first words in his Galilean ministry (first words as a preacher)", we would all be on the same page about the season you were referring to.

You should read scripture, it tells you what to repent from. I don't think our sins are dead at all, they work perfectly to kill unless we repent and take them to Christ for forgiveness. I wonder what happens with our sins they we don't take to Christ with our repentance?