Luke 3:4 NASB
as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, “The VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS, ‘MAKE READY THE WAY OF THE LORD, MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT.
1 Thessalonians 1:9 NASB
For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God,
John the Baptist’s ministry was the ministry of repentance. Repentance is so important because it prepares for the manifestation of the presence of The Lord.
I’ve heard taught all my Christian life that repentance is “turning from” sin, but I believe that is a false understanding that has actually reinforced bondage to sin, instead of freedom. Like the example of the Thessalonians, repentance is a turning, but it is a a turning “toward” the Lord, and as you turn toward Him and His adequacy, you automatically turn from bondage. Trying to turn from things with a commitment to walk away from it, only carries the promise of failure that all sincere self effort results in. Christianity starts with, and daily continues with looking to grace (remember that grace has a face:Jesus), and as we do, we get set free from.