Mark 1:15
And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
Mark 1:15
Verse 15 presents two climactic truths: “the time is fulfilled” and “the kingdom of God is at hand.” The coming of Jesus marks the fullness of God’s timing in salvation history; the kingdom’s nearness invites a response. The call to “repent ye, and believe the gospel” integrates transformation (repentance) with trust (belief). The message is urgent, practical, and personal—refocusing life around God’s reign and the good news about Jesus. For Mark’s audience, this was a radical invitation to reorient identity and allegiance.
This verse crystallizes the gospel’s core: God’s rule has come in Jesus, requiring repentance and faith. It anchors Christian hope in active response to the king and his mission, including the invitation to participate in the kingdom through discipleship. It also emphasizes God’s initiative—time’s fulfillment—while calling humans to respond in faith.
How to apply: continually assess one’s life through repentance and faith. Practical steps: identify areas where you cling to self-rule (control, comfort, pride) and surrender them to God. Embrace the gospel in everyday decisions: generosity, humility, and mission. Share the good news with others in tangible ways—acts of service, hospitality, and honest conversation about God’s reign.
Cross-References: Matthew 4:17; Luke 9:2; Acts 20:21; Romans 1:16; Galatians 3:26-28