Now in those days John the Baptist *came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
– Matthew 3:1-2, NASB
From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
– Matthew 4:17, NASB
The kingdom of heaven is at hand means “I am right here for you to repent.” The kingdom of heaven was introduced by John the Baptist. When John the Baptist preached, he knew who Christ was. He knew that the kingdom of heaven is with Christ and that Christ is the kingdom of heaven. So when John began his ministry he boldly declared, “Repent! For the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Then Jesus continued with the same message. You should say, “Lord Jesus, You are at hand. You are the kingdom of heaven, and I as a man should repent. When I repent, I can be one with you.”
Excerpted from Message 17 — The Apostle Peter (6): The Revelation by Christ: The Kingdom of Heaven (2) of the video message series Visions and Revelations by Titus Chu
“When I repent, I can be one with [God].” That’s so true. To say “sorry Lord” or to admit that what I am doing is wrong are opportunities for me to repent and be one with God!