Spiritual resources for the terminally ill and caregivers: Repentance and forgiveness of sins

(On the afternoon or evening of Jesus' resurrection) Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (Luke 24:45-47)

We Christians do not always remember our message very clearly. Jesus opened his disciples' minds after his resurrection so that they could understand the message: this is what Scripture has promised all along. The message with which we are sent into the world -- to all people, but surely first and foremost to our loved ones -- is repentance and forgiveness of sins through Jesus. Repentance is when our own hearts turn to God and therefore when we turn against our own sin. Forgiveness is the most lasting treasure we have.