Judgment and repentance are both necessary aspects of gospel preaching. Both the prophets and John the Baptist prepared the way for Christ by showing the need for repentance in the face of God’s judgment, to drive people toward Christ, although many of God’s people would not accept Jesus (John 1:11). The announcement of judgment would always be the opening of gospel preaching (Acts 10:42).
Yes, according to the Scriptures judgment and repentance must always be preached. Here one can look towards the example of the prophets, and especially the message proclaimed by John the Baptist in preparation for the redemptive work accomplished by Christ. Here preparation was needed in order to cultivate fertile ground for the Gospel among the people. The Jews themselves would not accept Jesus (John 1:11) for they expected an earthly kingdom. Yet it was still vitally important that he would be revealed and made known to them. His ministry would, however, have tremendous significance for the world at large. The purpose of the judgment being announced here was therefore to drive people into the arms of Christ. Moreover, we see here that the announcement of judgment is always a prelude to the preaching of the gospel (Acts 10:42). Proclaiming judgment in preaching, in other words, serves the purpose of opening people’s eyes so that they can seek Christ1
2 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”