So let me put this simply if I can...
You see alot of *legalism* with the relationship between Mankind and G-d?
Does *works* enable *Man* to boast? Meaning one man can say I know G-d better or I have better favor with G-d because of my legalistic and spiritualistic knowledge and behavior of G-d?
Do you see Mankind spending an infinite time always trying to please G-d?
Of course not. By trying to keep His instructions we can be closer.
There is a mark of G-d, just as there is a mark of the beast. The mark of G-d is his Torah, Divine instruction.
Yes, that is why Yehosua told people to repent, to keep G-d's commandments.
Matthew 3
2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Matthew 3:
8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
What sort of fruits do you think he meant? Bananas, apple? WORKS!
Matthew 4:17
From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Matthew 9:13
But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Matthew 11:20
Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not: Mark 6
11 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.
12 And they went out, and preached that men should repent.
13 And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.