What does "turn from transgression" in Isaiah 59:20 mean for personal holiness? The Text Itself “‘The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who turn from transgression,’ declares the LORD.” (Isaiah 59:20) Understanding “Turn from Transgression” - “Turn” translates a Hebrew verb that means to return or shift direction—an intentional about-face. - “Transgression” points to willful crossing of God’s boundaries, not accidental missteps. - Together, the phrase calls for decisive repentance: abandoning known sin and aligning with God’s ways. Why This Matters for Personal Holiness - Holiness is inseparable from repentance. The Redeemer comes “to those…who turn.” No turning, no fellowship (cf. 2 Timothy 2:19; 1 John 3:6). - Personal holiness is God-ward, not rule-centered. We turn from sin because it offends the One who saved us (Ephesians 4:30). - Real repentance guards against hypocrisy—externals without inward change (Isaiah 29:13; Matthew 15:8). What Turning Looks Like Head, Heart, Hands - Head: acknowledge sin as God defines it (Romans 3:20). - Heart: grieve over it, not merely its consequences (2 Corinthians 7:10). - Hands: forsake the act and replace it with obedience (Ephesians 4:22-24). Ongoing Pattern - Confess promptly (1 John 1:9). - Forsake deliberately—cut off opportunities (Matthew 5:29-30). - Pursue the opposite virtue: lying → truth-telling, lust → purity, bitterness → forgiveness (Colossians 3:5-14). - Depend on the Spirit, not sheer willpower (Galatians 5:16-17). Practical Steps for Turning 1. Examine yourself in the light of Scripture (Psalm 139:23-24). 2. Name the sin without excuses (Proverbs 28:13). 3. Ask the Redeemer for cleansing and power (Hebrews 4:16). 4. Make concrete changes—remove triggers, restructure habits (Romans 13:14). 5. Invite accountability from mature believers (James 5:16). 6. Replace empty time with worship, service, and Scripture intake (Psalm 119:11). 7. Persevere; repentance is a lifestyle, not a one-time event (Luke 9:23). Encouragement from Related Scriptures - Isaiah 55:7: “Let the wicked forsake his way…He will freely pardon.” - Acts 3:19: “Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away.” - 1 Peter 1:15-16: “Be holy in all you do, for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” - 2 Corinthians 7:1: “Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit.” Living It Out Daily - Keep short accounts with God—daily confession prevents hardened hearts. - Stay alert; small compromises grow into major transgressions (Song of Songs 2:15). - Celebrate grace. Holiness is possible because the Redeemer already paid for every failure (Romans 8:1). - Let turning from transgression become a joyful rhythm—evidence that Christ’s life is shaping yours more and more each day. |
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