What other scriptures highlight God's desire for repentance and obedience? Jeremiah 35:15—God’s Call Echoed “Again and again I sent you all My servants the prophets, proclaiming: ‘Turn now, each of you, from your evil ways and deeds, and live. Do not follow other gods to serve them, and you will live in the land I have given to you and your fathers.’ But you would not incline your ear or listen to Me.” Old Testament Voices Crying for Repentance • 2 Chronicles 7:14 – “If My people who are called by My name humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.” • Isaiah 1:18–20 – “Come now, let us reason together… If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best of the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” • Ezekiel 18:30–32 – “Repent and turn from all your transgressions… For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death… so repent and live!” • Hosea 6:6 – “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” • Joel 2:12–13 – “Return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning… for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in loving devotion.” • Jonah 3:10 – “When God saw their deeds—that they turned from their evil ways—He relented of the disaster He had threatened.” Prophets Reinforcing Obedience • Deuteronomy 30:19–20 – “Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, and that you may love the LORD your God, obey His voice, and hold fast to Him.” • 1 Samuel 15:22 – “To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.” • Micah 6:8 – “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” New Testament Continuity—Same Heart, Same Call • Matthew 3:8 – “Produce fruit worthy of repentance.” • Luke 13:3 – “Unless you repent, you will all perish as well.” • John 14:23–24 – “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word… He who does not love Me does not keep My words.” • Acts 17:30 – “God now commands all people everywhere to repent.” • Romans 2:4 – “Do you disregard the riches of His kindness… not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?” • James 1:22 – “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” • 1 John 2:3–5 – “By this we know that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments… whoever keeps His word, in him truly the love of God is perfected.” Why Repentance and Obedience Matter • They restore fellowship with God (Isaiah 59:1–2). • They position us to receive promised blessings (Deuteronomy 28:1–2). • They testify to a watching world that God’s ways are good and true (Matthew 5:16). Scripture speaks with one voice: God lovingly calls His people to turn from sin and walk in wholehearted obedience, that they might live under His favor and reveal His glory. |
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