What is the meaning of Jeremiah 2:35? You say, “I am innocent.” Israel insists nothing is wrong. The claim flies in the face of God’s previous charges (Jeremiah 2:13, 20). • Self-deception: “All a man’s ways seem right in his own eyes” (Proverbs 16:2). • Comparison trap: Like the Pharisee who thanked God he wasn’t “like other men” (Luke 18:11-12). • Reality check: “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves” (1 John 1:8). God’s standard, not our feelings, determines innocence. Surely His anger will turn from me. Presumption replaces repentance. • Misreading mercy: “The LORD, gracious and compassionate… yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished” (Exodus 34:6-7). • False security: “When someone hears the words of this oath… he blesses himself in his heart, saying, ‘I will have peace even though I walk in the stubbornness of my heart’” (Deuteronomy 29:19). • Warning: “Do you presume on the riches of His kindness… not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4). Behold, I will judge you God answers presumption with promised judgment. • Certain justice: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay” (Hebrews 10:30). • Present discipline: “Your own evil will discipline you” (Jeremiah 2:19). • Final reckoning: “The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness” (Romans 1:18). Divine patience has limits. Because you say, “I have not sinned.” Denial is the root issue. • Open confession brings mercy: “He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy” (Proverbs 28:13). • Universal guilt: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). • Truth requirement: “If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar” (1 John 1:10). Refusing to admit sin shuts the door to forgiveness. summary Jeremiah 2:35 exposes the deadly trio of self-deception, presumption, and denial. Claiming innocence without repentance invites God’s sure judgment. The passage presses every reader to drop excuses, acknowledge sin, and seek the mercy that God freely offers to the humble and contrite. |
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