What other scriptures emphasize repentance and turning from sin like 2 Corinthians 12:21? Setting the Scene with 2 Corinthians 12:21 “I am afraid that when I come again, my God will humble me before you, and I will grieve over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality, and debauchery they have practiced.” Paul’s grief rests on one issue: lack of repentance. Scripture echoes that same theme from Genesis to Revelation. Old-Testament Calls to Turn Back • 2 Chronicles 7:14 – “and 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 55:6-7 – “Seek the LORD while He may be found… Let the wicked man forsake his way… let him return to the LORD, and He will have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will freely pardon.” • Ezekiel 18:30-32 – “Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so that your sin will not become your downfall… For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death, declares the Lord GOD. So repent and live!” • Hosea 14:1-2 – “Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God… Bring your confessions and return to the LORD.” • Proverbs 28:13 – “He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.” Repentance in the Ministry of John and Jesus • Matthew 3:2 – John the Baptist: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” • Matthew 4:17 – Jesus begins preaching: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” • Mark 1:15 – “The time is fulfilled… Repent and believe in the gospel!” • Luke 13:3 – “But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” • Luke 5:32 – “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” The Early Church’s Message • Acts 2:38 – “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins…” • Acts 3:19 – “Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away.” • Acts 17:30 – “God now commands all people everywhere to repent.” Continued Call in the Epistles • 2 Corinthians 7:9-10 – “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” • James 4:8 – “Draw near to God… Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” • 1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” • 2 Peter 3:9 – “The Lord… is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.” Repentance in Revelation’s Letters • Revelation 2:5 – “Remember how far you have fallen. Repent and perform the deeds you did at first.” • Revelation 3:19 – “Those I love, I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent.” Putting It Together The Spirit’s consistent word is clear: • Sin grieves God and harms His people. • Repentance—turning from sin to God—opens the way for forgiveness, cleansing, restoration, and renewed fellowship. • Whether spoken by prophets, Jesus Himself, the apostles, or in the final letters to the churches, the call never changes: “Repent and live.” |
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