The concept of divine judgment is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, illustrating God's righteousness and justice. However, Scripture also reveals that such judgments can be averted when individuals or nations turn to God in repentance and faith. This theme underscores God's mercy and willingness to forgive those who earnestly seek Him.

Old Testament Examples

1. Nineveh: One of the most striking examples of judgment being averted is found in the account of Nineveh. God sent the prophet Jonah to proclaim impending destruction due to the city's wickedness. Jonah 3:4-5 states, "On the first day of his journey, Jonah set out into the city and proclaimed, 'Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned!' And the people of Nineveh believed God. They proclaimed a fast and dressed in sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least." In response to their repentance, God relented from the disaster He had planned (Jonah 3:10).

2. King Hezekiah: In 2 Kings 20, King Hezekiah became mortally ill, and the prophet Isaiah told him to set his house in order because he would die. Hezekiah prayed earnestly to the Lord, and God responded by granting him an additional fifteen years of life. 2 Kings 20:5 records God's message: "I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you."

3. The Israelites: Throughout the history of Israel, the cycle of sin, judgment, repentance, and deliverance is evident. In Judges 10:10-16, the Israelites cried out to the Lord, confessing their sins and putting away foreign gods. In response, God could no longer bear their misery and delivered them from their oppressors.

New Testament Teachings

1. The Prodigal Son: Jesus' parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32 illustrates the principle of turning back to God. The younger son squandered his inheritance but eventually returned to his father, who welcomed him with open arms. This parable highlights God's readiness to forgive and restore those who repent.

2. Repentance and Forgiveness: The New Testament consistently teaches that repentance leads to forgiveness and the averting of spiritual judgment. In Acts 3:19 , Peter exhorts, "Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away."

3. The Church at Laodicea: In Revelation 3:14-22, Jesus addresses the church at Laodicea, warning them of their lukewarm faith. He calls them to repentance, offering restoration and fellowship to those who heed His call: "Those I love, I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent" (Revelation 3:19).

Principles of Averting Judgment

1. Repentance: A genuine turning away from sin and turning toward God is central to averting judgment. This involves a heartfelt acknowledgment of wrongdoing and a commitment to change.

2. Faith and Obedience: Trusting in God's promises and aligning one's life with His commandments are essential. Faith is not merely intellectual assent but involves active obedience.

3. Intercession: The Bible also highlights the role of intercessory prayer in averting judgment. Moses, for example, interceded for the Israelites, and God relented from destroying them (Exodus 32:11-14).

4. Humility: Humbling oneself before God is a recurring theme. In 2 Chronicles 7:14 , God promises, "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."

The biblical narrative consistently reveals that while God is just and righteous, He is also merciful and compassionate, willing to forgive and restore those who earnestly seek Him.Deuteronomy 30:1-3
And it shall come to pass, when all these things are come on you, the blessing and the curse, which I have set before you, and you shall call them to mind among all the nations, where the LORD your God has driven you,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ripe for Gathering
... 6. That we may buy the poor for silver, and the needy for ... by them any more.' The
first two visions had threatened judgments, which had been averted by the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/ripe for gathering.htm

David and Nathan
... His deepest and solemnest judgments do not need to come ... law is law, and that the
consequences cannot be averted. ... have to show you in a moment, may still remain ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/david and nathan.htm

Carried Captive into Babylon
... and thus to temper with mercy the judgments even now ... already half fulfilled, what
desolation might have been averted! ... I equal to thee, that I may comfort thee ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 37 carried captive into.htm

Crucified, Dead, and Buried. '
... with Messiah, or even with the Messianic judgments, and the ... One of the soldiers -
may we not be allowed ... hindered in his good deed, yet averted the opposition ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xv crucified dead and.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... and more the justice of his judgments, Deiokes, finding ... of the two streams of
immigration may be placed in ... Having thus averted the Cimmerian danger, he was able ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

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