Topical Encyclopedia Repentance is a central theme in the Bible, emphasizing the need for individuals to turn away from sin and return to God. The concept of repentance is not only a call to the righteous but also a warning to the wicked, who often neglect the time given for repentance. This neglect is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, highlighting the urgency and necessity of turning to God before it is too late.Biblical Warnings Against Neglecting Repentance The Bible frequently warns the wicked about the dangers of ignoring the opportunity for repentance. In the Old Testament, the prophets consistently called the people of Israel to repent, warning them of impending judgment if they failed to do so. For instance, in Isaiah 55:6-7 , the prophet urges, "Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. Let the wicked man forsake his own way and the unrighteous man his own thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon." The New Testament continues this theme, with Jesus Himself warning of the consequences of failing to repent. In Luke 13:3 , Jesus states, "No, I tell you. But unless you repent, you too will all perish." This stark warning underscores the urgency of repentance and the peril of neglecting the time given for it. The Hardening of Hearts One of the reasons the wicked neglect the time given for repentance is the hardening of their hearts. This spiritual condition is often self-inflicted, as individuals persist in sin and rebellion against God. In Hebrews 3:13 , believers are cautioned, "But exhort one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness." The deceitfulness of sin can lead to a hardened heart, making it increasingly difficult for the wicked to recognize their need for repentance. The Example of Pharaoh A prominent biblical example of neglecting the time for repentance is Pharaoh in the book of Exodus. Despite witnessing numerous signs and wonders performed by God through Moses, Pharaoh repeatedly hardened his heart and refused to let the Israelites go. In Exodus 9:34-35 , it is recorded, "When Pharaoh saw that the rain and hail and thunder had ceased, he sinned again and hardened his heart, he and his officials. So Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not let the Israelites go, just as the LORD had said through Moses." Pharaoh's persistent refusal to repent ultimately led to his downfall and the destruction of Egypt's firstborn. The Parable of the Rich Fool Jesus' parable of the rich fool in Luke 12:16-21 serves as a poignant illustration of the folly of neglecting repentance. The rich man, focused solely on his earthly wealth and comfort, fails to consider his spiritual state and the brevity of life. God addresses him in verse 20, saying, "You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?" The parable highlights the danger of prioritizing temporal concerns over eternal matters, including the need for repentance. The Call to Immediate Repentance Scripture consistently calls for immediate repentance, emphasizing that the time to turn to God is now. In 2 Corinthians 6:2 , Paul writes, "For He says: 'In the time of favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.' Behold, now is the time of favor; now is the day of salvation." This urgent call serves as a reminder that the opportunity for repentance is not indefinite, and the wicked must not delay in seeking God's forgiveness and grace. Consequences of Neglect The consequences of neglecting the time given for repentance are severe and eternal. The Bible warns that those who persist in wickedness and refuse to repent will face God's judgment. In Romans 2:5 , Paul warns, "But because of your hard and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed." This sobering reality underscores the importance of heeding the call to repentance and turning to God while there is still time. Torrey's Topical Textbook Revelation 2:21And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Vision Second. Again, of his Neglect in Chastising his Talkative ... "The Time of Trouble. " Repentance The Time of Trouble On Admonition and Repentance. Characters Will be Disclosed, and Justice Awarded. God Willing that all Men Should be Saved. Letter iii. --For 331. Easter-Day xvi Pharmuthi; iii Id. April ... Guilt of Neglecting the Heathen. Concerted Prayer Resources How to repent'what does the Bible say? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that God is not willing for any to perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9)? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that today is the day of salvation? | GotQuestions.org Repentance: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Repentance by the Operation of the Holy Spirit Repentance by the Preaching of Haggai Repentance by the Preaching of Oded Repentance in Asking for a King Repentance in the Time of Asa, by the Preaching of Azariah Repentance of Their Idolatry, when Afflicted by the Philistines Repentance of Worshiping the Golden Calf Repentance: Achan, Because of his Theft Repentance: After Hearing the Law Expounded by Ezra Repentance: Ahab, when Reproved by Elijah for Ahab's Idolatry Repentance: At the Dedication of the Second Temple Repentance: Balaam, of his Spiritual Blindness Repentance: Because of Their Idolatrous Marriages Repentance: Because of Their Oppressive Usury Repentance: Called Repentance to Life Repentance: Called Repentance to Salvation Repentance: Christ Came to Call Sinners To Repentance: Christ Exalted to Give Repentance: Commanded by Christ Repentance: Commanded to all by God Repentance: Condition of God's Favor Repentance: Conviction of Sin Necessary To Repentance: Danger of Neglecting Repentance: David, at the Rebuke of Nathan, for his Sins of Adultery and Murder Repentance: Denied to Apostates Repentance: Hezekiah, at the Time of his Sickness Repentance: Illustrated: The Prodigal Son Repentance: Illustrated: The Repentant Son Repentance: Jonah, After his Punishment Repentance: Joseph's Brothers, of Their Maltreatment of Joseph Repentance: Josiah, when he Heard the Law of God Which had been Discovered in the Temple by Hilkiah Repentance: Manasseh, when he Was Carried Away Captive to Babylon by the King of Assyria Repentance: Ministers should Rejoice Over Their People on Their Repentance: Necessary to the Pardon of Sin Repentance: Neglect of, Followed by Swift Judgment Repentance: Not to be Repented of Repentance: Peter, Because of his Denial of Jesus Repentance: Pharaoh, of his Hardness of Heart Repentance: Preached by Christ Repentance: Preached by John the Baptist Repentance: Preached by the Apostles Repentance: Preached in the Name of Christ Repentance: Rehoboam, when his Kingdom Was Invaded, and Jerusalem Was Besieged Repentance: Repentance of Their Complaining Because of Lack of Bread and Water Repentance: Saul, at the Rebuke of Samuel for not Destroying the Amalekites Repentance: should be Accompanied by Confession Repentance: should be Accompanied by Conversion Repentance: should be Accompanied by Faith Repentance: should be Accompanied by Greater Zeal in the Path of Duty Repentance: should be Accompanied by Humility Repentance: should be Accompanied by Prayer Repentance: should be Accompanied by Self-Abhorrence Repentance: should be Accompanied by Shame and Confusion Repentance: should be Accompanied by Turning from Idolatry Repentance: should be Accompanied by Turning from Sin Repentance: should be Evidenced by Fruits Repentance: The Burden of the Preaching of Jesus Repentance: The Burden of the Preaching of John the Baptist Repentance: The Disobedient Son Repentance: The Ephesians, by the Preaching of Paul Repentance: The Jews, by the Preaching of John the Baptist Repentance: The Ninevites, by the Preaching of Jonah Repentance: The Present Time the Season For Repentance: The Wicked: Averse To Repentance: The Wicked: Condemned for Neglecting Repentance: The Wicked: Neglect the Time Given For Repentance: The Wicked: Not Led to by the Judgments of God Repentance: The Wicked: Not Led To, by Miraculous Interference Repentance: The Woman Who Anointed Jesus With Oil Repentance: There is Joy in Heaven Over One Sinner Brought To Repentance: True: Thief on the Cross Repentance: Unavailing: To Esau Repentance: Unavailing: To Israel Repentance: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Repentance: Under the Influence of Hezekiah Repentance: we should be Led To, by Godly Sorrow Works Repentance: we should be Led To, by The Chastisements of God Repentance: we should be Led To, by The Goodness of God Repentance: we should be Led To, by The Patience of God Repentance: when Rebuked by an Angel for not Expelling the Canaanites Repentance: when Reproved by the Prophet Micah Related Terms Long-suffering (23 Occurrences) |
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