God\'s Call for Repentance: A Message to His People By Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture:
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)
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Introduction
In the present world, we witness an era where pride and rebellion seem to be the prevailing trends. The call to repentance, once echoed by God’s prophets throughout history, still resounds today. This message is not just for the unsaved or the sinner, but it is also for those who claim to be God’s people. God, in His mercy and love, continues to send His prophets to cry out against the sins of the nation and His people. But the question remains: will we respond? Will we listen to the call and turn back to God, or will we, like those before us, stiffen our necks and face the consequences of rejecting His grace?
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The Role of Prophets in Crying Out for Repentance
“When I called, they did not answer; when I spoke, they did not listen. They did evil in my sight and chose what displeases me.”
Isaiah 66:4 (NIV)
In times of spiritual decline, God sends forth His prophets to warn and guide His people. Their cry is not for self-glory but to draw people back to the truth of God’s ways. These prophets, under the direction of the Living God, speak with urgency, for they know the consequences of turning away from God’s instructions. The message is always clear: Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand. But too often, this cry is met with hardened hearts and stiffened necks, bringing destruction upon those who refuse to listen.
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The Consequences of Hardening Our Hearts
“But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
Revelation 21:8 (ESV)
When the people of God refuse to heed His call, they invite upon themselves the wrath of God. Hardening one’s heart is not a passive act but an active rebellion against God’s will. The refusal to repent is not a neutral stance but a declaration of opposition to the truth. As God’s people, we are held to a higher standard, and when we fail to walk in His ways, we face severe consequences. The wrath, fury, and indignation of God are not to be taken lightly.
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The Double Judgment on Those Who Know the Way and Refuse It
“For those who have known the way of the Lord and have experienced His mercy, to turn away is to provoke a double judgment. The consequences of rejecting the truth are more severe for those who have tasted the goodness of God. The arrogance of pride and the deceit of sin lead to the doubling of punishment for those who knew the right way but chose to walk in their own path. As God’s children, we are accountable to Him, and much is required of us.
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The Pride of Man Will Be Brought Low
“The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rock, who occupy the height of the hill. Though you make your nest as high as an eagle’s, I will bring you down from there, declares the Lord.”
Obadiah 1:3 (ESV)
Pride is a powerful force that leads to destruction. God warns us time and again that the proud will be humbled, and those who rely on their own strength will fall. The proud have often lived with a false sense of security, thinking they are untouchable, but God is able to bring them down in an instant. As we witness the pride of nations, leaders, and individuals in our time, we must remember that God is not mocked, and He will bring down the arrogant.
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The Mercy of God and the Call to Repentance
“For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord, because they have called you an outcast: ‘It is Zion for whom no one cares!’”
Jeremiah 30:17 (ESV)
Even in the face of judgment, God offers mercy to those who repent. His heart is for restoration, not destruction. He desires that all men come to repentance and receive healing. The call to repent is not a condemnation, but an invitation to turn back to the loving arms of our Creator. No matter how far we have fallen, God’s mercy is available to restore and heal us, if only we would humble ourselves before Him.
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Summary
The call to repentance is a call of love and mercy from the Living God. He sends forth His prophets, crying out against the sins of the nation, and calling for a return to righteousness. The consequences of refusing to heed this call are dire, not just for the unrepentant sinners but also for those who claim to be God’s people. We are accountable to God, and when we reject His ways, we invite His wrath. But even in the midst of judgment, God offers mercy to those who are willing to humble themselves and turn back to Him.
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Conclusion
The time for repentance is now. The world, and even the Church, are facing the consequences of pride and rebellion. But God is merciful, and He is calling us back to Himself. It is not too late to turn from our sin and receive the forgiveness and restoration He offers. Let us not harden our hearts but respond to His call with humility and repentance.
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Call to Action
I urge you today to examine your heart and life. Are you walking in humility before the Living God? Have you repented of your sin and turned back to Him? If not, now is the time to do so. Seek His forgiveness, and He will restore you. The way is open, but you must choose to walk in it.
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Final Word of Encouragement
Remember, no one is beyond the reach of God's mercy. The opportunity to repent and be restored is always available to those who seek Him with a humble heart. Let us walk in the truth, the light, and the mercy that He provides. Be encouraged that as you turn to Him, He will lead you in the way everlasting.
