God’s demands for conversion

The need for conversion

The world is alienated from God

Romans 1:21–23 KJV 1900

Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

See also Ro 1:28; Ro 3:11–12; Ps 14:3

The world does not know God

Galatians 4:8 KJV 1900

Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.

See also 1 Co 1:21; 1 Co 15:34; 1 Th 4:5; 2 Th 1:8

God’s people have turned away from him

Malachi 3:7 KJV 1900

Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?

See also Nu 14:43; Dt 9:12; 1 Sa 15:11 Saul; 1 Ki 11:9 Solomon; 2 Ch 25:27 Amaziah; Je 8:5; Eze 6:9; Da 9:11; Ac 7:39

God’s demands for the conversion of all people

Is 45:22; Ac 17:30

See also Ps 65:5; Jon 4:11; Zec 9:10

God’s demands for the conversion of his own people

God’s desire to save his people

Ezekiel 33:11 KJV 1900

Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

See also Je 3:22; Joe 2:12–13; Zec 1:3

God’s faithfulness to his people

Jeremiah 3:14 KJV 1900

Turn, O backsliding children, saith the Lord; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:

See also Le 26:40–42; 2 Ch 30:9; Ho 3:5; Ho 6:1–3

God’s promise of restoration

2 Chronicles 7:13–14 KJV 1900

If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

See also 1 Ki 8:48–49; Ne 1:9

The call to conversion through God’s servants

The encouragement of his leaders

Jos 24:14–15 Joshua; 2 Ki 11:17 Jehoida

Josiah:

2 Ki 23:24–25; 2 Ch 34:31–33

2 Ch 15:11–15 Asa; 2 Ch 19:4 Jehoshaphat; 2 Ch 29:6–10 Hezekiah; Ps 51:13 David

The ministry of his prophets

Jeremiah 35:15 KJV 1900

I have sent also unto you all my servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them, saying, Return ye now every man from his evil way, and amend your doings, and go not after other gods to serve them, and ye shall dwell in the land which I have given to you and to your fathers: but ye have not inclined your ear, nor hearkened unto me.

See also 2 Ch 24:19; Je 25:4; Ho 14:1–2; Jon 3:2

The preaching of believers

Acts 26:16–18 KJV 1900

But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

See also Ac 2:38; Ro 10:14–15; Is 52:7

Rejection of God’s call to conversion

Isaiah 9:13 KJV 1900

For the people turneth not unto him that smiteth them, Neither do they seek the Lord of hosts.

See also Je 3:10; Ho 5:4; Ho 7:10; Am 4:6–11