God’s demands for conversion (3)

The need for conversion

The world is alienated from God

Romans 1:21–23 NLT

Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles.

See also Ro 1:28; Ro 3:11–12; Ps 14:3

The world does not know God

Galatians 4:8 NLT

Before you Gentiles knew God, you were slaves to so-called gods that do not even exist.

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 NLT

Ever since the days of your ancestors, you have scorned my decrees and failed to obey them. Now return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “But you ask, ‘How can we return when we have never gone away?’

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 NLT

As surely as I live, says the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people. I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live. Turn! Turn from your wickedness, O people of Israel! Why should you die?

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

God’s faithfulness to his people

Jeremiah 3:14 NLT

“Return home, you wayward children,” says the Lord, “for I am your master. I will bring you back to the land of Israel— one from this town and two from that family— from wherever you are scattered.

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 NLT

At times I might shut up the heavens so that no rain falls, or command grasshoppers to devour your crops, or send plagues among you. Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore 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 NLT

Time after time I sent you prophets, who told you, “Turn from your wicked ways, and start doing things right. Stop worshiping other gods so that you might live in peace here in the land I have given to you and your ancestors.” But you would not listen to me or obey 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 NLT

Now get to your feet! For I have appeared to you to appoint you as my servant and witness. Tell people that you have seen me, and tell them what I will show you in the future. And I will rescue you from both your own people and the Gentiles. Yes, I am sending you to the Gentiles to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in me.’

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

Rejection of God’s call to conversion

Isaiah 9:13 NLT

For after all this punishment, the people will still not repent. They will not seek the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

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