Instead of “God hates,” how about “God made you, loves you, and calls you his child?” Now turn away from the world and back to him. When we fully understand God’s love for us, and his identity, power, and sovereignty, we’re more likely to listen and agree with him.
In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” The prophet Isaiah was speaking about John when he said, “He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him!’”
Matthew 3:1-3 NLT
When people call people to repent, it doesn’t land well. There are a lot of placards on the internet, TV, and even on street corners telling people how wrong they are and that they should repent. It bristles, doesn’t it? Especially if you’re not from a faith background. It doesn’t come across as respectful or loving. Just abrasive.
You might think that, well, the gospel is offensive (1Corinthians 1:23-24), and therefore you’re unapologetic about your version of the repentance placard. I recall the Apostle Paul’s meeting with the philosophers of Athens on Mars Hill, which is documented in Acts 17 in which he gets to repentance eventually, but only after acknowledging a) their pursuit of God and b) affirming they are children of God.
What a concept. So far from “God hates…” How about, “God made you, loves you, and calls you his child?” Now turn away from the world and back to him.
The people of Israel were used to hearing from God. A message through a prophet from God to answer his call and turn back to him was part of their journey of faith. In the example from 2Chronicles 7:14 we read, “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.”
God calls for repentance from people who are called by his name – from people whom he created in his image – into promise and restoration. Yes, he calls my pursuit of worldliness wicked. Yes, he calls your love of other things more than him wicked. And when I fully understand God’s love, identity, power, and sovereignty I agree any loyalty to things opposed to him are wicked by contrast.
Then I turn back. Join me.
Amen.
Marc Kinna
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