What if the other person refuses to repent?
Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation - Lesson 6, Restore with Gentleness, Question 25, p. 91
The Bible provides insight into the human condition and the consequences of our actions. One recurring theme is the danger of remaining stubbornly unrepentant. We will explore what the Scriptures say about this.
Jeremiah 2:35
“You say, ‘I am innocent; surely his anger has turned from me.’ Behold, I will bring you to judgment for saying, ‘I have not sinned.’”
In Jeremiah 2:35, the prophet Jeremiah addresses the people of Israel who deny their wrongdoing and claim innocence despite their evident sin. The verse highlights a dangerous mindset: self-righteousness and denial of sin. God's response is clear—He will bring them to judgment for their unrepentant attitude. This scripture underscores the peril of refusing to acknowledge one’s sin. The denial not only prevents one from seeking forgiveness but also ultimately ensures God's judgment.
Matthew 11:20
“Then he began to denounce the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent.”
In Matthew 11:20, Jesus rebukes the cities where He performed many miracles, yet the people remained unrepentant. Despite witnessing the power and mercy of God, their hearts were hardened. This passage serves as a stern warning: witnessing God’s works but refusing to turn from sin results in judgment. It illustrates the danger of becoming indifferent or complacent to God's call for repentance.
Luke 13:1-5
“There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And he answered them, ‘Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.’ Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”
In Luke 13:1-5, Jesus addresses the notion that calamities are a direct result of individual sinfulness. He emphatically states that the tragic events should not be seen as isolated judgments on worse sinners but as a general call to repentance for all. Jesus' message is clear: repentance is essential for everyone, and failure to repent leads to perishing. This passage underscores the universal need for repentance and the equal peril that stubborn unrepentance poses for all.
The scriptures from Jeremiah, Matthew, and Luke collectively highlight the grave dangers of stubborn unrepentance. Denial of sin, indifference to God’s miracles, and complacency in the face of divine warnings all lead to inevitable judgment. The call to repentance is not just a suggestion; it is a godly imperative that holds the key to avoiding spiritual peril.
For more reflection on self-justification, see these additional blog posts:
“[Jesus] was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification. Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” (Romans 4:25-5:2)
As we reflect on these scriptures, may we be moved to examine our own hearts, acknowledge our sins, and turn to God with a repentant spirit. Romans 4:25-5:2 offers profound comfort and assurance to those who recognize their need for repentance. Jesus Christ bore our sins and was raised for our justification. By faith, we are justified and granted peace with God. This grace is a firm foundation upon which we stand, allowing us to rejoice in the hope of God's glory. The dangers of stubborn unrepentance are countered by the promise of forgiveness and peace through faith in Jesus Christ.
This blog series is adapted from Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation. You can experience this teaching in several ways:
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