The Transforming Power of Repentance
Ezekiel 18:27 says, “But if a wicked person turns away from the wickedness they have committed and does what is just and right, they will save their life.”
This verse reveals the heart of God: He is just, merciful, and desires that all should live, not perish. It teaches that no matter how dark one’s past may be, genuine repentance—proven by righteous living—can lead to salvation.
This divine principle is echoed throughout Scripture. Isaiah 55:7 states, “Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.”
Similarly, Joel 2:12-13 invites us to, “Return to Me with all your heart… for He is gracious and compassionate.” These calls emphasize that repentance is not superficial sorrow but a full turning of the heart and life.
Jesus echoed this truth: “Unless you repent, you too will all perish” (Luke 13:3). Jesus also commanded, “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance” (Matthew 3:8). Jesus emphasized that true confession and repentance to God will bring about change in the Lord and a life of obedience to God.
2 Corinthians 7:10 adds, “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret.” Repentance leads to righteousness when accompanied by love for God and obedience to God's Word.
Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15), and, “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me” (John 14:21). John 15:10 affirms, “If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love.”
This obedient love is rooted in a whole-hearted devotion: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength” (Deuteronomy 6:5).
Jesus further clarifies in Matthew 7:21, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom… but only the one who does the will of my Father.”
Ezekiel 18:27 is a powerful call to transformation. Only those who love God with all their heart and soul, keep Jesus’ commands, and do the will of the Father can truly understand and abide in this truth.
Repentance is not just a temporary thing; it is the direction of a lifetime, marked by fear of God, love of God, obedience to Jesus' commands, upholding the truth, doing righteousness, and obedience to God's will.
