The Effect Of Repentance.

THE EFFECT OF REPENTANCE.

Jonah 3:1-5, Jonah 3:10

When Jonah at last arrived in Nineveh after his circuitous journey, his message was simple: “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown” (JONAH 3:4).

People may laugh at messages of doom and gloom, but not the people of Nineveh. The people of Nineveh, from the greatest to the least “believed God and proclaimed a fast” (JONAH 3:5). The twin graces of faith and repentance were found in that wicked city, and even the king got off his throne and humbled himself.

People may ask, ‘Why should I come to Christ for my salvation? What if I am not one of the elect?’ Yet the king of Nineveh, even under the threat of God's utter condemnation, saw things differently: ‘Who can tell if God will turn and relent, and turn away from His fierce anger, so that we may not perish?’ (cf. Jonah 3:9).

Nineveh was full of wickedness (cf. Jonah 1:2). God pronounced judgement (JONAH 3:4). Nineveh repented (JONAH 3:5), and God relented (JONAH 3:10).

‘It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is your faithfulness’ (cf. Lamentations 3:22-23).

The LORD is merciful to those who repent (JONAH 3:10).

‘If you, LORD, should mark iniquities, who would be able to stand? But there is forgiveness with you, that you may be feared’ (cf. Psalm 130:3-4).