Repent or Perish (Revised)

Wikimedia Commons: Brooklyn Museum - The Tower of Siloam

Let us imagine that Jesus hadn't come in the flesh during the first century but tarried and was born during our time. He is fulfilling His earthly ministry in 2017 and some ask Him about the rash of powerful storms and earthquakes recently affecting the world. How would He respond?

The gospels very often describe Jesus' great mercy during His time on earth. He raised the dead, fed multitudes and healed the ailing. By His works, we can easily conclude that our God truly loves His image bearers and sympathizes with our afflictions. His condescension to His people is further expounded in Hebrews 2:17; He is our merciful and faithful High Priest.

Luke 13:1-5 describes a discussion between Jesus and others regarding Galileans whom Pontius Pilate had killed while they worshiped and offered sacrifices. Their question was essentially, why do bad things happen to good people? Why would this be allowed to happen to people who were in the process of worship; in the process of honoring God? I'm certain Jesus' answer was as controversial then as it would be now. He said, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered this way? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish." But He doesn't stop there - He continues, "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."

Jesus' pithy response gets to the heart of the issue. Eternity matters and in light of death there are no innocents. Adam and Eve were told in Genesis that the result of sin would be death (Genesis 2:17). As a result of Adam's sin, we are sinners by nature and choice (Romans 3:10, Romans 3:23).

Back to the modern-day, I slightly revised the text in Luke 13 to reflect our current context:

1 There were some present at that very time who told him about the Rohingya whose blood Myanmar's military shed. 2 And he answered them, “Do you think that these Rohingyans were worse sinners than all the other Rohingyans, because they suffered in this way? 3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 4 Or those whom the floodwaters of Harvey killed: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Houston? 5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

So what lesson should we take away from the tragedies on the nightly news - repent. Benjamin Franklin's common refrain is true, nothing in this world is certain except death and taxes. One day, you will die. One day you will have to deal with your Maker, Hebrews 9:27 and Hebrews 10:31 give stern warnings to the unforgiven.

What is repentance?

Repentance is to change one's mind. More specifically, it is a change of mind that leads to a change of action. With regards to Jesus and your sin, true repentance will result in a change of mind of who Jesus is and an understanding that our sins, really are sinful. This then results in someone turning from their sin, to the only one who can forgive them. The individual then puts their trust in Jesus Christ alone for their salvation.

What if you are a Christian?

Repent. The lifestyle of a Christian is one of constant repentance. In John 13:10, Jesus said that those who have bathed are already clean, we only need our feet washed. Our steps will sometimes be within sin, we must repent (turn from that sin) and continue to mature in our walk with God.

What do we do with this information?

We are ambassadors on behalf of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20) tasked with the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18), thus we have answers to those who are fretting. The recent destructive events are gospel opportunities. Lovingly use them to your advantage for the cause of Christ.

Yours in Christ,

Tom Vazquez