Revelation: A Time for Repentance

 Revelation: Justification by Faith

A Time for Repentance

Previously, we examined the evil deeds of Jezebel in the Old Testament. The spiritual Jezebel in Thyatira is described in a similarly negative light:

Revelation 2:20
"But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols."

In the Bible, immorality often serves as a metaphor for idolatry. Yet Jezebel also seemed to have allowed literal adultery:

Revelation 2:22
"Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works."

Jezebel claimed to be a prophet, leading others into idolatry and immorality, and allowed people to commit adultery with her—all within God’s own church. This tarnished God’s reputation and was even tolerated by the congregation.

Jesus, the one speaking here, could have easily destroyed her. He knew she would not repent, yet He did not abandon her to her fate without first giving her a choice. This reflects His unchanging character:

Exodus 34:6–7
"The LORD passed before him and proclaimed, 'The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation.'”

God is both just and merciful—patient and compassionate. With Jezebel, one of the most rebellious figures in history, He remained the same:

Revelation 2:21
"I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality."

Even Jezebel was given time to repent. And for those who committed adultery with her, space for repentance was also granted:

Revelation 2:22
"Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works."

But why? Why give them time if they would not repent?
Because this is simply who He is. His character needs no further explanation. And if even one person could be saved by granting them time, He would do it. This partially explains why Jesus has not yet returned:

2 Peter 3:9
"The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."

God speaks even more clearly through Ezekiel:

Ezekiel 33:10–11
"And you, son of man, say to the house of Israel, ‘Thus have you said: “Surely our transgressions and our sins are upon us, and we rot away because of them. How then can we live?” Say to them, As I live, declares the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel?’”

Human beings are inclined to project their own impatient and irritable character onto God. If we are so impatient with others and even with God, why would He be any different?

We look at our sins and hardened hearts, convinced that we will waste away in our transgressions. But God’s Word must penetrate our hearts:
"Turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die?"

God does not change, and He shows no partiality. The same character He demonstrated to Israel and Jezebel is extended to you, a wretched sinner. Why wait? Why act as though God’s judgment has already fallen upon you? Is He not patient? Consider His patience and forgiveness—it will draw you to God:

Romans 2:4–5
"Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed."

God desires your repentance. Why wait? Did Christ not die to redeem you? Would He, who gave His life for you, suddenly refuse you now?

Believing in this forbearance of God leads to true repentance. It brings one to the cross with a broken heart, seeking forgiveness. Jezebel refused to look to this truth, and her judgment came. She lacked faith, refused to confess her sins, and insisted on her own way.

"Choose this day whom you will serve."

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