Introduction
· A Verse that Causes Us to Pause and Ponder its Meaning
· Two Issues Raised
The 5 R’s of Chapter 3 (vs. 1-10):
Receive (vs. 1-2); 2. Repeat (vs. 3-4); 3. Repent (vs. 5-7); 4. Reform (vs. 8-10)
Relent (v. 10)
A. Are Works the Procuring Cause of God Relenting From Punishing the Ninevites, Punishing Sin? (v. 10a)
· Which Works? True Repentance & True Reform (Joel 2:12-14 [see also, Isaiah 1:11-17]; Malachi 1:10 [see also, Psalm 51:16-17]; Matthew 15:8; 2 Timothy 2:24-26)
· Without the Shedding of Blood, No Remission of Sins (Hebrews 10:18); Christ’s Blood (Hebrews 10:11-25; Romans 4:1-4; Jonah 4:2; Revelation 13:8)
B. Does God Change His Mind? (v. 10b)
· No, According to His Decreed Secret Will (Daniel 4:35; Isaiah 43:12-13)
· Yes, According to His Perceived, or Revealed Will (Exodus 32:9-14; 1 Kings 21:27-29; Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16; 2 Corinthians 2:12-17; Isaiah 55:11)
Conclusion and Application
· Be Concerned with the Things that We Ought to Do (Deuteronomy 29:29)
· God Forgives the Broken & Contrite Heart
· Rest Fully in the One Atoning Sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the Forgiveness of Sin and Salvation