The Divine Mandate: Preaching Repentance and Remission of Sins in the Name of Jesus Christ, Not Condemnation

Ecce Homo (Behold the Man) 1871, by Antonio Ciseri

In a world quick to judge and condemn, the Scriptures present a profoundly different Godly perspective on our role as believers. We are not called to be judges over the wicked, wielding the gavel of eternal damnation. Instead, we are called to be messengers of salvation, watchmen on the walls, entrusted with the life-giving Gospel of Jesus Christ. This truth echoes through the prophecies of Ezekiel and resonates in the New Testament, revealing God's heart: He does not desire the death of the sinner but their repentance and salvation. As John 3:16-17 declares, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." This is our central theme – we have no right to condemn the wicked, none at all. Our mission is to proclaim the Gospel, inviting all to turn and live.

The Watchman's Duty: A Call to Warn, Not to Judge

The book of Ezekiel offers a vivid framework for understanding our duty toward both the wicked and the righteous. In Ezekiel 3:16-21, God appoints the prophet as a watchman for Israel, a role that has serious implications for us today. "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me," God instructs. The watchman's task is clear: to deliver God's message without alteration or hesitation. If the wicked are told, "You shall surely die," and the watchman fails to warn them, the wicked perish in their iniquity, but the watchman's hands are stained with blood. Conversely, if the warning is given and ignored, the watchman is absolved – "you have delivered your soul."

This passage emphasizes a crucial distinction: the watchman warns of consequences but does not deliver judgment, which is reserved for God alone. The focus is on salvation—"to save his life" by turning away from wickedness. Even when the righteous stumble, the watchman must warn against sin, not to shame but to protect life. If warnings are followed, both parties survive; if not, the individual bears responsibility. This approach rejects self-righteous condemnation, focusing instead on mercy and the chance for change.

Echoing this in Ezekiel 33:7-20, God reiterates Ezekiel's role: "So you, son of man: I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore you shall hear a word from My mouth and warn them for Me." Here, the emphasis intensifies on God's reluctance for death. "As I live," declares the Lord, "I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?" The repetition of "turn" is a passionate plea, not a thunderous verdict. The wicked can restore what was stolen, walk in righteousness, and live—none of their past sins remembered. The righteous, however, cannot coast on former deeds; sin brings death unless repented.

These mandates in Ezekiel remind us that our words as believers should echo God's invitation to life rather than our personal disdain. We are not to condemn but to warn with the hope of redemption, mirroring the watchman's impartial duty.

God's Heart Revealed: No Pleasure in Death, But Joy in Repentance

Delving deeper into Ezekiel 18:21-32, we see the raw emotion behind God's will. "Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die?" asks the Lord GOD, "and not that he should turn from his ways and live?" This rhetorical question shatters any idea of a vengeful deity who takes joy in punishment. Instead, it shows a Father who mourns over lost souls and calls for repentance: "Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies," says the Lord GOD. "Therefore turn and live!"

The chapter addresses Israel's complaint: "The way of the Lord is not fair." God counters by affirming His justice—judgment is based on present actions, not past labels. A wicked person who turns lives; a righteous one who falls dies. This fairness levels the playing field, offering grace to all. It dismantles human tendencies to categorize people as irredeemably wicked, reminding us that transformation is always possible.

This divine reluctance toward death aligns perfectly with New Testament revelations. In 1 Timothy 2:3-4, Paul writes, "For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." God's desire is universal—"all men," with no exceptions. Similarly, 2 Peter 3:9 states, "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." Longsuffering indicates patience, not impatience for judgment. Heaven's response to repentance? Joy! As Luke 15:10 proclaims, "Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

These verses collectively depict a God who relentlessly seeks the lost with unwavering love, similar to the shepherd in Matthew 18:11-14: "For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost. What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. Even so, it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish." The parable highlights divine priority: this one matters immensely. Condemnation has no place in this pursuit; salvation does.

From Eden to Eternity: God's Pursuit of the Fallen

This theme of merciful pursuit originates in the Garden of Eden in Genesis 3:8-9. After Adam and Eve's sin, they hide in shame. Yet, God walks in the cool of the day, calling, "Where are you?" This is not an accusatory question but a gentle invitation to restore. From the beginning of humanity, God seeks the sinner, not to condemn but to redeem.

Fast-forward to the New Testament, and this pursuit reaches its peak in Christ. John 3:17 clearly states Jesus came not to condemn but to save. In 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Paul describes how the Gospel remains hidden to those who are perishing, blinded by the "god of this age." Our role? "We do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake." Preaching Christ opens hearts, shining "the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." Condemnation causes further blindness; the Gospel brings illumination.

Furthermore, 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 emphasizes the urgency: "We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain... Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." This appeal is collaborative – we work with God, extending grace, not judgment.

Our Response: Preaching the Gospel in a Condemning World

In light of these Scriptures, what is our stance toward the wicked? Not condemnation, which usurps God's authority and hardens hearts. Instead, we preach the Gospel—the good news of forgiveness, new life, and eternal hope through Jesus. Ezekiel's watchman warns of danger but points to the escape: repentance and faith.

Consider the practical implications. When encountering sin, our instinct might be outrage or dismissal. But Ezekiel teaches accountability for silence – blood on our hands if we fail to warn. Yet, warning must be laced with hope, not venom. "Turn and live!" is the cry, echoing God's heart.

In a polarized society, this stands against the grain. We condemn injustices, but our primary message is salvation, not societal shame. The Gospel transforms individuals, which leads to wider transformation. As believers, we demonstrate this by living righteously, warning with love, and rejoicing in repentance.

Critics might argue this seems soft on sin. But God's fairness in Ezekiel refutes that: consequences remain, but mercy abounds. The wicked who turn live; the self-righteous who sin die. Humility is key – we, too, were once lost, saved by grace.

Conclusion: Embracing the Call to Proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ

We have no right to condemn the wicked— that prerogative belongs to God. Our divine calling is to preach the Gospel, warning with compassion and inviting all to salvation. From Ezekiel's watchtower to Christ's cross, the message remains the same: God desires life for everyone. As 2 Peter calls for repentance for all, let us be vessels of that patient love.

In Genesis, God sought Adam; in the parables, the shepherd seeks the sheep; in the epistles, God desires all to be saved. Today, through us, He calls, "Where are you? Turn and live!" May we faithfully proclaim this Gospel, saving souls and offering hope to a dying world.

“And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations.” —Luke 24:47 NKJV