The theme of a call to repentance being ignored is a recurring motif throughout the Bible, highlighting the persistent human tendency to resist divine instruction and correction. This theme underscores the patience and justice of God, as well as the consequences of ignoring His call.

Old Testament Instances

1. Noah's Generation: In Genesis 6, God observes the wickedness of humanity and decides to bring a flood to cleanse the earth. Noah, described as a righteous man, is instructed to build an ark. Despite Noah's warnings, the people of his generation ignore the call to repentance and continue in their sinful ways until the flood comes and destroys them all.

2. Prophets and Israel: The prophets of the Old Testament frequently called Israel to repentance. For instance, in Jeremiah 25:4-5 , it is written, "And the LORD has sent all His servants the prophets to you again and again, but you have not listened or inclined your ear to hear. The prophets said, 'Turn now, each of you, from your evil ways and your evil deeds, and you can dwell in the land the LORD has given to you and your fathers forever and ever.'" Despite these warnings, Israel often ignored the prophets, leading to exile and suffering.

3. Jonah and Nineveh: The account of Jonah presents a unique case where the call to repentance was initially ignored by Jonah himself, who fled from God's command to preach to Nineveh. However, when Jonah finally delivered God's message, the people of Nineveh heeded the call and repented, averting disaster (Jonah 3:4-10).

New Testament Instances

1. John the Baptist: John the Baptist came preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Mark 1:4). While many responded to his message, the religious leaders largely ignored his call, failing to recognize the coming of the Messiah.

2. Jesus' Ministry: Jesus Himself called people to repentance, as seen in Matthew 4:17 : "From that time on Jesus began to preach, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.'" Despite His miracles and teachings, many, especially among the religious elite, ignored His call, leading to His crucifixion.

3. The Apostolic Era: The apostles continued the call to repentance after Jesus' ascension. In Acts 2:38 , Peter addresses the crowd at Pentecost, saying, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins." While many accepted the message, others rejected it, leading to persecution of the early church.

Theological Implications

Ignoring the call to repentance is seen as a grave spiritual error with significant consequences. Biblically, repentance is not merely an emotional response but a decisive turning away from sin and turning towards God. The refusal to repent is often linked with hard-heartedness and spiritual blindness, which can lead to judgment and separation from God.

Consequences of Ignoring Repentance

The Bible consistently warns of the consequences of ignoring God's call to repentance. In Romans 2:5 , Paul writes, "But because of your hard and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed." This passage emphasizes the eventual divine judgment that awaits those who persist in ignoring God's call.

God's Patience and Justice

Despite humanity's frequent resistance, the Bible portrays God as patient and long-suffering, desiring that none should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). However, His justice ensures that persistent rebellion and unrepentance will ultimately be addressed.

The theme of a call to repentance being ignored serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of heeding God's voice and turning towards Him in humility and faith.