The concept of "The Call to Turn" is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, emphasizing the necessity of repentance and returning to God. This theme is prevalent throughout both the Old and New Testaments, highlighting God's desire for His people to abandon their sinful ways and seek His righteousness.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, the call to turn is often associated with the Hebrew word "shuv," which means to return or repent. This call is a central theme in the prophetic literature, where prophets urge Israel to turn back to God and away from idolatry and sin. For instance, in the book of Ezekiel, God declares through the prophet, "Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge each of you according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so that your iniquity will not become your downfall" (Ezekiel 18:30).

The call to turn is not merely a demand for moral reform but a heartfelt return to a covenant relationship with God. In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God promises, "and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land" . This passage underscores the conditional nature of God's blessings, contingent upon the people's willingness to repent.

New Testament Continuation

The New Testament continues this theme, with John the Baptist and Jesus Christ both beginning their ministries with a call to repentance. John the Baptist's message is clear: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near" (Matthew 3:2). Jesus echoes this call, emphasizing the urgency and necessity of repentance as a response to the coming of God's kingdom: "From that time on Jesus began to preach, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near'" (Matthew 4:17).

The apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of turning to God, particularly in his address to the Athenians: "Therefore, having overlooked the times of ignorance, God now commands all people everywhere to repent" (Acts 17:30). This universal call to repentance highlights the inclusive nature of the gospel, inviting all people to turn from sin and embrace the salvation offered through Jesus Christ.

Theological Implications

The call to turn is not merely an external action but involves a transformation of the heart and mind. It is a turning away from sin and a turning toward God, characterized by faith and obedience. This transformation is made possible through the work of the Holy Spirit, who convicts individuals of their sin and draws them to repentance.

Repentance is also closely linked to the concept of grace. While human effort is involved in the act of turning, it is ultimately God's grace that enables and sustains true repentance. As Paul writes in Romans 2:4, "Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?" .

Practical Application

For believers, the call to turn is an ongoing process, a daily commitment to align one's life with God's will. It involves regular self-examination, confession of sin, and a reliance on God's grace for transformation. The call to turn is also a message to be shared with others, as believers are commissioned to proclaim the gospel and invite others to experience the life-changing power of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

In summary, "The Call to Turn" is a foundational biblical theme that underscores the necessity of repentance and the transformative power of returning to God. It is a call that resonates throughout Scripture, inviting all people to experience the fullness of life in relationship with their Creator.