Summary: It’s not optional, it’s a command

EXCEPT YE REPENT

There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. (Luke 13:1-5 KJV)

I. THE DIRECTIVE IS PLAIN.

“Repent or perish”

A. GOD CAN NEVER BE “SOFT” ABOUT SIN.

1. Sin is deceptive. (3342) TCR

2. Sin is destructive. (3350) TCR

B. YOU CAN BE “SURE” THAT NOT EVEN ONE SIN

WILL NOT GO UNPUNISHED. (3047,3048) TCR

1. There will no escape.

2. There will no excuse.

II. THE DUTY IS PERSONAL.

“Except ye repent.”

A. YOU ARE DEFILED.

For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness. (Isaiah 59:3 KJV)

1. It affects how we think.

2. It affects how we talk.

B. YOU ARE DEFIANT.

1. You forgot God’s Word.

2. You forsook God’s Will.

III. THE DECISION MUST NOT BE POSTPHONED.

A. HE WARNED THEM OF THEIR DANGER.

“Ye shall all likewise perish”

B. HE WAITED FOR THEIR DECISION.

1. He commanded you to repent.

And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: (Acts 17:30 KJV)

2. Will you come right now? Indicating…

1. You are willing to forsake sin.

2. You are willing to follow the Savior.