It has been quite a journey in the book of Hosea. We have considered Israel’s religious whoredom against God and God’s punishment because of it. God has built an indefensible case against his people (chapters 3–12) and has warned them of inescapable judgement (chapter 13). The prophecy, however, closes on a note of hope. Israel had stumbled because of its iniquity but there was hope of restoration if they would return to the Lord. The structure of this final chapter is simple: God issues a call to repentance (vv. 1–3) and offers a promise of forgiveness (vv. 4–8) if Israel will make the right choice (v. 9). The challenge to choose brings the prophecy to an end. Israel must now think about what God has said and respond appropriately. They can either walk or stumble, depending on what they do with God’s word.
The central theme of this closing chapter is repentance. The testimony of Scripture is consistent: The only way we can come to God in Christ is repentantly. We must “return” to the Lord (vv. 1–2) as we turn away from evil and trust in God as Saviour as we reject the ineffective saviours in which we have so long trusted (v. 3).
We all have the same choice before us. The moment you have been exposed to truth and heard the gospel, you have a choice. “I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19). We make the choice of life by repentance.
But what does repentance look like? Hosea 14 gives us insight into the nature of repentance that leads to life. Let’s consider this together.
First, repentance involves acknowledgement of sin. The Lord said to Israel, “You have stumbled because of your iniquity” (v. 1). They could not make the choice to obey God if they would not admit that they had sinned. While it is only the firststep in true repentance, acknowledgement of sin is a necessary step. We cannot receive the gift of life if we will not admit that we have sinned and that our sin has placed us under the sentence of death.
The Bible unapologetically makes the case that we have all sinned. As Solomon put it, “Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins” (Ecclesiastes 7:20). We are conceived in iniquity and born in sin. “The intention of man’s heart is evil from his youth” (Genesis 8:21). Sin has earned us death (Romans 6:23) and, while God offers life in Christ, we cannot receive that offer if we do not first admit that we have sinned.
Second, repentance involves confession of sin. “Take with you words and return to the LORD; say to him, ‘Take away all iniquity; accept what is good and we will pay with bulls the vows of our lips’” (v. 2). It was not enough for Israel to recognise that they had done some things that they were not supposed to do. They needed to admit that those things were wicked transgressions of God’s law that needed to be rectified.
Many admit that they have sinned without a willingness to confess their sin. Acknowledgement of sin is mere admission of our brokenness. Confession of sin is agreeing with God that our sin is evil and that it deserves death. We must necessarily confess our sin if we will make the choice to receive God’s offer of life.
Third, repentance involves turning from sin. Twice in vv. 1–2 the Lord calls his people to “return.” They needed to recognise that, in their sin, they were walking contrary to God’s law and turn completely to do what is right instead.
Repentance necessarily implies that we turn from our wickedness and turn to God in loving obedience. Repentance is insufficient without this turning.
Fourth, repentance involves trusting the Saviour. “Assyria shall not save us; we will not ride on horses; and we will say no more, ‘Our God,’ to the work of our hands. In you the orphan finds mercy” (v. 3). God had made the case against Israel time and again that his people were trusting in political alliances with Assyria rather than him. Repentance required them to denounce their trust in Assyria and to instead rely wholeheartedly on his mercy.
Repentance requires us to place our trust fully in Jesus Christ alone for salvation, forgiveness, and cleansing. We cannot choose life if we remain divided in our loyalties.
As you reflect on Hosea 14 this morning, examine whether you have truly repented and trusted fully in Christ for salvation. If you have, ask God to reveal to you areas of sin in which you need to express full repentance. Choose life.