If a man does not repent, He will sharpen His sword, will bend His bow, and will make it ready.
This verse is a warning of judgment, yet at its beginning stands the door of mercy: “if a person does not repent.” Judgment is unavoidable not because God does not desire to forgive, but because a person stubbornly refuses to turn back. The sword and the drawn bow portray God’s ready righteousness. He does not act carelessly or in an uncontrolled way. Judgment is a deliberate and righteous response to evil. At the same time, the bow is still described as being prepared. In this image there is time granted for repentance. The believer must not use this word to condemn others arrogantly. First it must be heard as a personal call to turn quickly and not to continue the work of sin. The gospel proclaims that in Christ there is forgiveness for every repentant person. Yet grace does not make repentance unnecessary. On the contrary, God’s goodness leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4).