Twice through Isaiah, God says, “There is no peace for the wicked,” once in Isaiah 48:22 and again in Isaiah 57:21. In both instances, God had just finished proclaiming deliverance and peace for His people. God is reminding those who read these Scriptures that His promises of peace, salvation, comfort, forgiveness, and eternal life do not apply to those who continue practicing wickedness.
While this message may surprise some, God has not been secretive about the consequences that await the unrepentant:
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter” (Matthew 7:21).
“I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3).
Those who do not know God and those who do not obey the gospel “will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power…” (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9).
“For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things” (Philippians 3:18-19).
God will turn away all who refuse repentance and obedience to the gospel. The sadder reality is that many who step closer daily to eternal destruction think they are headed for life. Many living in wickedness have been told the promises of peace from God are being fulfilled in them. But God has only one promise for those who live rebelliously to the end: “‘There is no peace for the wicked,’ says the LORD” (Isaiah 48:22). Make peace with God through obedience to the gospel and maintain it through faithful living while you have time.