SCRIPTURE: EZEKIEL 18
THE SOUL WHO SINS WILL DIE (vs. 1-32)
A righteous man will live but the wicked man will die. A son will not die for his father’s sin nor a father will die for his son’s sin. Everyone will die for his own sins. The soul who sins is the one who will die. The son will not share the guilt of the father nor will the father share the guilt of his son. The righteousness of the righteous man will be credited to him and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against him.
If a wicked man turns away from all the sins he has committed and keeps God’s decrees and does what is just and right, he will live and not die. If a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits sins and does the detestable things, he will die. None of the righteous things he has done will be remembered. The Lord will judge everyone according to his ways. So, Repent, turn away from all offences. Rid yourselves of all the sins you have committed and get a new heart and a new spirit from God. God does not take pleasure in the death of anyone. So, Repent and Live.
THOUGHTS:
Sins have to be punished. But God would gladly forgive sinners if they would repent. God judges individuals. You cannot claim your father’s righteousness nor can you be punished for your father’s sin. Each person is accountable to God for his own action.
God wants each person to have a changed life. If you renounce sins and rebellion and turn to God, He will give you a new direction and a new power to change. Start with faith trusting God to change your heart and mind. Then determine to live each day with God to control your life.