The person who sins is the one who will die. The child will not be punished for the parent’s sins, and the parent will not be punished for the child’s sins. Righteous people will be rewarded for their own righteous behavior, and wicked people will be punished for their own wickedness. (Ezekiel 18:20, NLT)
In today’s reading, God makes it very clear who is punished for who’s sins. The soul that does wickedly will bear the punishment of that wickedness. The penalty for sin is death. God will not recognize anyone playing the blame game or having a victimhood mentality. Under God’s justice, every person is responsible for their actions.
Additionally, when a sinner takes responsibility for their sin and repents, there is forgiveness! “But if a wicked person turns away from all his sins that he has committed and keeps all my statutes and does what is just and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die. None of the transgressions that he has committed shall be remembered against him; for the righteousness that he has done he shall live. (Ezekiel 18:21–22, ESV) Notice, too, that forgiveness for the repentant sinner is for the sinner that repents; it does not carry to anyone else, nor can a repenting sinner repent for anyone else.
How good of God to forgive the sinner, who admits their sins and repents! Of course, God forgives us for the sake of His Son, who lived perfectly, and extends His righteousness to us, which we receive by faith in Him alone. The blood which Jesus shed for us makes atonement for the soul. It satisfies the justice of God. Have you looked to Him in repentance and faith that you might be forgiven and live? “Do you think that I like to see wicked people die? says the Sovereign Lord. Of course not! I want them to turn from their wicked ways and live. (Ezekiel 18:23, NLT)
Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from Ezekiel 18-19.