Chapter 780 of 1163

EZEKIEL 18

Have you ever accused God of not being fair? The Jews were doing that (vv. 25, 29–30) and quoting a familiar proverb to argue their case (v. 2; Jer. 31:29–30). If the fathers did the sinning, why should their children do the suffering? Is not God unjust when He punishes the children for the fathers’ sins?

But God does not do that, nor does He take pleasure in sending judgment (vv. 23, 32). He would gladly forgive sinners if they would only repent. God judges individuals—regardless of what their fathers have done (vv. 4, 20). You cannot claim your father’s righteousness, nor can you be punished for your father’s sin. You might be punished by your father’s sin, but that is another matter (Deut. 5:9).

The supreme need is for a “new heart and a new spirit” (v. 31), which can come only through faith in Christ. “Turn and live!” is God’s loving call to sinners today. It is a matter not of fairness but of grace.

Punishment for Sins

God does not punish the innocent for the guilty except in the case of His Son. On the cross, Jesus took the punishment for your sins. God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked, “yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him” (Isa. 53:10), “for Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God” (1 Pet. 3:18).

↑ Back to top