Read Ezekiel 33.
The issue of personal sin and what to do about it is universal. It is not limited to any time or people on earth. Romans 3 clearly reminds us that all have sinned. Jesus taught that it is the Holy Spirit's ministry to bring conviction and accountability for the wrong we have done (John 16:8). But what happens next is the difference between eternal judgment and eternal life.
Some decide to ignore the Holy Spirit's prompting, choosing to continue to go their own way. The results are that they heap sin upon sin and consequences upon consequences. Many endeavor to salve their consciences with a philosophy of life, religion, good works, or busyness in an attempt to avoid facing themselves before God. The most stressing problem with all of those self-efforts is that there is no genuine hope.
God is faithful in sending His messengers to deliver His message so everyone knows how to experience eternal forgiveness and hope. Ezekiel was sent by the LORD as a prophet and a "watchman" to warn Israel and the surrounding nations of the consequences of their sin. Some would feel the guilt and brokenness. They would ask the first key question.
1. How then can we live? (v.10)
The answer to them provides insights into the heart of God.
First, God takes no pleasure in meting out justice for sin.
Second, His desire is that all repent of their sin and turn to Him in faith.
Third, the results are reconciliation with God and true life, both now and for eternity.
"The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." (2 Peter 3:9-10)
With that wonderful message of good news available to everyone, it grieves the heart of God when He is rejected. Since there is no alternative, God asks the second question.
2. Why will you die? (v.11)
It makes no sense to spurn the only hope there is beyond this life. Why would a person deliberately, and some defiantly, not seize such an opportunity for life?
First, there is an adversary. The devil is doomed already and it is his full-time occupation for now to thwart the purposes of God. He is the father of lies and dupes many into believing they do not need to respond to God's loving offer. He has even propagated the ideas that there is no place of eternal punishment, or that hell will not be too bad, or that one may earn their way out of it.
Second, human pride keeps people from admitting their brokenness and humbling themselves before their Creator and only Savior.
When one finally becomes tired of running from God and they reach the end of themselves, they discover that Jesus' offer still stands.
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:28-29)
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