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 reminds us that all have
sinned. Jesus taught that the Holy Spirit brings individual 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 the truth. The most distressing problem with all of those
self-efforts is that there is no confident 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 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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