What does "righteousness will not save him" teach about past deeds and salvation? Context of Ezekiel 33:12 The prophet is God’s watchman to Israel in exile. The people assume former obedience guarantees present security. God corrects that assumption. Key Text (Ezekiel 33:12) “The righteousness of the righteous man will not save him on the day he transgresses, and the wickedness of the wicked man will not cause him to stumble when he turns from his wickedness. The righteous man will not be able to live by his faithfulness on the day he sins.” What the Phrase Teaches about Past Deeds • Righteous acts are not a savings account we draw on later. • Obedience counts only as long as we walk in it (cf. Ezekiel 18:24). • A single moment of deliberate rebellion cancels the benefit of prior righteousness. • God judges each person “according to his ways” in real time (Ezekiel 33:20). What It Teaches about Salvation • Salvation is not earned by accumulated merit; it flows from ongoing faith and obedience. • Present repentance wipes out past wickedness; present rebellion nullifies past righteousness. • Genuine faith produces perseverance (Hebrews 3:14). • The verse anticipates the New Testament call to “abide” in Christ (John 15:6). • Assurance is found in a living, present-tense relationship with God, not yesterday’s record. Supporting Passages • Ezekiel 18:24 – “When a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity… none of the righteous acts he did will be remembered.” • Matthew 7:21-23 – Past service means nothing if one practices lawlessness. • Galatians 5:4 – Those who seek justification by law have “fallen away from grace.” • Hebrews 10:26-27 – Deliberate sin after receiving the truth brings judgment. • 1 John 2:28 – “Abide in Him, so that when He appears we may have confidence.” Practical Takeaways • Walk with God daily; never rely on yesterday’s obedience. • Repent quickly; His mercy erases a sinful past the moment we turn. • Evaluate present choices in light of eternity—salvation is evidenced by ongoing faithfulness. • Celebrate grace: God welcomes the repentant and warns the complacent. |
    |