What role does personal responsibility play in Ezekiel 18:22's message of repentance? “None of the transgressions he has committed will be remembered against him. Because of the righteousness he has done, he will live.” Personal Responsibility Highlighted - Addressed to “the man,” stressing individual, not collective, accountability. - Past sin is erased only when the sinner personally turns and practices righteousness (cf. v. 21). - Guilt is neither inherited nor transferable (v. 20). - Present obedience, not former heritage or past failure, determines one’s standing. Repentance as an Active, Individual Choice 1. Admit personal sin (vv. 21, 30). 2. Turn away from that sin—stop the wrongdoing. 3. “Do what is just and right” (v. 21): tangible acts that prove the change. 4. Continue in righteousness; falling back into sin reverses the outcome (v. 24). God’s Response to Personal Decisions - He remembers or forgets sin based on the individual’s current stance (Psalm 103:12; Hebrews 8:12). - Life or death hinges on personal repentance (Ezekiel 18:32). - Mercy is available, but never automatic; it awaits the sinner’s choice. New Testament Echoes - Acts 3:19 — “Repent therefore, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away.” - 1 John 1:9 — Personal confession brings forgiveness and cleansing. - Romans 14:12 — “Each of us will give an account of himself to God.” Living the Truth Today - Examine your own life regularly; yesterday’s faithfulness does not cover today’s disobedience (v. 24). - Respond quickly to conviction; God delights to pardon the repentant heart (2 Peter 3:9). - Show repentance through concrete righteousness—justice, mercy, integrity (Micah 6:8). - Take comfort: when you personally turn, “none of the transgressions… will be remembered.” |
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