How can Ezekiel 18:28 guide us in making righteous life choices today? “Since he considered and turned away from all the transgressions he had committed, he will surely live; he will not die.” Setting of Ezekiel 18 • Judah blamed ancestral sin for current suffering. • God, through Ezekiel, refutes fatalism: each individual is accountable for present choices (Ezekiel 18:1-4). • Righteousness or wickedness is not inherited but embraced or rejected by each generation (vv. 19-20). Key Truths in Ezekiel 18:28 • Personal reflection—“he considered.” • Genuine repentance—“turned away.” • Assured outcome—“he will surely live.” • Divine promise—God links life to repentance, not to pedigree or past. Turning Principles into Today’s Decisions 1. Pause and Think – Build a habit of spiritual inventory (Psalm 139:23-24). – Let Scripture, not culture, define transgression (2 Timothy 3:16-17). 2. Turn, Don’t Tolerate – Repentance is directional, not merely emotional (Acts 3:19). – Break with sin immediately; partial obedience is disobedience (James 4:17). 3. Trust the Promise of Life – Eternal life is grounded in God’s faithfulness (John 5:24). – Daily renewal flows from the Spirit’s power (Galatians 5:16-18). Scripture Echoes That Reinforce the Call • Proverbs 28:13—Concealing sin blocks mercy; confessing brings compassion. • Isaiah 55:7—Turning to the Lord yields abundant pardon. • 1 John 1:9—Confession secures forgiveness and cleansing. Practical Steps for Daily Living • Start each day with honest examination before God. • Memorize a verse that confronts a specific temptation. • Replace the old habit with a Christ-centered practice (Ephesians 4:22-24). • Seek accountability from mature believers (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Celebrate progress as evidence of God’s life-giving grace (Philippians 1:6). Encouragement for the Journey Ezekiel 18:28 assures that no past failure fixes our fate. By considering, turning, and clinging to God’s promise, we choose life—today and forever. |
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