In what ways does Ezekiel 5:15 connect to the New Testament teachings on sin? Scripture Spotlight: Ezekiel 5:15 “‘So you will be a reproach and a taunt, a warning and an object of horror to the nations around you when I execute judgments against you in anger, in wrath, and with furious rebukes. I, the LORD, have spoken.’” Shared Themes Between Ezekiel 5:15 and the New Testament • The reality of divine wrath – Romans 1:18: “The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men…” – Ezekiel announces wrath on Jerusalem; Paul announces the same holy anger toward sin worldwide. • Sin brings public shame and reproach – Hebrews 10:29: those who reject Christ “deserve a much worse punishment.” – Just as Judah became “a reproach and a taunt,” the New Testament warns that ongoing sin leads to disgrace before both God and people. • Judgment serves as a warning to others – 1 Corinthians 10:6,11: Israel’s judgments were “examples… written for our instruction.” – Ezekiel calls Judah’s fate “a warning.” Paul repeats that past judgments instruct the church to flee sin. God’s Character: Consistent from Old to New • Holiness that cannot tolerate sin – 1 Peter 1:15-16 echoes Leviticus and Ezekiel: “Be holy, because I am holy.” – The Lord’s anger in Ezekiel reveals the same holiness proclaimed by Peter. • Certainty of God’s word – “I, the LORD, have spoken” (Ezekiel 5:15). – Jesus echoes this certainty: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away” (Matthew 24:35). The Cross: Ultimate Convergence Point • God’s wrath satisfied in Christ – Romans 3:25: God presented Jesus “as a propitiation… to demonstrate His righteousness.” – The fury poured out on Jerusalem foreshadows the fury Christ bore on the cross for believers. • From reproach to reconciliation – Colossians 1:22: “He has now reconciled you… through His physical body.” – The shame Judah endured highlights the honor Jesus restores to all who repent and believe. Practical Takeaways for Today • Take sin seriously; divine anger is real and justified. • Let past judgments motivate present obedience. • Trust the finished work of Christ, who absorbed the wrath Ezekiel described. • Live as people rescued from reproach, displaying holiness to a watching world (Philippians 2:15). |
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