Does Ezekiel 18:28 imply salvation is based on works? Text of Ezekiel 18:28 “Because he considered and turned from all the transgressions he had committed, he will surely live; he will not die.” Immediate Literary Context Ezekiel 18 is a prophetic oracle delivered to exiles in Babylon (591 BC) who assumed that present suffering resulted from their fathers’ sins (v. 2). Yahweh refutes this proverb by affirming personal accountability (vv. 3–4), illustrating three case studies: a righteous father (vv. 5–9), his wicked son (vv. 10–13), and a repentant grandson (vv. 14–17). Verse 28 appears in the climactic appeal (vv. 21–32) where the Lord urges individual repentance so that “none of the offenses he has committed will be remembered” (v. 22). The key theme is temporal and covenantal life amid exile, not eternal justification by human merit. Covenantal Framework Under the Mosaic covenant, obedience brought tangible life in the land; rebellion invited exile and death (Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 28). Ezekiel 18 reaffirms this Deuteronomic principle for individuals inside a national judgment. Repentance restored fellowship and delayed temporal judgment. Thus, the “life” promised in v. 28 is covenantal preservation rather than the Pauline doctrine of forensic justification (Romans 3:24). The passage does not teach salvation by law-keeping but underscores the necessity of turning to Yahweh, which always presupposes faith (Habakkuk 2:4). Biblical Theology of Repentance and Faith Scripture presents repentance and faith as two sides of one coin (Mark 1:15). The repentant sinner in Ezekiel 18 trusts God’s merciful character (v. 23) and demonstrates that faith by abandoning sin. The New Testament clarifies that even this turning is enabled by divine grace (Acts 11:18; Ephesians 2:8–9). Therefore, Ezekiel 18:28 illustrates the fruit of faith, not the basis of merit. Progressive Revelation and Christological Fulfillment Ezekiel later predicts the new covenant, a work of the Spirit that imparts a new heart causing obedience (36:26–27). Jesus applies this promise when He offers living water (John 7:37–39). The cross satisfies the righteousness demanded in Ezekiel 18, and the resurrection guarantees the life promised (Romans 4:25). Hence, the principle that the repentant “will live” finds ultimate realization in union with the risen Christ (John 11:25–26). Consistency with the Rest of Scripture • Isaiah 55:7 links mercy with forsaking wickedness—grace precedes and empowers change. • Jonah 3 shows Nineveh spared when it “turned” (shuv), though no merit is claimed. • Romans 2:4 states that God’s kindness leads to repentance, harmonizing divine grace with human response. • James 2:18 affirms that genuine faith evidences itself in works, echoing Ezekiel’s linkage without endorsing works-based salvation. Archaeological Corroboration The Babylonian ration tablets naming “Jehoiachin king of Judah” (museum no. VAT 16378) authenticate the exile setting contemporaneous with Ezekiel, lending historical credibility to his social context and moral exhortations. Common Objection: “Works Earn Life” Objection: The verse states he “will live” because he “turned from” transgressions; thus deeds earn salvation. Response: 1. The clause is evidential, not causative-meritorious. Turning is the observable condition accompanying genuine faith. 2. The broader oracle attributes the offer of life to Yahweh’s sovereign desire: “I take no pleasure in anyone’s death” (v. 32). Divine initiative frames the entire appeal. 3. Later revelation clarifies that justification is “apart from works” (Romans 4:5) while maintaining that unrepentant practice of sin evidences unbelief (1 John 3:9–10). The canon speaks with one voice. Pastoral and Missional Implications Ezekiel 18:28 demolishes fatalism. No ancestry, culture, or prior sin irrevocably condemns a person. God invites each individual to receive life through repentance—a message culminating in Christ’s gospel. Evangelistically, this passage confronts blame-shifting and underscores personal responsibility, steering hearts toward the Savior who secures life eternally. Conclusion Ezekiel 18:28, read within its prophetic, covenantal, and canonical contexts, does not teach salvation by human works. It proclaims God’s eagerness to grant life to any sinner who, enabled by grace, turns to Him. The verse complements the New Testament doctrine that salvation is by grace through faith, and authentic faith is verified by a transformed life. |
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