Topical Bible: The Death of the Wicked: God Has No Pleasure In

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The concept that God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked is a profound theological theme found in the Bible, emphasizing God's desire for repentance and redemption rather than judgment and destruction. This theme is primarily drawn from the prophetic literature of the Old Testament, particularly the book of Ezekiel.

Ezekiel 18:23, 32
In Ezekiel 18:23, the prophet conveys God's message: "Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Lord GOD. Wouldn't I prefer he turn from his ways and live?" . This rhetorical question underscores God's preference for repentance over punishment. The chapter as a whole addresses individual responsibility and the possibility of turning from sin to righteousness. God’s desire is for the wicked to abandon their sinful ways and choose life.

Further reinforcing this, Ezekiel 18:32 states, "For I take no pleasure in anyone's death, declares the Lord GOD. So repent and live!" . This verse highlights the consistent call to repentance, emphasizing that life and restoration are available to those who turn from their wickedness.

Ezekiel 33:11
Ezekiel 33:11 reiterates this theme: "Say to them: 'As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked should turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?'" . Here, God’s oath "As surely as I live" underscores the sincerity and intensity of His desire for the wicked to repent. The repeated call to "Turn!" emphasizes the urgency and possibility of repentance.

The Nature of God’s Justice and Mercy
The passages in Ezekiel reflect the balance between God’s justice and mercy. While God is just and must address sin, His preference is always for mercy and forgiveness. The call to repentance is a testament to His patience and long-suffering nature, as He provides opportunities for the wicked to change their ways.

New Testament Parallels
The New Testament echoes this theme, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Peter. In 2 Peter 3:9, it is written, "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" . This passage aligns with the Old Testament message, showing continuity in God’s character and His desire for all to find life through repentance.

Implications for Believers
For believers, the understanding that God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked serves as a call to evangelism and intercession. It encourages Christians to share the message of repentance and salvation, reflecting God’s heart for the lost. It also serves as a reminder of the grace available to all, regardless of past wickedness, if they choose to turn to God.

Conclusion
The biblical teaching that God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked is a powerful reminder of His desire for all to experience life and redemption. It highlights the opportunity for repentance and the transformative power of God’s grace.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 18:23,32
Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? said the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Thwarting God's Purpose
... Unless you do you are suicides; and neither God, nor man, nor devil is responsible
for your ... As I live, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked.'. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/thwarting gods purpose.htm

Destruction and Help
... So God stands, as with clean hands, declaring that 'He is pure from the blood of
all men; that He has no pleasure in the death of the wicked'; and His word to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/destruction and help.htm

The Eternity of God
... is treason punished with confiscation and death, but because ... Bonds and afflictions
abide me.' The wicked are clad ... But here is the comfort, God is eternal, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/3 the eternity of god.htm

God's Character Our Resting-Place
... Let us study the character of God: - holy, yet loving; the love not ... whom he will,
yet having no pleasure in the death of the wicked; compelling some to come ...
/.../bonar/gods way of peace/chapter iii gods character our.htm

Free Grace
... Wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye." "As I live, saith the Lord
God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 128 free grace.htm

The First Great Deception.
... "As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but
that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from ...
/.../33 the first great deception.htm

The First Great Deception
... "As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but
that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 33 the first great.htm

Reprobation.
... the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked
turn from ... 1. That some men are reprobates, in the sense that God does not ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/finney/systematic theology/lecture xliv reprobation.htm

The Way to God
... come; and he tells you, and he confirms the same with an oath""As I live, saith
the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked but that ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the way to god.htm

Hebrews x. 13-Aug
... For, as He says, "I wish not the death of the sinner, as that he should ... For the wicked
man as long as he is wicked, cannot be subject [to God's law]; he can ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xviii hebrews x 13-aug.htm