The Fairness of God’s Judgment

Ezekiel 33:10–20
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This passage emphasizes what is gained in life through turning to righteousness from wickedness. Ezekiel’s primary reference is to life after this present life. Now they seem to feel heavy guilt for rebelling against God for so many years. Therefore, God assured them of forgiveness if they repented (vv. 10-12). He wants everyone to turn to Him. He looks at what we are and not what we have been.

Good works will not save a person, who may decide to turn to a life of sin, Some people think they have done enough good deeds to more than cover the sins they don’t want to give up. But it’s useless to try to be good in some areas and yet be deliberately bad in others (v. 13). God requires wholehearted love and obedience. While good works will not save us, our salvation should lead to righteous actions (Eph. 2:10; James 2:14-17). This includes restitution for past sins. God expects us to make restitution whenever necessary, for the wrongs we have committed (v. 15). Ezekiel’s message is to the whole house of Israel, but its application was to be made on an individual basis. (vv. 12-16). The righteousness of the one turning to wickedness very likely has reference to the superficial righteousness of an unregenerate person.

If we turn from righteousness and do evil, we will die in our evil ways. We must not trust in our own righteousness. We all sin and we need Christ. The question is, do you trust in righteousness or in Christ? The warnings found here are warnings of hope. They show the way to life. They reveal the mercy of God. “I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked” (v. 11).

Application

I am so thankful for the truth of God’s Word, that the righteousness of God is that righteousness whereby, through grace and sheer mercy, I have been justified by faith.