Ezekiel 18:21 - “But if the wicked turns from all his sins that he has committed, and keeps all my statutes, and does that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live. He shall not die.
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What does "Ezekiel 18:21" mean?
Ezekiel 18:21 essentially conveys a message of hope and the possibility of redemption. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"But if the wicked turns from all his sins that he has committed...": This emphasizes the importance of genuine repentance. It's not just about feeling sorry, but actively turning away from all past sins. The phrase "all his sins" suggests a complete and comprehensive change of heart and behavior.
"...and keeps all my statutes...": This highlights the need for obedience to God's laws and commands. Turning away from sin is not enough; a person must also actively live a righteous life according to God's will. The word "statutes" refers to God's rules and guidelines.
"...and does that which is lawful and right...": This reinforces the idea of living according to a moral code established by God. It's about acting justly and ethically in all aspects of life, treating others fairly, and upholding what is considered right in God's eyes.
"...he shall surely live. He shall not die.": This is the promise of life and salvation for those who genuinely repent and live righteously. It signifies both physical and spiritual life. The "death" mentioned here can refer to premature physical death as a consequence of sin, but more importantly, it points to spiritual death, separation from God, and eternal consequences.
In essence, the verse teaches that:
Repentance is possible for everyone, no matter how wicked their past.
God is willing to forgive those who sincerely turn away from their sins.
True repentance involves both turning away from sin and embracing a righteous life according to God's laws.
Living a righteous life after repentance leads to life and salvation, avoiding the consequences of sin.
Context within Ezekiel:
This verse is part of a larger argument in Ezekiel 18, which refutes the popular saying "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge." This saying implied that children were being punished for the sins of their fathers. Ezekiel is arguing that God judges each person individually based on their own actions, not the actions of their ancestors. This verse specifically highlights that even a wicked person can escape judgment if they turn to righteousness.
Important Theological Considerations:
Grace and Works: This verse does not negate the importance of God's grace. While the verse emphasizes actions, it's understood within a broader theological framework that salvation is ultimately a gift from God, enabled by His grace through faith. The actions are evidence of a transformed heart, not a means of earning salvation.
Perseverance: The verse implies a continued commitment to righteousness. It's not a one-time act, but a lifestyle of obedience. This touches on the doctrine of perseverance, which suggests that genuine believers will continue in faith and obedience until the end.
Therefore, Ezekiel 18:21 provides a powerful message of hope, encouraging individuals to repent, live righteously, and receive the promise of life and salvation offered by God.
Ezekiel 18:21 - “But if the wicked turns from all his sins that he has committed, and keeps all my statutes, and does that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live. He shall not die.
What does "Ezekiel 18:21" mean?
Ezekiel 18:21 essentially conveys a message of hope and the possibility of redemption. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"But if the wicked turns from all his sins that he has committed...": This emphasizes the importance of genuine repentance. It's not just about feeling sorry, but actively turning away from all past sins. The phrase "all his sins" suggests a complete and comprehensive change of heart and behavior.
"...and keeps all my statutes...": This highlights the need for obedience to God's laws and commands. Turning away from sin is not enough; a person must also actively live a righteous life according to God's will. The word "statutes" refers to God's rules and guidelines.
"...and does that which is lawful and right...": This reinforces the idea of living according to a moral code established by God. It's about acting justly and ethically in all aspects of life, treating others fairly, and upholding what is considered right in God's eyes.
"...he shall surely live. He shall not die.": This is the promise of life and salvation for those who genuinely repent and live righteously. It signifies both physical and spiritual life. The "death" mentioned here can refer to premature physical death as a consequence of sin, but more importantly, it points to spiritual death, separation from God, and eternal consequences.
In essence, the verse teaches that:
Repentance is possible for everyone, no matter how wicked their past.
God is willing to forgive those who sincerely turn away from their sins.
True repentance involves both turning away from sin and embracing a righteous life according to God's laws.
Living a righteous life after repentance leads to life and salvation, avoiding the consequences of sin.
Context within Ezekiel:
This verse is part of a larger argument in Ezekiel 18, which refutes the popular saying "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge." This saying implied that children were being punished for the sins of their fathers. Ezekiel is arguing that God judges each person individually based on their own actions, not the actions of their ancestors. This verse specifically highlights that even a wicked person can escape judgment if they turn to righteousness.
Important Theological Considerations:
Grace and Works: This verse does not negate the importance of God's grace. While the verse emphasizes actions, it's understood within a broader theological framework that salvation is ultimately a gift from God, enabled by His grace through faith. The actions are evidence of a transformed heart, not a means of earning salvation.
Perseverance: The verse implies a continued commitment to righteousness. It's not a one-time act, but a lifestyle of obedience. This touches on the doctrine of perseverance, which suggests that genuine believers will continue in faith and obedience until the end.
Therefore, Ezekiel 18:21 provides a powerful message of hope, encouraging individuals to repent, live righteously, and receive the promise of life and salvation offered by God.