“Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not right.’ Hear now, O house of Israel! Is My way not right? Is it not your ways that are not right?” (Ezekiel 18:25).
Chapter 18 of the book of Ezekiel is illuminating. God does not punish children for the sins of their parents. God does not punish parents for the sins of their children. Sin destroys any righteousness. Turning back to God covers sin.
As I have contemplated the chapter, it is clear that each person will stand before the Lord for his/her own choices. I will not answer for your sin. You will not answer for mine. I will not answer for my parents’ sin. My parents will not answer for mine.
That may seem unfair, because this is somewhat contrary to how our justice system works. Many legal defenses seek to hold someone else responsible. The parents were abusive. The bar served the drinks. The girl waited too long to say no.
God holds the person committing the sin responsible for his/her actions. The abuser will answer to God for the pain inflicted. The drunk will answer to God for the damage he caused. The rapist will answer to God for his immoral act. There are no excuses.
God will also hold the parents responsible for the abuse they inflicted. If we entice someone who should not drink with a drink, God will hold us responsible. If a woman is acting unbecoming toward a man, God will hold her responsible. God holds each person accountable for his or her actions. My actions do not excuse you of your actions. Your actions do not excuse me of mine. It is the fairest way to handle a situation.
We might consider it uncaring of God to hold us responsible for choices we make because of the sins committed against us. However, God also does not hold us responsible for the choices others make because of the sin we have committed against them. It works both ways.
God deeply cares about the wounds in our lives due to sin. He heals us. He forgives us. He gives us life. He loves us. He loves us so much that He let His son die for us. He accepts us. God sees into our hearts and plants peace. Peace with Him. Peace with each other.
Nestled in this discussion of sin is the awareness that someone’s righteousness will not save him/her from the consequences of sin. The Pharisees of Jesus’s time come to mind. One sin would destroy all their righteousness. No wonder, before receiving Christ as his savior, Paul described himself “as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless” (Philippians 3:6). Sin was not an option.
After faith in Christ, Paul says, “no good dwells in me” (Romans 7:18). Paul discovered that before faith in Christ his righteousness was not God’s righteousness. Paul’s righteousness accomplished nothing in his standing before God. He needed Christ’s righteousness. Christ’s righteousness meets God’s standard.
Paul opens Romans 8 with these words, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Later in Romans 8, Paul shares how nothing can separate us from the love of God. Nothing includes our sins. What a beautiful promise.
Returning to God’s question in Ezekiel 18:25, “Is My way not right?” Yes, God’s way is right. His way is perfect. His way leads to the salvation of our souls because of His Son’s death on the cross. It leads to life.
Mary studied Mechanical Engineering as an undergraduate student. While studying she traded semesters working at NASA in Houston, Texas. It was while working at NASA that she felt the tug on her heart that God had another plan for her life. Upon graduation, Mary proceeded to serve as a missionary for the next 11 years of her life; she served in Greece the last two years of her service. Upon returning from Greece, she pursued her Master's degree in Counseling, which led to a job with a major university. It was while working there that God did what God faithfully does, she found herself working as an engineer again as she managed major construction projects for the university. She also pursued her Master's degree in Engineering Management and her Professional Engineering License. Mary now on her ministry and writing. When Mary left missionary service it was her desire to return to fulltime ministry one day. She had her first outline for a book in 1989 (a book she has yet to write). Her first book was published in May, 2014 with the second quickly on its heels in December, 2014. She continues to write and is developing an evangelistic series of books centered around Jesus Christ. Her prayer is that her books will bless others' relationships with our Father God and His word.