Ezekiel 18
Provide some background. After Solomon's reign, the Kingdom was divided. Israel, the Northern Kingdom, fell to Assyria around 722 BC. Judah, the Southern Kingdom, fell to Babylon around 597 BC. Ezekiel becomes a prophet of God around 593-595 BC. Ezekiel was a prophet in a whirlwind of change.
Ezekiel 18:1-4. False Proverb, passing the buck.
Father - son - grandson.
Verse 20. Alike Romans 6:23; personal responsibility; Romans 14:10-12. Choice/consequence theory.
Verse 21. If/then/but theory; there are 800 occurrences of the word "turn", 44 occurrences of the word "repent". What is repentance? ...'He shall surely live', See John 10:10. Spiritual abundance; spiritual prosperity.
Verse 22. Alike 1 John 1:9.
Verse 23. Remember Ezekiel 33:11? What gives God pleasure? See 1 Samuel 12:22.
Verses 30-31. Remember studying about the Divine Initiative? ... Divine Invitation? See Revelation 22:17; Matthew 11:28.
* God is willing to receive, save, relieve.
* Abundant life. Spiritual Abundance is the relief of ones anxiety. Not only does God invite us to come to Him for salvation, but also for relief and rest along the way. See 1 Peter 5:7.
Verse 32. Why won't you come to God, through Christ, and live, really live?
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May God speak to your heart! Bob Conar