EZEKIEL 18:1–9
“The soul who sins shall die. Bui if a man is just and does what is lawful and right … He shall surely live!”
(Ezek. 18:4, 9).
We will be finishing this month with a study of the doctrine of sin. Jesus declared that anyone who does not believe in Him will “die in their sins.” Why will men die in their sins? What is sin? What is the origin of sin? Today we will deal with the last of these questions, but not in the way you might think. Whenever the question of sins, origin is asked, we find it easy to slip into philosophical and speculative discussions. We will not approach this issue from such an esoteric perspective mainly because the question cannot be satisfactorily answered that way. The Bible does not explain where sin came from. It simply records it and condemns it. Also, speculative questions concerning the origin of evil are often means to divert one’s attention from the reality of personal sin. To avoid this kind of diversion, we will take a more existential approach. Where did sin begin and how does it affect you?
Sin is first recorded in Genesis 3 when Adam and Eve sinned. We all know the story. But let us look at their response when confronted by God. Adam didn’t confess his sin, he simply passed the buck. And to whom? Ultimately he blamed God! “The woman that You gave me …” Isn’t this what we do today when we come face to face with sin? We try to blame someone else, even God.
Even though the Bible does not explain how innocent Adam sinned, it does hold Adam accountable. We, as sinners, are also held accountable. This is the point of Ezekiel 18. Israel tried to blame their forefathers for their sin, but God would hear none of it. “The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son.” If you think God is being unfair, He has an answer in verses 25–26; if a man sins, don’t say God is being unfair by punishing. Man is punished because of his own sin. He dies “because of the iniquity which he has done.”
You might not understand where sin comes from, but you will nevertheless answer for your own sin. Do not try to blame your parents, society, or anyone else. Blame yourself. You might stiffer the consequences of another’s sin, but they did not make you sin. Do not search for excuses as you try to unravel the mystery of evil, but confess your sin and find forgiveness in Christ.
CORAM DEO
1 Chronicles 3–5
John 8:1–20
Considering the verses below, in what ways are your sins placed on future generations? How are they not? How are your children’s present and future affected by your sin? Are you currently trying to blame anyone else for your sins? If so, confess your sin today and make amends to that person where appropriate.
For further study: Gen. 3 • Ex. 20:4–6 • Num. 14:18 • Ezek. 18:19–32
thursday
may