God is speaking, “…if a righteous person TURNS FROM THEIR RIGHTEOUSNESS (they backslide) and commits sin and does the same detestable things the wicked person does, WILL THEY LIVE? None of the righteous things that person has done WILL BE REMEMBERED. Because of the UNFAITHFULNESS they are guilty of and because of the SINS they have committed, THEY WILL DIE (mûth: to die prematurely by neglect of wise moral conduct). “Yet YOU SAY, ‘The way of the Lord IS NOT JUST (tâkan: to be weighed out).‘ Hear, you Israelites: Is my way unjust? Is it not YOUR WAYS that are unjust? If a righteous person turns from their righteousness and commits sin, they will DIE FOR IT; because of the sin they have committed they will die. But if a wicked person turns away from the wickedness they have committed and does what is just and right, THEY WILL SAVE THEIR LIFE.” (Ezekiel 18:24-27)
“Therefore, I will judge you, everyone according to HIS WAYS,” says the Lord GOD. “REPENT, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin. CAST AWAY from you all THE TRANSGRESSIONS which you have committed and get yourselves a NEW HEART and a NEW SPIRIT. For why should you die, For I have NO PLEASURE in the death of one who dies,” says the Lord GOD. “THEREFORE TURN (shûb: to turn away, repent) AND LIVE!” (Ezekiel 18:30-32)
Your personal Pastor -Bill Stockham