Ezekiel 18:28, commentary and pictures

Ezekiel 18 is a message of reproof and warning to God's people, to mothers, to fathers, to the children of Israel, that they may not move forward blindly. It is to be spoken whether men will hear or whether they will forbear, with faithful work in giving it at all times and in all places. That faithful giving includes warning sinners to turn from sin and warning them of the consequences of wrongdoing.

The first condition of the promise is consideration, in which the sinner thoughtfully examines his ways and recognizes his transgressions. The second condition is turning away from all his transgressions and from all sin, reflecting the surrounding call for Israel to repent and turn. Whoever so considers and turns will surely live and will not die. The context shows that God takes no pleasure in anyone's death but calls people to turn and live.

Those to whom the message comes, if they will hear and take heed with patience and a generous, teachable spirit, will receive the blessing of the Lord. The pardon promised is personal and individual through Jesus, who pardons repentant transgressors and calls them to live, and it is freely extended for every sin to all who comply with its conditions. To doubt that the promise is meant for oneself is to fail to take God at His word, for none are so sinful that they cannot find strength, purity, and righteousness in Jesus, who died for them. Strength and grace are provided through Christ and brought to every believing soul by ministering angels, and in pardoning God strips away garments stained and polluted with sin and puts upon the sinner the white robes of righteousness.