Free from Sin

Photo image courtesy Pixabay

“Yet, if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul.
– Ezekiel‬ ‭3‬:‭19‬

In Ezekiel 3, God warned the prophet about the importance of warning the wicked to give them a chance to turn from evil. Ezekiel lived in a time when Israel was full of depravity and they polluted the temple of God with vile practices.

God called Ezekiel and he had a vision where he was caught up into heaven. He was given a scroll to eat and to fill his belly with the Word of God. Once he was full, he was sent to the house of Israel to declare to them what God said. Although he was sent to his own people, God told him that they would not listen, because they were hard hearted and stubborn. God made Ezekiel’s face hard against Israel to represent His own face and heart towards them for their stubbornness.

“Like adamant stone, harder than flint, I have made your forehead; do not be afraid of them, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they are a rebellious house.” ‭‭(Ezekiel‬ ‭3‬:‭9‬)

During this time, many of the Jews were taken into captivity because of their rebellion. Ezekiel was also sent to prophesy to them and witness against them all that God had said.

Ezekiel was appointed as a watchman over Israel, to hear from God and to warn the people before judgment. God told him that before he destroyed a wicked person, he would send him to warn that person. If Ezekiel didn’t warn the wicked person, he would die in his wickedness, but God would hold Ezekiel responsible for his death. If Ezekiel warned the wicked person and he did not repent and died, Ezekiel would not be held responsible for his death. He was also cautioned to warn a righteous person who had turned away from God. This once righteous person who was not repentant, may also die in their sin and Ezekiel would be held accountable if he didn’t warn him.

“But when I speak with you, I will open your mouth, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God.’ He who hears, let him hear; and he who refuses, let him refuse; for they are a rebellious house.” ‭‭(Ezekiel‬ ‭3‬:‭27‬)

Ezekiel did not live in an easy time and his assignment to warn of destruction and death was a difficult one. He had no choice but to do what God asked him to do and to say what God asked him to say. Although the message and assignment was hard, he understood the consequences if he did not warn the wicked about their destruction. As a prophet he had the gift of sight and could see and hear the voice of God, concerning his people. He was also God’s voice and representative to warn the people.

“Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.” ‭‭(Amos‬ ‭3‬:‭7‬)

Prophets were often hated, prosecuted and ostracized because their message was not appealing nor palatable. Often, saying what God says and telling people what God’s intentions are towards them, can be hard. This is because when people have been blinded by the devil and their hearts are hardened, they cannot hear God. They often don’t want to hear what God has to say and this will cause them to resent the prophets.

The reality is that none of us are without sin and the consequence of presumptuous sin is separation from God.

“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” ‭‭
(I John‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬)

God is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. This requires true and genuine repentance as God will not reject a broken and a contrite heart. We must never take the grace of God for granted and assume that because He is gracious, that we can continue to live in sin.

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?”
‭‭(Romans‬ ‭6‬:‭1‬)

If God is warning us to repent, then it means that we still have a chance to make it right with Him. God will not hold back His anger forever, neither will he constantly ignore sin and unrighteousness. As much as God is loving, faithful and kind, He is also a jealous and a dreadful God. Like Ezekiel, we still have to teach people about the consequences of sin and the importance of repentance before God.

“Let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.” ‭‭(James‬ ‭5‬:‭20‬)

Questions for Reflection:

1. Why is it important to teach people about sin and the consequences?

2. What role does the Church have to play in the world when it comes to warning people about sin?

3. Does the Church sometimes shy away from the subject of sin because of the fear of offending people?