If you had siblings like me, there may have been a time or two when you got in trouble and shouted, “My brother made me do it!” Quickly, we found out that was not an excuse, even if our brother egged us on. We are responsible for our actions.
The Book of Ezekiel tells of Israel’s impending punishment. Because they did not keep God’s commandments, the Lord was bringing judgment. If someone reads the books of the Kings and Chronicles alone, they might get the impression that Israel was being punished for the sins of their kings. However, Ezekiel is clear that the guilt of sin is only borne by the one who commits it.
In chapter 18, the individual’s responsibility for sin is explained. A proverb was circulating in Israel. It said, “The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge…” The claim was being made that children are punished because of the sins of their parents. God condemned this proverb for its false teaching. In verse 3, He says, “’As I live,’ says the Lord God, ‘you shall no longer use this proverb in Israel.’”
Firstly, punishment can only be carried out on the person who sins. In the next verse, the Lord proclaims, “Behold, all souls are Mine; The soul who sins shall die.” Each person must give an account of their righteousness or unrighteousness. God says, “If he has walked in My statutes and kept My judgments faithfully—He is just; He shall surely live!” (Ezek. 18:9). God is a rewarder of good works. However, He also punishes the wicked. In verse 13, God explains, “If he has exacted usury or taken increase—Shall he then live? He shall not live! If he has done any of these abominations, He shall surely die; His blood shall be upon him.” Whether good or bad, the Lord will reward or punish based on our own actions.
Secondly, guilt cannot be passed down. In verse 20, the Lord says, “The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself. ” No one is at fault for the actions of their relative. When Adam and Eve ate the fruit, they received their punishment. While we experience the results of their actions by living outside of the Garden of Eden, we inherit no sin. We are only guilty of the sins we commit.
We need to take responsibility for our actions. The only sins we are responsible for are the ones we have committed. But God is merciful, and we can rest assured that if we repent of our sins, we will be forgiven. The Lord says, “‘For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,’ says the Lord God. ‘Therefore turn and live!’” (Ezek. 18:32).