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 you were to read the books of the Kings and Chronicles alone, you might get the impression that Israel was being punished for the sins of their kings. Over and over we see verses like 1 Kings 14:16, “And He will give Israel up because of the sins of Jeroboam, who sinned and who made Israel sin.” However, Ezekiel shows us that the guilt of sin is only carried by the one who commits it.
In Ezekiel 18, the individual’s responsibility for sin is clearly explained. At the beginning of the chapter, we read that a proverb was circulating in Israel. It said, “The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge.” Their claim was that the children of Israel were punished only because of the sins of their parents. God immediately condemned this proverb for its false teaching. “‘As I live,’ says the Lord God, ‘you shall no longer use this proverb in Israel. Behold, all souls are Mine; The soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is Mine; The soul who sins shall die’” (Ezek. 18:3-4).
Punishment can only be carried out on the person who sins. Each person must give an account of their righteousness or unrighteousness. God says, “If he has walked in My statutes…He shall surely live!” (v. 9). However, if he sins, “He shall not live!” (v. 13). Whether good or bad, reward or punishment is given to the one who acts.
Furthermore, we see that 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.” No one is at fault because of the actions of their relative. When Adam and Eve ate of the tree, they received their punishment. While we experience the consequences of their actions by living outside of the Garden, we inherit no sin. We are only guilty of the sins we commit. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23).
We need to take responsibility for our actions. The only sins we are responsible for are the ones we have committed ourselves. 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).