Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord GOD, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live?
God desires the sinner's return more earnestly than anything else, and witnesses to this mercy through all ages: in the heathen conscience, in the law and prophets, and most clearly in the Gospel, where He calls us to pardon in Christ. But mark this: God does not wish all saved by ignoring good and evil, but by repentance preceding pardon, worked by the Spirit's conviction of sin.
AI summary
While we live, the trial continues, and God judges each person by the change wrought in himself, not by his father's sins or his children's course. A true convert must first consider his wretchedness, then turn from wickedness itself, then do what is just and right. The prodigal who sits down and reckons the cost of his rebellion will rise and return to his Father.
AI summary
Commenting on Ezekiel 18:21-29
This speaks of no truly righteous man, for such cannot fall from the righteousness of Christ that is wrought for him and cannot be lost. It speaks of one righteous in his own esteem, resting on his own ceremonial or moral works, a hypocrite destitute of true grace, who may indeed turn to iniquity and perish.
AI summary