All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.
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
God does not delight in the death of the wicked as His absolute will, though His justice executes it; His delight is mercy. He takes far greater pleasure when a man repents of his sins and forsakes his vicious course than when he persists in wickedness and brings ruin upon himself.
AI summary
His righteousness is the evidence that he stands already in favor with God through the merit of Messiah, not the payment for past sins. The Gospel clarifies what was dimly seen then, though men had light enough for salvation.
AI summary