But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.
As in the last lecture the Prophet offered to sinners a sure hope of pardon if they heartily repented, and promised that God would be propitious to them as soon as they shall seek reconciliation with him: so now, on the other hand, he pronounces, if the just shall decline from his justice, whatever he has hitherto done, shall not come into the account before God.
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
Yet ye say,.... Notwithstanding these plain instances, which show the equity of God in his proceedings, and vindicate his justice in the dispensations of his providence; yet such was the blindness and stupidity of these people, or rather their stubbornness, obstinacy, and impudence, that they still insisted upon it that the way of the Lord is not equal; just and right; is not even, according...