The Justice of God and the Responsibility of the Righteous
Ezekiel 18:26 says, “If a righteous person turns from his righteousness and does evil, he will die for it. Because of the evil he has done, he will die.”
This solemn warning is not only about personal responsibility but also reveals the nature of God’s justice: He judges according to one’s present condition, not past virtue or heritage. God requires ongoing faithfulness, not a one-time profession.
This principle is echoed in Matthew 24:13: “But the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” True salvation is not for those who begin the race only, but for those who persevere in righteousness.
Similarly, Hebrews 3:14 reminds us, “We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.”
Ezekiel 18 emphasizes the moral responsibility of each individual. Ezekiel 18:24 states, "But if a righteous person turns from their righteousness and commits sin and does the same detestable things the wicked person does, will they live? None of the righteous things that person has done will be remembered. Because of the unfaithfulness they are guilty of and because of the sins they have committed, they will die.”
This means that faithfulness must be continuous. As James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
Jesus reinforces this in John 15:6: “If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers.” The call to remain—or abide—in Christ is not optional; it is vital for life. Abiding in Christ includes loving Him and keeping His commandments (John 14:15).
Moreover, 2 Peter 2:20-21 issues a sobering parallel to Ezekiel: “If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and are overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning.” Turning back to sin after knowing righteousness brings greater accountability.
God is not unjust. Galatians 6:7-8 declares: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” Our ongoing choices matter.
Ezekiel 18:26 calls every believer to serious, sustained obedience. Past righteousness cannot cancel future rebellion.
Only those who love God with all their heart and soul, keep Jesus’ commands, and do the will of the Father can truly understand and abide by the truth of Ezekiel 18:26.
If a person does not have the perseverance to persevere in the truth and the act of obeying God's will, his faith is incomplete. God's righteousness requires us to live out holiness, truth, and unwavering commitment every day to proclaim our faith.
