The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, if a country sins against me by being unfaithful and I stretch out my hand against it to cut off its food supply and send famine upon it and kill its people and their animals, even if these three men—Noah, Daniel[a] and Job—were in it, they could save only themselves by their righteousness, declares the Sovereign Lord.
Ezekiel 14:12-14 NIV
God’s Word often challenges our assumptions. Ezekiel chapter 14 powerfully highlights God’s profound emphasis on individual righteousness on judgment day. This vital passage reveals that salvation rests solely on a person’s own right standing with God, not on anyone else’s faith or actions.
The Lord clearly declared that if a country sinned and He sent famine, even Noah, Daniel, and Job could only save themselves by their righteousness. These three righteous men could not save their children if wild beasts were sent through the land. Instead, only they would be saved, leaving the land desolate.
Moreover, should God bring a devastating sword upon a nation, these men still could not save their own children. Even if a plague unleashed God’s wrath in bloodshed, Noah, Daniel, and Job could save neither son nor daughter. They alone would escape by their individual righteousness.
The Truth of Individual Righteousness
This scripture clearly reminds us that true saving righteousness belongs solely to an individual. Therefore, no father can save his wife or children through his own righteous standing. Likewise, a spouse cannot save their partner if that person lacks personal righteousness on the Day of Judgment.
This profound truth underscores the imperative for everyone to diligently pursue a correct relationship with God. Indeed, each person must establish their own individual right standing. This stands as the only path to salvation.
Your Personal Responsibility for Salvation
We must never allow ourselves to be deceived into thinking that everything is fine if we live as we please. God will ultimately bring every wicked person to judgment. Therefore, the Day of Judgment serves as a crucial reminder of our personal accountability for all actions and inactions.
On that fateful Day, a father cannot secure salvation for his children. Everyone will be judged according to their individual relationship with God. This assessment relies on their own personal righteousness.
This prompts a vital question for personal reflection: Am I truly in a right relationship with God? Do I possess that true standing with the Almighty? This ensures confidence in my own salvation by my individual righteousness on judgment day.
The Watchman’s Urgent Call
This truth also leads us to consider our efforts in sharing the Gospel with others. Am I confident that those I know will not stand condemned on the Day of Judgment? As a result, am I faithful in sharing God’s truth with them? They too deserve to embrace the Lord’s righteousness.
Indeed, as one called to be a watchman, I bear the responsibility of warning God’s people. Do I diligently listen to and convey God’s instructions to them? Furthermore, do I truly possess God’s Word that I can share with these individuals?
This serves as a profound wake-up call, urging us to respond to God. We must ensure we do not compromise our right standing with Him. Consequently, this also compels us to act for the salvation of others. They too can find that right relationship with God.
Living It Out
Reflect on your personal standing with God today. Pursue a diligent, righteous relationship with Him for your own salvation. Then, prayerfully consider how you can share this vital truth, guiding others towards their individual righteousness before the Day of Judgment.