Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel?
Ezekiel 18:31 NIV
In Ezekiel 18, the Lord raises a critical matter with the Israelites. He confronts them about their sinfulness and presents a serious charge against them. One key issue stands out as God concludes this chapter: “Why will you die…? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!”. In this passage, God extends His offer of salvation to the people.
God clearly states that if a righteous person turns from righteousness and commits sin, he will die for it. Meanwhile, this is more of spiritual death rather than a physical death. None of his past righteousness will be remembered. This truth compels me to carefully examine my ways. What matters is not momentary righteousness but a continuous, consistent relationship with God. It is not enough to be righteous today and fall away tomorrow. God desires that sinners turn from their wickedness, repent, and receive His forgiveness.
The focus of this passage is clear: maintaining righteousness before God is essential. A person must not rely on past righteousness while indulging in sin. Instead, God expects the wicked to forsake their sinful ways, turn to Him, and receive mercy. The righteous must not become complacent and fall into sin, thereby losing their place in Him.
God places great emphasis on this demand—everyone must maintain a right standing before Him. It is not just about past or present righteousness; continuous faithfulness to God is the inevitable requirement. As God calls out to the people, He commands them to repent. This is not just a message for them; it is God’s message to me and to everyone. It must also be the message I proclaim, as God enables me, to remind others of His mercy.
The Lord makes it clear that He takes no pleasure in the death of anyone. Whether a sinner or a righteous person, God is not pleased with their destruction. He is a just and righteous God, but His righteousness is not swift to judgment. Instead, He delights in showing mercy and grace. That is why He calls out: “Rid yourselves of all the offences you have committed.” In His mercy, He offers a new heart. He does not leave people to figure it out on their own. Instead, He invites them: “Get a new heart and a new spirit.” This shows that God Himself provides the means for transformation.
God stretches out His hand, ready to offer this new heart. The only thing preventing people from receiving it is their own unwillingness. Indeed, God extends His hand to everyone, saying: “Repent! Take this new heart!” Christ Jesus has died on our behalf, offering salvation. Now, we must believe in His name and receive His gift of life. God offers this in exchange for sinfulness, replacing spiritual death with abundant life.
Finally, God asks a profound question: “Why will you die?” This is the crux of the matter. Why would anyone choose destruction over life? As long as a person remains in sin, they are preparing for eternal death. They are setting themselves on the path to hell and condemnation. God’s question challenges us: Why would you do this to yourself? Do you not love yourself enough to choose life? Do you not care about your own soul? Judgment will come if you do not take action.
Here is a new heart—receive it! Here is a new spirit—take it and live! God takes no pleasure in anyone’s destruction. He calls us to repent and be saved. Let us not ignore His call.