Monday, July 18, 2016

Ezekiel 33

Say to them: ‘As I live,’ says the Lord God, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’ v.11

Read chapter 33
Are people predestined to eternal life with God?  Is everyone saved no matter what (universalism)?  
This verse seems to disprove both of these ideas.  God doesn't enjoy people dying.  What gives God pleasure is that the wicked turn from his way and live.  Of course the wicked person is already living so this live here is more than just breathing and walking the streets today but speaking of having eternal life.  Just as Jesus said he came to give life and that to the full.  He wants people to turn their hearts to the Lord, that's why He follows by saying "Turn, Turn."  He pleads with His people.  He doesn't want to damn them to eternal separation from Him, He doesn't want to discipline them with chastening.  That is the merciful and gracious heart of God.
Understanding death is hard and it's easy to take it out on God, but know He's sad too and doesn't take delight in it.  His delight is that any sinner, any soul, turn from his wicked ways unto Him.  
How have you viewed God's means of death? How does this verse challenge your way of thinking of predestination or universalism or any wicked person that repents?

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