Choosing The Way Of Righteousness: God’s Call On Our Lives

In the book of Ezekiel, we encounter a passage that speaks to the very heart of God’s justice, mercy, and our individual responsibility in our relationship with Him. Ezekiel 18:25-28 holds profound lessons that resonate throughout the Bible, reminding us of God’s desire for repentance, salvation, and the way of righteousness.

Ezekiel 18:25-28:

“Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Hear, you Israelites: Is my way unjust? Is it not your ways that are unjust? If a righteous person turns from their righteousness and commits sin, they will die for it; because of the sin they have committed, they will die. But if a wicked person turns away from the wickedness they have committed and does what is just and right, they will save their life. Because they consider all the offenses they have committed and turn away from them, that person will surely live; they will not die.”

God’s Justice and Our Accountability

In this passage, God addresses the Israelites who questioned the fairness of His ways. God emphatically states that His ways are just, and it is our ways that may be unjust. This reminds us that God’s justice is always perfect, and He holds us accountable for our choices and actions.

Throughout the Bible, we see God’s justice emphasized. In Romans 2:6-7, it is written, “God ‘will repay each person according to what they have done.’ To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, he will give eternal life.” God’s justice is intertwined with our choices and deeds.

The Call to Repentance and Salvation

The passage highlights the possibility of both turning away from righteousness and turning away from wickedness. It underscores the importance of repentance, a theme echoed throughout Scripture. Repentance involves recognizing our sins, feeling remorse, and turning back to God.

In Acts 3:19, it says, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” God calls us to repent and turn from our sinful ways, offering us salvation and refreshment through His grace.

God’s Desire for the Way of Righteousness

Ezekiel 18:25-28 emphasizes the possibility of transformation. It speaks of a righteous person turning to sin and a wicked person turning to righteousness. This reflects God’s desire for us to choose the way of righteousness and to continually walk in His paths.

In Psalm 23:3, we find the comforting words, “He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” God longs to guide us along the paths of righteousness for His glory and our well-being.

The Way of Repentance and Grace

The passage underlines the importance of considering our offenses and turning away from them. This process of reflection and repentance is at the core of God’s offer of grace and forgiveness. When we humbly acknowledge our sins and seek God’s mercy, He responds with love and forgiveness.

In 1 John 1:9, we are assured, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” God’s grace is available to those who genuinely repent and seek Him.

Conclusion: Choosing the Way of Righteousness

Ezekiel 18:25-28 serves as a timeless reminder of our responsibility in our relationship with God. It emphasizes His perfect justice, our need for repentance, and the transformative power of His grace. We are called to choose the way of righteousness and turn away from sin, knowing that God’s justice and mercy are intertwined in His redemptive plan for us.

As we reflect on this passage, may it inspire us to examine our own lives, acknowledge any areas where we may have turned from righteousness, and humbly seek God’s forgiveness and guidance. Let us remember that God’s desire is for us to walk in the way of righteousness and experience His boundless love and salvation.

In conclusion, Ezekiel 18:25-28 invites us to embrace the path of righteousness, recognizing that God’s justice and grace go hand in hand. Through repentance and faith, we can find forgiveness, salvation, and the transformative power to live in accordance with God’s perfect ways.

May we continually seek God’s guidance, turn from our sins, and choose the way of righteousness, knowing that in Him, we find eternal life and the fulfillment of His divine plan for our lives.