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Ezekiel 18:30
Verse
Context
The Soul Who Sins Will Die
29Yet the house of Israel says, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Are My ways unjust, O house of Israel? Is it not your ways that are unjust?30Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so that your iniquity will not become your downfall.31Cast away from yourselves all the transgressions you have committed, and fashion for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, O house of Israel?
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions - There is still life; still a God that has no pleasure in the death of a sinner. one who is ever ready to give his Holy Spirit to all them that ask him; therefore "repent and turn, so iniquity shall not be your ruin."
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
As God is to judge them "according to their ways" (Pro 1:31), their only hope is to "repent"; and this is a sure hope, for God takes no delight in judging them in wrath, but graciously desires their salvation on repentance. I will judge you--Though ye cavil, it is a sufficient answer that I, your Judge, declare it so, and will judge you according to My will; and then your cavils must end. Repent--inward conversion (Rev 2:5). In the Hebrew there is a play of like sounds, "Turn ye and return." turn yourselves, &c.--the outward fruits of repentance. Not as the Margin, "turn others"; for the parallel clause (Eze 18:31) is, "cast away from you all your transgressions." Perhaps, however, the omission of the object after the verb in the Hebrew implies that both are included: Turn alike yourselves and all whom you can influence. from all . . . transgressions--not as if believers are perfect; but they sincerely aim at perfection, so as to be habitually and wilfully on terms with no sin (Jo1 3:6-9): your ruin--literally, "your snare," entangling you in ruin.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Cast away from you all your transgressions whereby ye have transgressed,.... As unprofitable and pernicious, to be abhorred and abstained from, and to be cast off, as loads and burdens upon them. Kimchi interprets it of the punishment of their sins, which might be cast off, or escaped, by repentance; perhaps it is best to interpret it of the casting away of their idols, by which they transgressed; see Eze 20:7; and make you a new heart and a new spirit; which the Lord elsewhere promises to give, and he does give to his own elect; See Gill on Eze 11:19; and if here to be understood of a regenerated heart and spirit, in which are new principles of light, life, and love, grace and holiness, it will not prove that it is in the power of man to make himself such a heart and spirit; since from God's command, to man's power, is no argument; and the design of the exhortation is to convince men of their want of such a heart; of the importance of it: and which, through the efficacious grace of God, may be a means of his people having it, seeing he has in covenant promised it to them. The Targum renders it, "a fearing heart, and a spirit of fear;'' that is, a heart and spirit to fear, serve, and worship the Lord, and not idols; and so the amount of the exhortation is, yield a hearty reverential obedience to the living God, and not to dumb idols; or that they would be hearty and sincere in their national repentance and reformation they are here pressed unto: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? which is to be understood, not of an eternal death; since the deaths here spoken of was now upon them, what they were complaining of, and from which they might be recovered, Eze 18:2; but temporal calamity and affliction, as in Co2 1:10; and so in the following words.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
We have here the conclusion and application of this whole matter. After a fair trial at the bar of right reason the verdict is brought in on God's side; it appears that his ways are equal. Judgment therefore is next to be given; and one would think it should be a judgment of condemnation, nothing short of Go, you cursed, into everlasting fire. But, behold, a miracle of mercy; the day of grace and divine patience is yet lengthened out; and therefore, though God will at last judge every one according to his ways, yet he waits to be gracious, and closes all with a call to repentance and a promise of pardon upon repentance. I. Here are four necessary duties that we are called to, all amounting to the same: - 1. We must repent; we must change our mind and change our ways; we must be sorry for what we have done amiss and ashamed of it, and go as far as we can towards the undoing of it again. 2. We must turn ourselves from all our transgressions, Eze 18:30 and again Eze 18:32. Turn yourselves, face about; turn from sin, nay, turn against it as the enemy you loathe, turn to God as the friend you love. 3. We must cast away from us all our transgressions; we must abandon and forsake them with a resolution never to return to them again, give sin a bill of divorce, break all the leagues we have made with it, throw it overboard, as the mariners did Jonah (for it has raised the storm), cast it out of the soul, and crucify it as a malefactor. 4. We must make us a new heart and a new spirit. This was the matter of a promise, Eze 11:19. Here it is the matter of a precept. We must do our endeavour, and then God will not be wanting to us to give us his grace. St. Austin well explains this precept. Deus non jubet impossibilia, sed jubendo monet et facere quod possis et petere quod non possis - God does not enjoin impossibilities, but by his commands admonishes us to do what is in our power and to pray for what is not. II. Here are four good arguments used to enforce these calls to repentance: - 1. It is the only way, and it is a sure way, to prevent the ruin which our sins have a direct tendency to: So iniquity shall not be your ruin, which implies that, if we do not repent, iniquity will be our ruin, here and for ever, but that, if we do, we are safe, we are snatched as brands out of the burning. 2. If we repent not, we certainly perish, and our blood will be upon our own heads. Why will you die, O house of Israel? What an absurd thing it is for you to choose death and damnation rather than life and salvation. Note, The reason why sinners die is because they will die; they will go down the way that leads to death, and not come up to the terms on which life is offered. Herein sinners, especially sinners of the house of Israel, are most unreasonable and act most unaccountably. 3. The God of heaven has no delight in our ruin, but desires our welfare (Eze 18:32): I have no pleasure in the death of him that dies, which implies that he has pleasure in the recovery of those that repent; and this is both an engagement and an encouragement to us to repent. 4. We are made for ever if we repent: Turn yourselves, and live. He that says to us, Repent, thereby says to us, Live, yea, he says to us, Live; so that life and death are here set before us.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
18:30-32 This chapter concludes with a passionate appeal to the people of Israel to turn back and live. It was not too late for them to repent, turn from their sins, and be forgiven. God promised a new heart and a new spirit (11:19; 36:26) to all who would turn from their rebellion and humbly come to him.
Ezekiel 18:30
The Soul Who Sins Will Die
29Yet the house of Israel says, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Are My ways unjust, O house of Israel? Is it not your ways that are unjust?30Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so that your iniquity will not become your downfall.31Cast away from yourselves all the transgressions you have committed, and fashion for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, O house of Israel?
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Salvation
By B.B. Caldwell2.5K46:15SalvationLEV 1:3EZK 18:30MAT 6:33JHN 3:16ACT 2:38ROM 6:231PE 1:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of listening attentively to the message of salvation. He highlights the gravity of missing heaven and ending up in hell with the devil and his angels. The preacher then proceeds to discuss five ways to know that one's sins are forgiven, including having a new heart, a new spirit, and a divine nature. He also delves into the concept of sin and how God became man in order to remit sin, using the crucifixion of Jesus as an example. The sermon concludes by stating that when God saves a sinner, the lost are found and the dead are made alive.
Why God Waits
By Alan Martin2.2K00:00Waiting On GodEZK 18:30MAT 6:33LUK 15:1JAS 4:7In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of submitting to God and resisting the devil. He emphasizes the need to draw near to God and allow Him to draw near to us. The preacher also highlights the significance of training children to submit to God's will and the role of discipline in turning them from the wrong path. He reminds the audience that God's rebuke is meant to bring about repentance and that God takes no pleasure in the downfall of the wicked. The sermon references passages from James and Mark to support these teachings.
Stretch Out Your Hands to God's Will
By Carter Conlon1.7K47:18God's WillISA 1:18JER 3:22LAM 3:40EZK 18:30DAN 9:4MAT 16:24JHN 12:23In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the troubled state of the world and the need for repentance. He refers to Daniel's prayer as an example of turning to God and seeking forgiveness for our sins. The preacher acknowledges that this message may seem condemning, but he assures the listeners that there is hope and encouragement at the end. He urges the audience to have the moral courage of Daniel and to recognize their own part in the spiritual decline of society.
The Indwelling Power of the Holy Spirit
By David Wilkerson1.7K57:15EZK 18:30EZK 34:26EZK 34:30EZK 36:26EZK 37:5This sermon emphasizes the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit as preached by Ezekiel, focusing on the need for repentance, turning away from sin, and embracing a new heart and spirit. It highlights the importance of holding the Holy Spirit to the covenant promises of God, trusting in His power to break chains, deliver from sin, and bring peace beyond understanding.
Despising a Holy God
By Art Katz1.6K56:09RepentanceSinDespising2SA 12:10PSA 51:4PRO 28:13ISA 59:2EZK 18:30MAT 5:29ROM 3:23HEB 10:26JAS 4:171JN 1:9Art Katz emphasizes the gravity of sin as an offense against a holy God, drawing from Psalm 51:4 where David acknowledges his transgressions. He argues that until we recognize sin as evil and understand its true nature as rebellion against God, our repentance remains superficial. Katz highlights that every sin, regardless of its outward appearance, is a direct affront to God's holiness and authority, and he warns against the complacency that leads to despising God's commandments. The sermon calls for a deep, heartfelt acknowledgment of our sins and a return to a genuine fear of the Lord, recognizing the severe consequences of our actions against Him. Ultimately, Katz urges believers to confront their indifference and to seek true repentance that reflects an understanding of the holiness of God.
The New Covenant Part 6 of 6 the Indwelling Power of the Holy Spirit
By David Wilkerson1.1K57:15EZK 18:30EZK 34:26EZK 36:26EZK 37:1ROM 8:11HEB 4:16JAS 4:7JUD 1:20This sermon emphasizes the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit as preached by Ezekiel, pointing to the need for a new heart and spirit through the covenant of peace. It highlights the importance of holding the Holy Spirit to the covenant promises, trusting in His power to break every chain of sin and bring freedom. The message encourages believers to commit their lives to the Holy Ghost, allowing Him to lead and guide them in victory over sin and fear.
The Damnation of Hell - Part 1 (Classic Audio Sermon Compilations)
By Compilations94829:13EZK 18:30This sermon delves into the terrifying reality of hell, emphasizing the eternal hopelessness and despair that awaits those who reject God. It paints a vivid picture of the unending torment, wrath, and contempt that sinners will face, highlighting the severity and longevity of their punishment. The sermon also explores the concept of varying degrees of punishment based on knowledge and actions, warning of the dreadful consequences for those who remain unbelieving. Ultimately, it conveys the chilling truth of eternal suffering and the irrevocable nature of God's judgment.
K-527 Tv Show Part 11 Blood Atonement
By Art Katz80126:40Blood AtonementInterviewSacrifice of ChristEXO 12:1LEV 17:11PSA 51:10ISA 53:5ISA 59:2EZK 18:30MAT 26:28JHN 1:29ROM 3:23HEB 9:22Art Katz, alongside Paul Gordon, reflects on the significance of blood atonement during the Easter and Passover season, emphasizing the importance of understanding these sacred occasions beyond modern commercialism. They discuss the biblical origins of Passover in Exodus, highlighting the necessity of the sacrificial lamb and the blood's role in atonement, which foreshadows Jesus as the ultimate Paschal Lamb. Katz stresses that true obedience to God's word is essential, regardless of human understanding, and connects the ancient practices to the modern Christian faith, asserting that without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin. The sermon calls for a deeper recognition of our need for atonement and the importance of applying faith in Jesus' sacrifice to our lives. Katz concludes with a prayer for those seeking reconciliation with God through the Messiah.
What Is Repentance?
By G.W. North1811:50:46RepentanceTransformationPSA 51:10EZK 18:30MAT 4:17MRK 1:15LUK 13:3ACT 2:38ACT 3:19ROM 2:42CO 7:101JN 1:9G.W. North emphasizes the critical nature of repentance in the Christian faith, explaining that true repentance is not merely feeling sorry for one's sins but involves a profound change of mind and heart towards God. He illustrates that many people experience temporary blessings without understanding the deeper need for repentance, which is essential for entering into a true relationship with God. North highlights the consistent biblical call to repentance, from John the Baptist to the apostles, asserting that without it, one cannot fully embrace the eternal blessings of God. He warns against self-deception and emphasizes that true repentance leads to a transformative experience, allowing individuals to receive God's grace and forgiveness. Ultimately, North calls for a genuine acknowledgment of sin and a heartfelt return to God as the only path to salvation.
The House of God Lies in Ruin - Repentance or Remorse
By Phil Beach Jr.2756:27RepentanceSpiritual Growth2CH 7:14PSA 51:10EZK 18:30MAT 4:17LUK 13:3ACT 3:192CO 7:10JAS 4:81JN 1:9REV 3:19Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the critical need for genuine repentance in the church, warning that without it, believers risk spiritual stagnation and hardening of the heart. He explains that true repentance goes beyond mere remorse or feeling sorry for sins; it requires a heartfelt change and commitment to God. Beach urges the congregation to reflect on their spiritual condition and to seek a lifestyle of repentance, as it is essential for continuing to grow in faith and to be used by God. He highlights that God's mercy calls us to turn back to Him, and that unrepentant hearts can lead to spiritual captivity. The sermon concludes with a call to action for individuals to seek accountability and support from one another in their journey of repentance.
True and False Repentance
By Charles Finney1RepentanceTransformationPSA 51:17EZK 18:30MAT 4:17LUK 13:3ACT 3:19ROM 2:42CO 7:10JAS 4:82PE 3:91JN 1:9Charles Finney delivers a powerful sermon on 'True and False Repentance,' emphasizing the distinction between genuine repentance, which leads to salvation, and false repentance, which results in death. He explains that true repentance involves a profound change in one's understanding and feelings towards sin, leading to a heartfelt abhorrence of it and a commitment to reform one's life. In contrast, false repentance is often rooted in selfishness and fear of consequences, lacking the transformative power of true godly sorrow. Finney urges the church to recognize these differences to avoid being overrun by false professors of faith, highlighting the necessity of a sincere and lasting change of heart.
Freedom of Choice
By Major Ian Thomas0Freedom of ChoiceGod's GraceDEU 30:19JOS 24:15EZK 18:30JHN 3:16ROM 10:13GAL 5:131TI 2:6HEB 2:92PE 3:91JN 2:2Major Ian Thomas emphasizes the concept of freedom of choice in relation to God's grace and the efficacy of Christ's sacrifice. He argues against the notion that God arbitrarily limits redemption, asserting that the reluctance to repent lies with humanity, not God. Thomas highlights that without the freedom to choose, accountability for obedience or disobedience becomes meaningless. He reinforces that Christ's atonement is available to all, and it is our inherent right to choose, which is central to understanding both godliness and iniquity.
Apostolic Exhortation
By C.H. Spurgeon0RepentanceConversionEZK 18:30MAT 4:17LUK 13:3JHN 3:16ACT 2:38ACT 3:19ROM 10:9JAS 4:82PE 3:91JN 1:9C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the urgency and necessity of repentance and conversion in his sermon 'Apostolic Exhortation.' He highlights how Peter, after healing a lame man, boldly preached the gospel, directing the crowd's attention away from himself to Jesus Christ, urging them to recognize their sins and the need for personal transformation. Spurgeon argues that true repentance involves a heartfelt change of mind and a turning away from sin, which is essential for the forgiveness of sins. He stresses that the power to save lies not in the preacher or the sinner, but in the Holy Spirit working through the gospel. Ultimately, he calls for a genuine response to the gospel, reminding listeners that without repentance, there can be no pardon.
Ezekiel 8
By Chuck Smith0RepentancePersonal ResponsibilityPRO 28:13EZK 18:30EZK 33:11MAT 7:13JHN 3:16ROM 14:12GAL 6:7JAS 4:72PE 3:91JN 1:9Chuck Smith emphasizes personal responsibility for sin in his sermon on Ezekiel 8, illustrating how individuals often deflect blame onto others, as seen in the story of Adam and Eve. He stresses that each person must bear their own guilt and cannot rely on the sins of their ancestors, highlighting God's call for repentance and the necessity of turning to Christ for forgiveness. Smith reassures that God's promise to the sinner is not a threat but a call to life, urging listeners to acknowledge their sins and choose the path that leads to eternal life rather than destruction.
A Devil in an Angel's Dress
By Thomas Brooks0IdolatryTrue RepentanceLEV 13:45ISA 30:22EZK 18:30Thomas Brooks emphasizes the necessity of true repentance, which involves turning away from every sin, not just some. He illustrates that partial repentance, like that of Herod and Judas, leads to spiritual ruin, as even one unrepented sin can corrupt the soul. Brooks argues that just as a leper is defined by a single spot, so too is a sinner defined by any unconfessed sin. The penitent must actively seek to crucify all sins and idols in their life to find true healing and restoration. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a complete and thorough renunciation of all that stands against God’s glory.
The Stubborn Sinner Submitting to God.
By Edward Payson0PSA 51:17PRO 28:13ISA 55:7JER 31:18EZK 18:30LUK 15:72CO 5:17JAS 4:81JN 1:9Edward Payson preaches about the story of Ephraim in the book of Jeremiah, highlighting the journey from obstinate impenitence to repentance and reconciliation with God. The sermon delves into the natural rebelliousness of mankind, the need for afflictions to lead to repentance, and the profound change that occurs when a sinner humbly turns to God. Through the example of Ephraim, the preacher emphasizes the importance of confessing, repenting, and seeking God's mercy for true reconciliation and forgiveness.
The Sweetest Joys Are From the Sourest Tears
By Thomas Brooks0Spiritual JoyRepentancePSA 51:17PSA 126:5ISA 57:15EZK 18:30MAT 5:4LUK 13:3ACT 3:192CO 7:10JAS 4:91JN 1:9Thomas Brooks emphasizes that true repentance involves turning away from sin and towards God, highlighting the difference between Peter's sorrow for offending Christ and Judas's regret for his punishment. He illustrates that genuine repentance requires a complete rejection of sin, likening it to a flood that drowns even our dearest attachments. Brooks asserts that every sin must be viewed as toxic and repulsive, leading to a heartfelt sorrow for having grieved God. He concludes that the deepest joys arise from the most profound tears of repentance, as they ultimately lead to spiritual joy and restoration.
Repentance Must Go With Forgiveness
By C.H. Spurgeon0RepentanceForgivenessPSA 51:10EZK 18:30MAT 4:17MRK 1:15LUK 13:3JHN 3:16ACT 5:31ROM 2:42CO 7:101JN 1:9C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the inseparable connection between repentance and forgiveness, asserting that true pardon cannot exist without genuine repentance. He argues that to forgive an impenitent sinner would undermine moral order and promote a dangerous license for sin. Spurgeon highlights that both repentance and forgiveness are gifts from Jesus, who offers them together to those who seek Him. He encourages believers to understand that true repentance is accompanied by a heartfelt desire to turn from sin, and that both elements are essential for a complete experience of salvation. Ultimately, Spurgeon reassures that as one grows in faith, both repentance and the assurance of forgiveness will flourish together.
Other Men's Sins
By Thomas Brooks0Compassion for the LostMourning for SinPSA 119:136PRO 14:9EZK 18:30MAT 5:4LUK 19:41ROM 12:152CO 1:24GAL 6:1JAS 4:91PE 5:8Thomas Brooks emphasizes that witnessing the sins of others serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent sinfulness within ourselves. He illustrates this through the story of an old man who mourned for others' sins, recognizing that today's sinner could be tomorrow's fall. A holy heart, he argues, should grieve for the sins of others, as this mourning helps to maintain purity and compassion. Brooks warns against those who take pleasure in the sins of others, suggesting that such attitudes align more with Satan than with true humanity. Ultimately, he calls for a deep empathy towards the lost, urging believers to weep for the chains of sin that bind them.
The Excuses of Sinners Condemn God
By Charles Finney0RepentanceExcuses for SinJOB 40:8ISA 1:18EZK 18:30MAT 11:28LUK 13:3JHN 6:37ROM 3:4JAS 4:72PE 3:91JN 1:8Charles Finney emphasizes that every excuse for sin ultimately condemns God, arguing that such excuses imply that God is unjust or tyrannical. He meticulously examines common excuses like inability, lack of time, and peculiar circumstances, demonstrating that they not only misrepresent God's character but also insult Him. Finney asserts that these justifications prevent true repentance and self-acknowledgment of sin, urging sinners to abandon their excuses and recognize their obligation to obey God. He calls for a sincere response to God's demands, emphasizing that true repentance requires relinquishing all justifications for sin.
Guilt Modified by Ignorance
By Charles Finney0RepentanceMoral ResponsibilityPRO 28:13EZK 18:30MAT 5:14LUK 13:3ACT 17:30ROM 12:2GAL 6:7JAS 4:172PE 3:91JN 1:9Charles Finney emphasizes the necessity of repentance in light of increased moral understanding, arguing that ignorance once excused certain behaviors, but now, with greater knowledge, individuals are held to a higher standard of accountability. He applies this principle to contemporary issues such as temperance and slavery, urging Christians to recognize their moral responsibilities and act against injustices. Finney asserts that true repentance involves a change of heart and actions, and he calls for immediate reform in response to the light of truth. He warns that failure to repent when one is enlightened leads to greater guilt and potential destruction for individuals and nations alike. The sermon challenges Christians to engage actively in moral reform and to uphold their responsibilities in the face of societal issues.
A Soul Given Up to Sin
By Thomas Brooks0SinDivine JudgmentPSA 81:12PRO 14:12JER 17:9EZK 18:30HOS 4:17MAT 7:13ROM 1:24GAL 6:7JAS 1:141PE 5:8Thomas Brooks emphasizes the grave danger of being left to sin, portraying it as the greatest judgment one can face. He warns that when God allows a person to follow their sinful inclinations without resistance, it signifies His rejection and a path leading to destruction. Brooks reflects on the dire state of those who are unteachable and incorrigible, highlighting the need for divine intervention to avoid the ways of one's own heart. He expresses a deep desire for God to afflict or tempt him rather than abandon him to his own sinful desires, echoing Augustine's plea for deliverance from oneself.
A Wolf That Eats Up All
By Thomas Brooks0Destruction of SinConsequences of SinPRO 14:12EZK 18:30MAT 5:30ROM 6:23GAL 6:7HEB 12:29JAS 1:151PE 5:82PE 3:10REV 21:8Thomas Brooks warns about the destructive nature of sin, describing it as a devouring wolf that consumes everything in its path, including strength, beauty, wisdom, and glory. He illustrates how sin has historically led to the downfall of entire kingdoms and has the power to destroy hopes, hearts, and souls. Brooks emphasizes that sin is not only a present danger but has already caused the destruction of one world and will ultimately lead to the demise of the current one. The sermon serves as a stark reminder of the consuming fire of sin and its devastating effects on humanity.
Repentance
By D.L. Moody0RepentanceForgiveness2CH 7:14PSA 51:17ISA 55:7EZK 18:30MAT 4:17LUK 13:3LUK 15:7ACT 17:30ROM 2:41JN 1:9D.L. Moody emphasizes the critical importance of repentance in his sermon, asserting that true repentance goes beyond mere feelings of sorrow for sin; it requires a complete turning away from sin and a return to God. He illustrates this by contrasting the responses of biblical figures like King Saul and King David, highlighting that genuine repentance leads to forgiveness and restoration. Moody argues that many people mistakenly believe they can enter Heaven without repentance, but he insists that God's mercy is contingent upon a sincere acknowledgment of sin and a desire for forgiveness. He urges listeners to recognize their need for repentance and to turn to God, assuring them that mercy awaits those who do. Ultimately, he calls for immediate action, as the opportunity for repentance may not last.
The Destruction of the Wicked
By Charles Finney0ReproofConsequences of SinPRO 29:1ISA 55:6EZK 18:30MAT 24:44LUK 13:3ROM 2:52CO 6:2HEB 3:15JAS 4:10REV 3:19Charles Finney delivers a powerful sermon on the consequences of hardening one's heart against God's reproof, emphasizing that persistent refusal to heed divine warnings leads to sudden and irrevocable destruction. He explains that God reproves the wicked through various means, including providence, scripture, and conscience, and that hardening one's neck symbolizes stubborn resistance to these reproofs. Finney warns that such destruction is not only sudden but also without remedy, as it is a just consequence of one's own rebellion against God. He calls for self-examination and humility, urging listeners to recognize the seriousness of their spiritual state before it is too late.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions - There is still life; still a God that has no pleasure in the death of a sinner. one who is ever ready to give his Holy Spirit to all them that ask him; therefore "repent and turn, so iniquity shall not be your ruin."
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
As God is to judge them "according to their ways" (Pro 1:31), their only hope is to "repent"; and this is a sure hope, for God takes no delight in judging them in wrath, but graciously desires their salvation on repentance. I will judge you--Though ye cavil, it is a sufficient answer that I, your Judge, declare it so, and will judge you according to My will; and then your cavils must end. Repent--inward conversion (Rev 2:5). In the Hebrew there is a play of like sounds, "Turn ye and return." turn yourselves, &c.--the outward fruits of repentance. Not as the Margin, "turn others"; for the parallel clause (Eze 18:31) is, "cast away from you all your transgressions." Perhaps, however, the omission of the object after the verb in the Hebrew implies that both are included: Turn alike yourselves and all whom you can influence. from all . . . transgressions--not as if believers are perfect; but they sincerely aim at perfection, so as to be habitually and wilfully on terms with no sin (Jo1 3:6-9): your ruin--literally, "your snare," entangling you in ruin.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Cast away from you all your transgressions whereby ye have transgressed,.... As unprofitable and pernicious, to be abhorred and abstained from, and to be cast off, as loads and burdens upon them. Kimchi interprets it of the punishment of their sins, which might be cast off, or escaped, by repentance; perhaps it is best to interpret it of the casting away of their idols, by which they transgressed; see Eze 20:7; and make you a new heart and a new spirit; which the Lord elsewhere promises to give, and he does give to his own elect; See Gill on Eze 11:19; and if here to be understood of a regenerated heart and spirit, in which are new principles of light, life, and love, grace and holiness, it will not prove that it is in the power of man to make himself such a heart and spirit; since from God's command, to man's power, is no argument; and the design of the exhortation is to convince men of their want of such a heart; of the importance of it: and which, through the efficacious grace of God, may be a means of his people having it, seeing he has in covenant promised it to them. The Targum renders it, "a fearing heart, and a spirit of fear;'' that is, a heart and spirit to fear, serve, and worship the Lord, and not idols; and so the amount of the exhortation is, yield a hearty reverential obedience to the living God, and not to dumb idols; or that they would be hearty and sincere in their national repentance and reformation they are here pressed unto: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? which is to be understood, not of an eternal death; since the deaths here spoken of was now upon them, what they were complaining of, and from which they might be recovered, Eze 18:2; but temporal calamity and affliction, as in Co2 1:10; and so in the following words.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
We have here the conclusion and application of this whole matter. After a fair trial at the bar of right reason the verdict is brought in on God's side; it appears that his ways are equal. Judgment therefore is next to be given; and one would think it should be a judgment of condemnation, nothing short of Go, you cursed, into everlasting fire. But, behold, a miracle of mercy; the day of grace and divine patience is yet lengthened out; and therefore, though God will at last judge every one according to his ways, yet he waits to be gracious, and closes all with a call to repentance and a promise of pardon upon repentance. I. Here are four necessary duties that we are called to, all amounting to the same: - 1. We must repent; we must change our mind and change our ways; we must be sorry for what we have done amiss and ashamed of it, and go as far as we can towards the undoing of it again. 2. We must turn ourselves from all our transgressions, Eze 18:30 and again Eze 18:32. Turn yourselves, face about; turn from sin, nay, turn against it as the enemy you loathe, turn to God as the friend you love. 3. We must cast away from us all our transgressions; we must abandon and forsake them with a resolution never to return to them again, give sin a bill of divorce, break all the leagues we have made with it, throw it overboard, as the mariners did Jonah (for it has raised the storm), cast it out of the soul, and crucify it as a malefactor. 4. We must make us a new heart and a new spirit. This was the matter of a promise, Eze 11:19. Here it is the matter of a precept. We must do our endeavour, and then God will not be wanting to us to give us his grace. St. Austin well explains this precept. Deus non jubet impossibilia, sed jubendo monet et facere quod possis et petere quod non possis - God does not enjoin impossibilities, but by his commands admonishes us to do what is in our power and to pray for what is not. II. Here are four good arguments used to enforce these calls to repentance: - 1. It is the only way, and it is a sure way, to prevent the ruin which our sins have a direct tendency to: So iniquity shall not be your ruin, which implies that, if we do not repent, iniquity will be our ruin, here and for ever, but that, if we do, we are safe, we are snatched as brands out of the burning. 2. If we repent not, we certainly perish, and our blood will be upon our own heads. Why will you die, O house of Israel? What an absurd thing it is for you to choose death and damnation rather than life and salvation. Note, The reason why sinners die is because they will die; they will go down the way that leads to death, and not come up to the terms on which life is offered. Herein sinners, especially sinners of the house of Israel, are most unreasonable and act most unaccountably. 3. The God of heaven has no delight in our ruin, but desires our welfare (Eze 18:32): I have no pleasure in the death of him that dies, which implies that he has pleasure in the recovery of those that repent; and this is both an engagement and an encouragement to us to repent. 4. We are made for ever if we repent: Turn yourselves, and live. He that says to us, Repent, thereby says to us, Live, yea, he says to us, Live; so that life and death are here set before us.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
18:30-32 This chapter concludes with a passionate appeal to the people of Israel to turn back and live. It was not too late for them to repent, turn from their sins, and be forgiven. God promised a new heart and a new spirit (11:19; 36:26) to all who would turn from their rebellion and humbly come to him.