Ezekiel 18:1-4 – The passage to follow is a familiar one to me. It’s the main passage used to refute the doctrine of original sin, that we are born guilty. It’s always important to consider context, however, when plucking a passage out to use in support of or against our pet doctrine. In this case, the context seems to be that Israel was using their father’s sins as a scapegoat for their current situation. “Dad screwed up, that’s why we’re in this mess.”
\nThat’s not exactly the same situation as those who believe in original sin. They believe it, mostly, as a simple fact, we are born with sin, rather than a scapegoat for their own failings. That doesn’t mean, however, that God, in the process of teaching Israel, didn’t reveal to us a broader truth, that God does not hold us to account for the sins of our fathers, we are not born with guilt.
\nKnowing the difference between how Israel was thinking, and why God brought them this message, and why people believe in original sin today can help us use this passage properly. (Of course, we need to determine if God was speaking a truth for all times and peoples, or only about how he would deal with Israel in Ezekiel’s time.) We need not deliver it with the force that God did, to convict them that they are responsible, not their fathers. Rather, it becomes one of gentle instruction about how God looks at us and our sin. Ultimately, theirs little reason that we cannot disagree on the doctrine of original sin and still consider each other brothers.
\nEzekiel 18:19 – Another reason they believed this way – their sinful hearts wanted to extend the punishment of an evil man to his righteous son. Guilt by association. God was not so much teaching them a truth (although the wording seems to be more universal than specific to me), he was teaching them how to treat each other.
\nEzekiel 18:21-29 – Praise God that he allows us to change! More importantly, he honors our changed hearts and discards our past evil ways. Of course, he will do the same of we change course from righteousness to evil, but there is hope in God’s willingness to forget our past sins if we turn and pursue righteousness.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"