Sins of the Father (Part II)

Last time, we read about what God has to say about the perception that future generations pay for past generations’ sins. God makes His statements clear on the subject in chapter 18 of Ezekiel. (If you missed that post, click here to read Part I.) God made it clear that the person who sins is the one who is held accountable for those sins. He also made it clear that He wants all people to “turn from their wicked ways and live.” This brought us to a question: What if we declare with our lips that we want to follow Jesus but we still live in obedience to our sinful desires?

“However, if righteous people turn from their righteous behavior and start doing sinful things and act like other sinners, should they be allowed to live? No, of course not! All their righteous acts will be forgotten, and they will die for their sins.” (Ezekiel 18:24)

Before you throw your hands up and think that there’s no hope in this verse, you need to understand what it means to actually follow Christ, to accept His sacrifice for your sins and live in obedience to Him.

“Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it?” (Romans 6:1-2)

Living in Christ means dying to sin. That may be lost on a lot of people, maybe that isn’t clearly communicated sometimes person to person or from pulpit to congregation, but following Christ means leaving sin behind. It’s more a change in who you are going to obey. Following Christ doesn’t mean that you will all of the sudden be sinless, but it does mean that you are seriously declaring that you are going to live in obedience to Him and not your sinful nature.

“Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God.” (1 John 3:9)

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” (Philippians 1:6)

God is constantly working on you. It’s not a one-and-done thing—it is a process of refining that will not be finished until the day when Jesus returns.

Another thing that gets misunderstood is our standards for ourselves and others when we choose to follow Christ. We use God’s grace and forgiveness as an excuse card to continue sinning. It should not be this way. Here is the standard:

“But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48)

That is Jesus speaking, and it is our standard as His followers and representatives in this dark world. We are not expected to be perfect on our own—that is impossible, although many people try it. The goal is perfection and holiness, which is the work God starts in each one of us.

“So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy.” (1 Peter 1:14-15)

“Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God.” (2 Corinthians 7:1)

“By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.” (2 Peter 1:3)

Return to this verse when you are feeling like God’s standard is too high. “By His divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life.” Satan wants you to think God’s standard is too high, and if we are trying to reach it on our own, he’s right. But we don’t reach this standard of a godly life on our own—we do it through His divine power.

“‘Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’” (Matthew 7:21-23)

It’s not about our works. Prophesying in Jesus’ name, casting out demons in Jesus’ name, performing miracles in Jesus’ name—none of that will save you. Not everyone who calls out to Christ on the day of judgment will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. He will say to them, “I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.” Only those who actually do God’s will, will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. So where do you fall? Are you still living in obedience to your sinful nature? Or are you actually doing God’s will, living in obedience to Him?

“God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin. Then each of you will control his own body and live in holiness and honor—not in lustful passion like the pagans who do not know God and his ways.” (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5)

“For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time.” (Hebrews 10:10)

“Therefore, I will judge each of you, O people of Israel, according to your actions, says the Sovereign Lord. Repent, and turn from your sins. Don’t let them destroy you! Put all your rebellion behind you, and find yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O people of Israel? I don’t want you to die, says the Sovereign Lord. Turn back and live!” (Ezekiel 18:30-32)

The Day of Judgment is coming and God doesn’t want to see anyone die. He warns us and commands us to turn back and live! Not everyone who calls out to Christ on that day will enter the Kingdom, only those who actually do God’s will. So who are you going to live for? Yourself and your desires? Your sinful cravings? Or are you going to live for the One who saved you? Are you going to live your life in obedience to God’s will, Jesus’ teachings and commands, and the direction of the Holy Spirit?

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

—Redeemed