Ezekiel 18:30-32 Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, said the Lord GOD. Repent… I. THE CHARACTERS THAT ARE ADDRESSED. Such as are still the subjects of an evil nature, and are still living in sin against God. II. THE DANGER THAT IS INDICATED. Iniquity is represented as inducing and exposing to ruin. We know what it is for a man to be ruined in his property — to be reduced from affluence to poverty — what it is for a man to be ruined as regards his health and constitution, and, consequently, in those enjoyments that are dependent on health. We know what it is for a man to be ruined in his character and credit, and everything that renders him respectable in society; but all the notions we can form of ruin, as referring to these external circumstances, will give us a very inadequate idea indeed of the ruin that sin induces — the ruin of the soul. The ruin of the soul implies exquisite, positive suffering, such as no language can describe — its final condemnation under the curse and wrath of God; a condemnation that cannot be repealed; a state of banishment from God's presence and the glory of His power; final and eternal banishment. It is worth while to turn our thoughts to this, and to consider how it is that iniquity induces ruin, at once so dreadful and so awful. In the first place, I would say it operates in this way, inasmuch as it naturally produces the effect I have noticed, in robbing the soul of all its excellence. Again, it induces ruin, inasmuch as it operates in separating the soul immediately from God, who is the source of felicity, the fountain of good. III. THE ONLY REMEDY ACCESSIBLE TO SINNERS IS REPENTANCE. Do not confound it, I would say, with the sorrow of the world. A man may be in grief, and may be the subject of great sorrow. This may not be repentance: sorrow it is; but, you know, there is the sorrow of the world as well as a sorrow of a godly sort. I would say, do not confound repentance with the mere fear of punishment. I would say, again, it is not a mere transitory impression of grief, on account of sin. True repentance, let me say, implies a knowledge of sin. It is the Holy Spirit alone that can give us right views on such a subject as this, and can make the Law a schoolmaster, to bring us to Christ — who can reveal to us the holiness of the law, the extent of its demands, as it applies not merely towards the actions, but to the thoughts and intents of the heart. And, in addition to this, repentance also implies the conviction of sin. The charge is fixed on his conscience, and he cannot throw it off. He feels that he is in this situation, and he cries, "What must I do to be saved?" Let me say, too, that conviction will be followed, where it is genuine, by suitable impressions and emotions. (J. Hill.) Parallel Verses KJV: Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. |
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