Ezekiel 18.1-4, 19-32; Romans 2.17-29 - Lectionary for 1/10/10

(Forgot to put the post in)

Today's readings are Ezekiel 18.1-4, 19-32 and Romans 2.17-29.

"The soul that sins must die."  Ezekiel pounds the nails into the coffin lid, shutting it securely.  Again and again he hammers away at this theme.  We receive according to our sin, not someone else's sin, not someone else's righteousness, according to our sin and wickedness.  Sin brings death.  Our blood is on ourselves.  We are completely responsible for our death and condemnation.  There is no doubt left about it in this passage.  Does God condemn sinners to hell?  Yes.  Does he desire that sinners be condemned?  Not at all.  He did not choose us for condemnation but for life.  He did not create us for destruction but as his delight.

What is the cure?  How do we see the nails removed from the coffin, the lid raised, and ourselves brought from death to life?  We repent and believe.  We turn from our sins.  We seek and desire righteousness.  And all who desire to live a godly life in Christ will receive life and hope.  This is God's promise.  He does not desire our death and condemnation.  He does not take delight in death.  He calls all to turn and live.

Does this erroneously put the burden of salvation on us rather than on God?  Not at all.  We would have no knowledge of the hope in Christ without Christ's work on our behalf.  We would have no knowledge of the hope we can have in Christ without a proclamation of the Gospel.  We would have no desire for righteousness without the move of the Holy Spirit upon us.  Salvation is of the Lord, not of our own volition.  Salvation beings and ends with Christ crucified for sinners  It is not a matter of our choice but of his divine power and love.

What do we think when we turn from sin to righteousness, when we desire to trust in Christ, and yet we enter into sin?  Our Lord confronts us with the same call.  Turn, believe, and live.  Time and again we are restored to our Lord.  As many times as we realize our faithlessness, our need for repentance, so many times and more does our Lord and Savior call us to repentance.  He does not delight in anyone's death.

Lord, let us look faithfully to the living Savior, Jesus Christ, in whom is life.