Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die?” says the Lord GOD, “and not that he should turn from his ways and live?… For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,” says the Lord GOD. “Therefore turn and live!” (Ezekiel 18:23, 32)
One grossly misjudges and blasphemes God whenever one thinks He enjoys seeing men and women suffer. Quite the opposite. He sent His only begotten Son to suffer and die so we should not perish for our sins (Jno. 3:16). Others think God will not punish sinners because He loves us all. True, God loves us all, and has shown His love in sending His Son to die for us. But, His love does not overlook sin; His love is also just. “The soul who sins shall die”, not because God does not love the sinner, but because the sinner chooses to sin instead of obey God (Ezek. 18:4, 20). The wicked person “dies” because the wages of his or her sins is death (Rom. 6:23). God does not want you to die in your sins. Like ancient Israel in the days of Ezekiel, God wants you to “turn and live” (Ezek. 18:32). The decision is yours, as is the result of your choice (Ezek. 18:20).
Sword Tips 