Chapter 11: God’s Eternal Character
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death because they have failed to teach God’s Word. That is the message of Ezekiel 13:22 from God Himself. Therefore, God will reserve a special punishment for those who enable and support the sin of others. Here is His message. Do not do anything that will cause another person to sin. You will
be held accountable to God. If you do not speak up when you know better, it is willful sin. If you turn your back and fail to take action, it is willful sin. If you know what is right to do, but do not do it, it is willful sin.
“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in
me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” Matthew 18:6
Note: When the Bible says you should not be relying upon your own righteousness, there are at least a couple of aspects to it. First, do not ever think that what you have done in life is ever good enough. That is clearly relying upon your own stack of good deeds to offset some evil in your life.
You can see clearly that this is bad reasoning in the context of God’s eternal character. Second, relying upon God or Christ’s righteousness means that you rely upon “their definition” of what righteousness is. It does not mean you rely upon God or Christ’s own righteousness. Jesus Christ’s sacrifice is
not a security blanket that covers continued willful sin; it is a spiritual end of sin in those who truly believe. Indeed, the spirit of Christ transforms our deeds, beliefs, attitudes, etc. into conformance with God’s requirements.
We Conform To God’s Requirements In Christ!
“I know that whatever God does,
It shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, And nothing taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before Him.” Eccles. 3:14
It is the nature of God that His character is eternal and unchanging. Now, consider Solomon’s next verse, which reflects upon man’s life.