EGW WritingsEzekiel 18

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 75, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 75, 1895, par. 8

Children are to obey God when the commands of their parents conflict with the commands of God, but none are at liberty to hate their parents. This would be expressly contrary to the requirements of the fifth commandment, and every Scripture must be interpreted in such a way as to harmonize with the plain commandments of God. The plain meaning of that which Jesus said is that we should respect his words as of superior authority to that of the words of father and mother, and unless we do this, we cannot be his disciples, “The word of the Lord came unto me again, saying, What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge? As I live, saith the Lord, ye shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb in Israel. Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine. The soul that sinneth it shall die. But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right, (that which is in accordance with the law of the Lord), ... and hath not oppressed any, but hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment; he that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man: hath walked in my statutes, and hath kept my judgments, to deal truly; he is just, he shall surely live, saith the Lord God.” [Ezekiel 18:1-5, 7-9.] “Yet say ye, Why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When the son hath done that which is lawful and right, and hath kept all my statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live. The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. But if the wicked will turn from all his wickedness that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness which he hath done he shall live. Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord God, and not that he should return from his ways, and live?” [Verses 19-23.] These Scriptures teach that God is the owner of every soul, and the children who have reached years of accountability are responsibility for their own actions. They must co-operate with God in working out their own salvation.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 65, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 65, 1896, par. 7

The Lord will speak just the same, whether men will hear or whether they will forbear. The Lord’s servants may be disapproved by the very ones whom He would help, whom, if they would let Him, He would instruct, strengthen, bless, refine, and ennoble, but God calls for faithful work to be done at all times, and in all places. Read Ezekiel 3:11, and chapter 18. There is a very great work to be done in our world. Every jot and tittle of capability and tact and ingenuity is needed. Messages of reproof and warnings will come to the people of God, to mothers, to fathers, to the children of Israel, that they may not move blindly. If those to whom these messages shall come will hear, if they will take heed with patience, with a generous, teachable spirit, then the blessing of the Lord will come to them.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 102a, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 102a, 1896, par. 6

Edson has been charged with writing to me and complaining of Brother Henry. This is a mistake. Edson has not done this. The light which has been given me has been sent to Edson, only when I felt his danger, and presented to him that he was not to let his feelings control him. The thought that he was dealt with unkindly by any one in the office should not lead him to commit sin against his precious Saviour, or to let his mind be soured in any way. I assured him that the Lord was looking upon every unjust act; every hard-hearted and unjust decision is known to Him. I wrote this to him, not because Edson had written to me of these things, for he had not; but because matters had been presented before me, and I could not rest until I sent my warnings over the broad Pacific to save him from another utter discouragement. I have obeyed the voice of the Lord. I have spoken to hard, unthankful, unsubdued hearts, because I was commissioned to set the warnings before them whether they would hear or whether they would forbear. See Ezekiel 3:4-7, 16-21; 9; 18.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 132, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 132, 1898, par. 26

God chooses His workers from all classes of people, and imbues them with His own spirit. So it was in ancient times. The men and women of God’s selection were of intense earnestness, full of zeal. The last books of the Old Testament show us workers taken from the laborers in the field. Others were men of high ability and extensive learning, but the Lord gave them visions and messages. These men of the Old Testament spoke of the things transpiring in their day, and Daniel, Isaiah, and Ezekiel not only spoke of things that concerned them as present truth, but their sight reached down to the future, and to what should occur in these last days.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Lt 254, 1908

23LtMs, Lt 254, 1908, par. 9

We read in the eighteenth chapter of Ezekiel: “The word of the Lord came again unto me, saying, What mean ye that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge? As I live, saith the Lord God, ye shall not use this proverb in Israel. Behold all souls are Mine. As the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is Mine; the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

23LtMs, Lt 254, 1908, par. 10

“But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right; and hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, ... and hath not oppressed any, but hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment; he that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed his judgment between man and man; hath walked in My statutes, and hath kept My judgments, to deal truly; he is just, he shall surely live, saith the Lord.” [Verses 1-9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 79, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 79, 1901, par. 24

“The word of the Lord came unto me again, saying, What mean ye that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge? As I live, saith the Lord, ye shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb any more in Israel. Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine; the soul that sinneth, it shall die. But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right, and ... hath not oppressed any, but hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment; he that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man, hath walked in my statutes, and hath kept my judgments, to deal truly; he is just, he shall surely live, saith the Lord God.” [Ezekiel 18:1-9.]

16LtMs, Ms 79, 1901, par. 25

“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. Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God; wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.” [Verses 30-32.]

Christian Education

Chapter 12—The World by Wisdom Knew not God

CE 95.3

It has been shown me that every church among us needs the deep movings of the Spirit of God. O, we would point men to the cross of Calvary. We would bid them look upon Him whom their sins have pierced. We would bid them to behold the Redeemer of the world suffering the penalty of their transgression of the law of God. The verdict is that “the soul that sinneth it shall die.” [Ezekiel 18:4.] But on the cross the sinner sees the only begotten of the Father, dying in his stead, and giving the transgressor life. All the intelligences in earth and heaven are called upon to behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. Every sinner may look and live. Do not survey that scene of Calvary with careless, thoughtless mind. Can it be that angels shall look down upon us, the recipients of God’s love, and see us cold, indifferent, unimpressible, when heaven in amazement beholds the stupendous work of redemption to save a fallen world, and desires to look into the mystery of Calvary’s love and woe? Angels in wonder and amazement look upon those for whom so great salvation has been provided, and marvel that the love of God does not awaken them, and lead them to pour forth melodious strains of gratitude and adoration. But the result which all heaven looks to behold is not seen among those who profess to be followers of Christ. How readily do we speak in endearing words of our friends and relatives, and yet how slow we are to speak of Him whose love has no parallel, set forth in Christ crucified among you.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 3, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 3, 1896, par. 4

The work which parents should do is to show their children the remedy for sin and transgression, to exalt the law, and to show it’s binding claims upon every child and youth. Teach them that the cross of Christ did not abolish the law, for Paul declares, “I had not known sin but by the law.” [Romans 7:7.] The law and the gospel unite to save the souls of the perishing. The law is the instrument which convicts of sin, but has no saving qualities with which to save the transgressor of law. The condemnation of law is death to the sinner. “The soul that sinneth it shall die.” [Ezekiel 18:4.] But help has been laid upon One that is mighty. God sent His own Son into the world in the likeness of sinful flesh to condemn sin in the flesh.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 27, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 27, 1899, par. 23

Complete obedience is the only condition that meets the requirement of the law. The question is asked, “Is God a man, that he should lie?” [See Numbers 23:19.] God has given the definition of sin. His law is the rule of government. God says, “Do this, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:28.] But to the disobedient He says, “Cursed is every one that continueth not in the things written in the book of the law to do them.” [Galatians 3:10.] “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” [Ezekiel 18:4.] God has given the promise that those who do this law will be rewarded, not only in the present life, but in the life to come. He declares just as decidedly that those who do not obey His requirements shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on them. By lips that never lie the obedient are blessed, and the disobedient are pronounced guilty.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 205, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 205, 1899, par. 7

The keenest human discernment cannot understand the length and breadth and depth and height of the plan which reaches from everlasting to everlasting—a depth which reaches to the lowest state of human degradation and misery, a height that reaches to the throne of Jehovah. Those who looked upon the pallid face of the Son of God could have no just conceptions of his sufferings. As every divine and human aid failed, and the noble Sufferer stood alone, the terror of darkness and despair gathered about his soul. When Christ cried out, “My God, my God why hast thou forsaken me?” his divinity did not come to his aid to help him see that his case was perfectly free. Not a ray of brightness illuminated that dying struggle. Not a pang of the death sentence was spared the Son of God. The word of the Lord was, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” [Ezekiel 18:4.] The sentence of death which God had pronounced against every transgressor of his law, must be executed against the Son of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 80, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 80, 1900, par. 8

God declared, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” [Ezekiel 18:4.] And, apart from the plan of redemption, human beings are doomed to death. “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” [Romans 3:23.] But Christ gave His life to save the sinner from the death sentence. He died that we might live. To those who receive Him He gives power that enables them to separate from that which, unless they return to their loyalty, will place them where they must be condemned and punished.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 147, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 147, 1903, par. 8

God’s Word declares, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” [Ezekiel 18:4.] But God does not desire the death of any one. At infinite cost He provided for man a second probation. He “so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Should not those to whom the light of truth for this time has come place themselves in close connection with God, using their capabilities to advance the work of soul-saving? Should not the one who possesses an understanding of the Scriptures impart the knowledge given him to those who know not the truth?

Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. White

The Immortality Question

CET 39.4

One day I listened to a conversation between my mother and a sister, in reference to a discourse which they had recently heard, to the effect that the soul had not natural immortality. Some of the minister’s proof texts were repeated. Among them I remember these impressed me very forcibly: “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” Ezekiel 18:4. “The living know that they shall die: but the dead know not anything.” Ecclesiastes 9:5. “Which in His times He shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; who only hath immortality.” 1 Timothy 6:15, 16. “To them who by patient continuance in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life.” Romans 2:7.

Life Sketches of Ellen G. White

The Immortality Question

LS 48.2

One day I listened to a conversation between my mother and a sister, in reference to a discourse which they had recently heard, to the effect that the soul had not natural immortality. Some of the minister’s proof texts were repeated. Among them I remember these impressed me very forcibly: “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” Ezekiel 18:4. “The living know that they shall die: but the dead know not anything.” Ecclesiastes 9:5. “Which in His times He shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; who only hath immortality.” 1 Timothy 6:15, 16. “To them who by patient continuance in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life.” Romans 2:7.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 9 [Nos. 664-770]

MR No. 708—Insights Concerning the Incarnation

9MR 121.3

God declared, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die” (Ezekiel 18:4). And apart from the plan of redemption human beings are doomed to death. “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). But Christ gave His life to save the sinner from the death sentence. He died that we might live. To those who receive Him He gives power that enables them to separate from that which, unless they return to their loyalty, will place them where they must be condemned and punished.

Selected Messages Book 1

Chapter 43—Christ the Life-giver

1SM 297.3

Christ “brought life and immortality to light through the gospel” (2 Timothy 1:10). No man can have an independent spiritual life apart from Him. The sinner is not immortal; for God has said, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die” (Ezekiel 18:4). This means all that it expresses. It reaches farther than the death which is common to all; it means the second death. Men start back at this, saying, Would you make man no more than a beast? This is thought to be degrading. But what is it that elevates man in the sight of God? Is it his accumulation of money?—No; for God declares, The gold and the silver are mine. If man abuses his entrusted treasures, God can scatter faster than man can gather. Man may have brilliant intellect; he may be rich in the possession of natural endowments. But these are all given him by God, his Maker. God can remove the gift of reason, and in a moment man will become as Nebuchadnezzar, degraded to the level of the beasts of the field. This God does because man acts as though his wisdom and power had been gotten independently of Him.

The Faith I Live By

The Portion of the Wicked, June 20

FLB 177.1

Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die. Ezekiel 18:4.

The Story of Redemption

Chapter 56—Satan’s Delusions

SR 388.2

It was a marvel to me that Satan could succeed so well in making men believe that the words of God, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die” (Ezekiel 18:4), mean that the soul that sinneth it shall not die, but live eternally in misery. Said the angel, “Life is life, whether it is in pain or happiness. Death is without pain, without joy, without hatred.”

The Signs of the Times

February 13, 1912

ST February 13, 1912, par. 6

Christ “brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel.” 2 Timothy 1:10. No man can have an independent spiritual life apart from Him. The sinner is not immortal; for God has said, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” Ezekiel 18:4. This means all that it expresses. It reaches farther than the death which is common to all; it means the second death. Men start back at this, saying, Would you make man no more than a beast? This is thought to be degrading. But what is it that elevates man in the sight of God? Is it his accumulation of money? — No; for God declares. “The gold and the silver are Mine.” If man abuses his entrusted treasures. God can scatter faster than man can gather. Man may have brilliant intellect; he may he rich in the possession of natural endowments. But these are all given him by God, his Maker. God can remove the gift of reason, and in a moment man will become as Nebuchadnezzar, degraded to the level of the beasts of the field. This God does because man acts as though his wisdom and power had been gotten independently of Him.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Ms 25, 1887

5LtMs, Ms 25, 1887, par. 9

Satan knows that if men and women accept the truth they are lost to him, they will be on the Lord’s side. He does not want that a single soul shall be brought back to his allegiance to God in keeping His commandments. Therefore it is his work to bring about every delusive attraction to make sin more agreeable to man. Man will follow on in transgression, notwithstanding God has said, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” [Ezekiel 18:4.] But who believes God’s word before the word of Satan, “Ye shall not surely die”? [Genesis 3:4.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 1, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 1, 1897, par. 32

“Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth it shall die. But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right, ... and hath not oppressed any, but hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment; he that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man, hath walked in my statutes, and hath kept my judgments, to deal truly; he is just, he shall surely live, saith the Lord God.” [Ezekiel 18:4, 5, 7-9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 9, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 9, 1899, par. 21

In God’s Word we read of the qualifications which must be possessed by those who connect with His work. “If a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right, ... and hath not oppressed any, hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment; he that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man, hath walked in my statutes, and hath kept my judgments, to deal truly, he is just, he shall surely live, saith the Lord.” [Ezekiel 18:5, 7-9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 2, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 2, 1897, par. 37

The promise of God is, “If a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right, and hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, ... and hath not oppressed any, but hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment; he that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man, hath walked in my statutes, and hath kept my judgments, to deal truly; he is just, he shall surely live, saith the Lord.” [Ezekiel 18:5-9.]

Darkness Before Dawn

Immortality Forfeited by Transgression

DD 14.4

The only one who promised Adam life in disobedience was the great deceiver. And the declaration of the serpent to Eve in Eden—“Ye shall not surely die”—was the first sermon ever preached upon the immortality of the soul. Yet this declaration, resting solely upon the authority of Satan, is echoed from the pulpits of Christendom and is received by the majority of mankind as readily as it was received by our first parents. The divine sentence, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die” (Ezekiel 18:20), is made to mean: The soul that sinneth, it shall not die, but live eternally. We cannot but wonder at the strange infatuation which renders men so credulous concerning the words of Satan and so unbelieving in regard to the words of God.

The Great Controversy

Chapter 33—The First Great Deception

GC 533.2

The only one who promised Adam life in disobedience was the great deceiver. And the declaration of the serpent to Eve in Eden—“Ye shall not surely die”—was the first sermon ever preached upon the immortality of the soul. Yet this declaration, resting solely upon the authority of Satan, is echoed from the pulpits of Christendom and is received by the majority of mankind as readily as it was received by our first parents. The divine sentence, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die” (Ezekiel 18:20), is made to mean: The soul that sinneth, it shall not die, but live eternally. We cannot but wonder at the strange infatuation which renders men so credulous concerning the words of Satan and so unbelieving in regard to the words of God.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 33—The First Great Deception

GC88 533.2

The only one who promised Adam life in disobedience was the great deceiver. And the declaration of the serpent to Eve in Eden,—“Ye shall not surely die,“—was the first sermon ever preached upon the immortality of the soul. Yet this declaration, resting solely upon the authority of Satan, is echoed from the pulpits of Christendom, and is received by the majority of mankind as readily as it was received by our first parents. The divine sentence, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die,” [Ezekiel 18:20.] is made to mean, The soul that sinneth, it shall not die, but live eternally. We cannot but wonder at the strange infatuation which renders men so credulous concerning the words of Satan, and so unbelieving in regard to the words of God.

The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4

Chapter 28—The First Great Deception

4SP 353.1

The one who promised Adam life in disobedience was the great deceiver. The first sermon ever preached upon the immortality of the soul was preached by the serpent to Eve in Eden,—“Ye shall not surely die;” and this declaration, resting solely upon the authority of Satan, is echoed from the pulpits of Christendom, and received by the majority of mankind as readily as it was received by our first parents. The divine sentence, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die,” [Ezekiel 18:20.] is made to mean, The soul that sinneth, it shall not die, but live eternally. We cannot but wonder at the strange infatuation which renders men so credulous concerning the words of Satan, and so unbelieving in regard to the words of God.

The Upward Look

Stewards of God’s Grace, December 31

UL 379.5

God’s Word declares, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die” (Ezekiel 18:20). But God does not desire the death of anyone. At infinite cost He provided for man a second probation. He “so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

Living by Principle

Living by Principle

PH048 5.8

Ezekiel 18:20: The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.

From Here to Forever

The Great Lie

HF 329.2

The one who promised life in disobedience was the great deceiver. And the declaration of the serpent in Eden—“Ye shall not surely die”—was the first sermon ever preached on the immortality of the soul. Yet this declaration, resting solely upon the authority of Satan, is echoed from pulpits and received by the majority of mankind as readily as by our first parents. The divine sentence, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die” (Ezekiel 18:20), is made to mean, The soul that sinneth, it shall not die, but live eternally. Had man after his fall been allowed free access to the tree of life, sin would have been immortalized. But not one of the family of Adam has been permitted to partake of the life-giving fruit. Therefore there is no immortal sinner.

The Great Hope (Condensed)

The First Lie

GrH_c 14.6

The one who promised life in disobedience was the great deceiver. And the declaration of the serpent in Eden—“Ye shall not surely die”—was the first sermon ever preached on the immortality of the soul. Yet this declaration, resting solely upon the authority of Satan, is echoed from pulpits and received by the majority of mankind as readily as by our first parents. The divine sentence, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die” (Ezekiel 18:20), is made to mean, The soul that sinneth, it shall not die, but live eternally. Had man after his fall been allowed free access to the tree of life, sin would have been immortalized. But not one of the family of Adam has been permitted to partake of the life-giving fruit. Therefore there is no immortal sinner.

With God at Dawn

He That Repenteth Shall Live, May 8

WGD 130.1

But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. Ezekiel 18:21.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 57, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 57, 1900, par. 20

All who seek to sustain the doctrine of election do this against a plain, “Thus saith the Lord.” In Ezekiel we read, “If the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.” “When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it.” [Ezekiel 18:21; 33:13.] This is plain, decided Bible truth.

With God at Dawn

Your Sins Will Not Be Mentioned, May 21

WGD 143.1

All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live. Ezekiel 18:22.

Radiant Religion

When the Wicked Turns from His Ways, August 2

RRe 216.1

Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord God: and not that he should return from his ways, and live? Ezekiel 18:23.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 143, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 143, 1905, par. 23

“Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord, and not that he should return from his ways, and live?” [Ezekiel 18:23.]

20LtMs, Ms 143, 1905, par. 26

“Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive.” [Verses 24-27.]

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 9—Elijah the Tishbite

PK 127.3

“Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord God: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?” “Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.” “Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?” Ezekiel 18:23, 31, 32; 33:11.

From Splendor to Shadow

Drought and Famine for Two Years

SS 65.3

The apostasy of Israel was an evil more dreadful than all the horrors of famine. God was trying to help His people recover their lost faith, and He must needs bring on them great affliction. “Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord God: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?” “I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.” Ezekiel 18:23, 32.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 20, 1889

6LtMs, Lt 20, 1889, par. 9

The Lord declares: “The children of thy people say, The way of the Lord is not equal.” [Verse 17.] “Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?” “Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? ... and not that he should return from his ways, and live?” “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. Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed, and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God. Therefore, turn yourselves, and live ye.” [Ezekiel 18:25, 23, 30-32.]

The Great Controversy

Chapter 28—Facing Life’s Record

GC 483.1

As the books of record are opened in the judgment, the lives of all who have believed on Jesus come in review before God. Beginning with those who first lived upon the earth, our Advocate presents the cases of each successive generation, and closes with the living. Every name is mentioned, every case closely investigated. Names are accepted, names rejected. When any have sins remaining upon the books of record, unrepented of and unforgiven, their names will be blotted out of the book of life, and the record of their good deeds will be erased from the book of God’s remembrance. The Lord declared to Moses: “Whosoever hath sinned against Me, him will I blot out of My book.” Exodus 32:33. And says the prophet Ezekiel: “When the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, ... all his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned.” Ezekiel 18:24.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 28—The Investigative Judgment

GC88 483.1

As the books of record are opened in the Judgment, the lives of all who have believed on Jesus come in review before God. Beginning with those who first lived upon the earth, our Advocate presents the cases of each successive generation, and closes with the living. Every name is mentioned, every case closely investigated. Names are accepted, names rejected. When any have sins remaining upon the books of record, unrepented of and unforgiven, their names will be blotted out of the book of life, and the record of their good deeds will be erased from the book of God’s remembrance. The Lord declared to Moses, “Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.” [Exodus 32:33.] And says the prophet Ezekiel, “When the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, ... all his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned.” [Ezekiel 18:24.]

Christ in His Sanctuary

Jesus the Advocate

CIHS 177.1

As the books of record are opened in the judgment, the lives of all who have believed on Jesus come in review before God. Beginning with those who first lived upon the earth, our Advocate presents the cases of each successive generation, and closes with the living. Every name is mentioned, every case closely investigated. Names are accepted, names rejected. When any have sins remaining upon the books of record, unrepented of and unforgiven, their names will be blotted out of the book of life, and the record of their good deeds will be erased from the book of God’s remembrance. The Lord declared to Moses: “Whosoever hath sinned against Me, him will I blot out of My book.” Exodus 32:33. And says the prophet Ezekiel: “When the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, ... all his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned.” Ezekiel 18:24.

Homeward Bound

Pardoned, October 19

HB 320.2

As the books of record are opened in the judgment, the lives of all who have believed on Jesus come in review before God. Beginning with those who first lived upon the earth, our Advocate presents the cases of each successive generation, and closes with the living. Every name is mentioned, every case closely investigated. Names are accepted, names rejected. When any have sins remaining upon the books of record, unrepented of and unforgiven, their names will be blotted out of the book of life, and the record of their good deeds will be erased from the book of God’s remembrance. The Lord declared to Moses: “Whosoever hath sinned against Me, him will I blot out of My book.” (Exodus 32:33.) And says the prophet Ezekiel: “When the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, . . . all his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned.” (Ezekiel 18:24.)

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 16, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 16, 1898, par. 12

“Yet saith the house of Israel, The ways of the Lord are not equal. O house of Israel, Are not my ways equal? are not your ways unequal? Therefore will I judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of him that diet, saith the Lord God; wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.” [Ezekiel 18:29-32.]

To Be Like Jesus

Repentance to Be Followed by Change of Character, December 19

BLJ 371.1

“Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways,” says the Lord God. “Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin.” Ezekiel 18:30, NKJV.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 13, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 13, 1898, par. 4

I was bidden to speak these words to you: “Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?” [Ezekiel 18:31.] You may say, This is impossible; I cannot do it.

13LtMs, Lt 13, 1898, par. 5

If you see your own helplessness in the matter, one point will be gained. You can truly say, “I have no power to make me a clean heart. Will God mock my inability? Can an Ethiopian change his skin or a leopard his spots? Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean.” You are surely in a helpless condition. You say in truth, My neighbor cannot help me. Why? Because you will not be helped by your neighbor. You say, He cannot help or redeem himself from sin; how can he help me? You are disgusted at the thought. You have not considered that your own heart is in such a diseased state that it cannot be repaired. Therefore the Lord says to you, “Make you a new heart.” [Verse 31.]

13LtMs, Lt 13, 1898, par. 8

The sin of the Jews was prejudice against Jesus Christ. Your sin is prejudice against the servants of God, against God in the person of His brethren. In the place of improving the privileges and opportunities you have had of receiving the engrafted Word, you have closed your heart against the Lord’s workmen, because they did not harmonize in all things with your ideas. The servants of God are not placed at your disposal. God has given them their place of duty and their work; but because you have seen them move along in the path that He has bidden them take, you have taken counsel of yourself. You have received the testimonies of others who needed to have an entire change of sentiments. You will understand this when you “make you a new heart.” [Ezekiel 18:31.] Then mind and will, thoughts, plans, and purposes, will run in a more correct channel. Motives and principles will be in accordance with the will and ways of God.

13LtMs, Lt 13, 1898, par. 16

The Word of God is like a sharp, two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit. It cuts to the joints and marrow, and is a revealer of the thoughts and intents of the heart. It will discover to you your impotency. It is not enough for you to have a vague sense of your inability and stop with that knowledge. The Lord says, “Make you a new heart.” [Ezekiel 18:31.] Then you will have an actual experience. Do this work in the light of the Word, while some strength remains in you to reform. Take hold of the work, for your eternal interests demand it. Break off your habits of criticism, overcome your self-sufficiency. You will then be convinced that some things which you have asserted to be true are the devil’s lies.

13LtMs, Lt 13, 1898, par. 19

The great Teacher is giving His lessons line upon line, and precept upon precept, here a little and there a little. As you now stand you cannot hear from Him words of condolence and sympathy. The old heart may tell you that you should hear such words; the new heart will tell you no such fabulous tale. God gives you His precepts of authority. He gives you the injunction, “Make you a new heart, and a new spirit.” [Verse 31.] You are responsible for the spirit you manifest in your family. You need much more tenderness and sympathy. This is an hereditary trait that needs to be cut away. You need to have more caution. Trust not to your own impulse. You think you see things in a correct light, and stand braced to resist everything that does not harmonize with your ideas. You shut yourself up to your own ideas. This cannot be while you are associated with your brethren in any work. The Lord’s work must be done with all opening candor, without one thread of selfishness or superiority. All must strive for harmonious action.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 179, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 179, 1898, par. 9

The Lord was much dishonored by the course Brother Hare pursued. He was doing injury to himself, and he needed the converting power of God upon his own heart before he could be one to be trusted. There are too many lions in the way. Unbelief holds him from good. Then what can Brother Hare do? The word was spoken, “Make you a new heart, and a new spirit.” [Ezekiel 18:31.] He will say, “This is impossible. I cannot do it.” It is well if you see your own helplessness in this matter, and then if you will hang your helpless soul upon Jesus Christ, you have obtained a victory.

Radiant Religion

Something Better—a New Heart, a New Spirit, August 31

RRe 245.1

Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye hare transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye. Ezekiel 18:31, 32.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 72, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 72, 1897, par. 15

I entreat of you who know the truth to practice the truth. Time is short. Let not your hearts be diverted from the last great work of warning. God does not give this work of ministering to those whose garments are defiled by sin, but to those who are being purified, made white, and tried. Say unto the people, ye messengers of God, “Cast away from you all your transgressions whereby you have transgressed, and make you a new heart and a new spirit; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.” [Ezekiel 18:31, 32.]

Steps to Christ

Chapter 6—Faith and Acceptance

SC 53.2

“I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.” Ezekiel 18:32. Satan is ready to steal away the blessed assurances of God. He desires to take every glimmer of hope and every ray of light from the soul; but you must not permit him to do this. Do not give ear to the tempter, but say, “Jesus has died that I might live. He loves me, and wills not that I should perish. I have a compassionate heavenly Father; and although I have abused His love, though the blessings He has given me have been squandered, I will arise, and go to my Father, and say, ‘I have sinned against heaven, and before Thee, and am no more worthy to be called Thy son: make me as one of Thy hired servants.’” The parable tells you how the wanderer will be received: “When he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.” Luke 15:18-20.

Homeward Bound

Just as We Are, March 1

HB 78.5

“I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.” (Ezekiel 18:32.) Satan is ready to steal away the blessed assurances of God. He desires to take every glimmer of hope and every ray of light from the soul; but you must not permit him to do this. Do not give ear to the tempter, but say, “Jesus has died that I might live. He loves me, and wills not that I should perish. I have a compassionate heavenly Father.”—Steps to Christ, 52, 53.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 9a, 1891

7LtMs, Lt 9a, 1891, par. 20

“If when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.” [Romans 5:10.] What greater assurance can we have of the willingness, yea, yearning, longing of Christ to have all come to Him, believe in Him that they might have eternal life! O, when we see the sorrows and sufferings of loved ones, shall we turn away from Christ, dissatisfied, murmuring, and complaining? No; I say, no; that is the time to come close to the only One who can be our Helper in every time of need. We have no time for repining now, no time for unbelief now; no time to let go of Jesus. Now is the time, when trial comes, to press close to the bleeding side of Jesus. When the whole world was under condemnation, Christ took upon Himself the guilt of the sinner; He bore the wrath of God for the transgressor, and thus suffering the penalty of sin, He ransoms the sinner. Had it been the choice of God to destroy the disobedient, He might, in justice, have swept the earth clean of the guilty transgressors; but He reveals Himself as a compassionate, loving Father. “As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.” [Ezekiel 33:11; 18:32.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 33, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 33, 1895, par. 28

You have no time for repining now, no time for unbelief now, no time to let go of Jesus. Now is the time, when trial comes, to press close to the bleeding side of Jesus. When the whole world was under condemnation, Christ took upon Himself the guilt of the sinner; He bore the wrath of God for the transgressor, and thus suffering the penalty of sin, He ransoms the sinner. Had it been the choice of God to destroy the disobedient, He might in justice have swept the earth clean of the guilty transgressors, but He reveals Himself as a compassionate, loving Father. “As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.” [Ezekiel 33:11; 18:32.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 194, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 194, 1898, par. 5

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” John 3:16, 17. All who love God will reveal that love for those whom Christ died to save. “I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God.” [Ezekiel 18:32.]