July 15, 2019
READING TIME: 1 MINUTE
Dave, what type of death is Ezekiel referring to in Ezekiel 18:20-32 and 33:12-18?
In this passage, God is using Ezekiel to warn Israel of the physical blessings or curses that He would give to them based upon their obedience or disobedience according to Old Testament law. The death in view is not eternal death or separation from God but physical death for violation and disregard of His law according to the aforementioned (Mosaic) covenant (Deuteronomy 28-30). The context favors a temporal calamity and not a loss of eternal salvation (for example, see Ezekiel 18:13). That physical life and death are in view instead of heaven or hell is clear upon examining the wording of the following verses (Ezekiel 18:27; 33:13-15).
For one to teach that this passage directed to Old Testament Israel is applicable in the same way today or is referring to spiritual life or death is to teach salvation by works, let alone to disregard the context and wording of the passage. This would be misinterpretation and the forcing of one’s theology upon the passage instead of paying attention to its historical and doctrinal context.
Sources Used
Dillow, Joseph. Final Destiny: The Future Reign of The Servant Kings: Fourth Revised Edition. Grace Theology Press, chapter 32.
Rokser, Dennis. Shall Never Perish Forever. Grace Gospel Press.