18 The word of the Lord came to me: 2 “What do you mean by repeating this proverb concerning the land of Israel, ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge’? 3 As I live, declares the Lord God, this proverb shall no more be used by you in Israel. 4 Behold, all souls are mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is mine: the soul who sins shall die.
5 “If a man is righteous and does what is just and right— 6 if he does not eat upon the mountains or lift up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, does not defile his neighbor’s wife or approach a woman in her time of menstrual impurity, 7 does not oppress anyone, but restores to the debtor his pledge, commits no robbery, gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with a garment, 8 does not lend at interest or take any profit, withholds his hand from injustice, executes true justice between man and man, 9 walks in my statutes, and keeps my rules by acting faithfully—he is righteous; he shall surely live, declares the Lord God.
All souls belong to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. All men belong to him, and will find their end in a manner, which is of his choosing. If a righteous person does what is right, he will surely receive life. But if a righteous person turns from righteous deeds, he will face punishment and torment.
Are you a righteous person as defined in this text? Have you not bowed to idols of any kind. Have you not defiled a woman belonging to another. Have you not oppressed others. Have you not requested interest or taken profit. Have you given bread to the hungry and garments to the naked. Have you walked in the statutes of the Lord in all you do.
The righteous person acts faithfully toward God in all things. You are not a righteous person by your deeds or thoughts. You are not a righteous person because of yourself. It is God who makes you righteous. God is the one who offers you the gift of life eternal. All souls belong to God. The sinful soul will perish in the flame. The sainted soul will live in the light of Christ. God is our righteousness, and gives us the strength to follow his commands.
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