Ezekiel 18:20 (NKJV): “The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.”
Does Ezekiel 18:20 contradict the doctrine of original sin? To address this, we must first define original sin, examine its biblical basis, and then interpret Ezekiel 18:20 in context to determine whether it challenges this doctrine.
Understanding Original Sin
Original sin, as understood in Reformed and Calvinist theology, teaches that all humans inherit a sinful nature from Adam’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden. This doctrine asserts that humanity’s fallen state results in a natural inclination toward sin, affecting every person from birth. This is distinct from personal sins, which are individual acts of disobedience. The doctrine of original sin emphasizes that humans are born with a corrupted nature, predisposing them to sin, and are thus under God’s judgment apart from divine grace.
The biblical foundation for original sin includes:
- Ecclesiastes 7:29 (NKJV): “Truly, this only I have found: That God made man upright, but they have sought out many schemes.”
This verse indicates that humanity was created morally upright but fell into sin through deliberate rebellion, beginning with Adam - Genesis 1:27 (NKJV): “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”
While humans were created in God’s image, implying moral purity and righteousness, this image was marred by the Fall, though not entirely destroyed. - Romans 5:12 (NKJV): “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned.”
Paul explains that Adam’s sin introduced sin and death into the world, and all humanity, being “in Adam,” shares in this fallen condition and its consequences. - Psalm 51:5 (NKJV): “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me.”
David acknowledges that his sinful nature was present from conception, reflecting the universal human condition post-Fall. - Ephesians 2:3 (NKJV): “…among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.”
This verse underscores that humans, by nature, are inclined toward sin and deserving of God’s wrath. - Ecclesiastes 9:3 (NKJV): “This is an evil in all that is done under the sun: that one thing happens to all. Truly the hearts of the sons of men are full of evil; madness is in their hearts while they live, and after that they go to the dead.”
This reinforces the pervasive sinfulness in human hearts, a consequence of the Fall. - Romans 3:10-11 (NKJV): “As it is written: ‘There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God.’”
Paul cites the Old Testament to affirm that no one is inherently righteous or naturally seeks God, highlighting humanity’s total depravity.
These passages collectively establish that humans are born with a sinful nature inherited from Adam, which leads to personal sins and renders all guilty before God. As the original article states, “We are not sinners because we sin; we sin because we are sinners.” This reflects the Reformed view that our sinful actions stem from our fallen nature.
Interpreting Ezekiel 18:20
At first glance, Ezekiel 18:20 might seem to challenge original sin by stating that individuals are not held accountable for the sins of others, such as their parents. If original sin implies inheriting Adam’s guilt, does this verse contradict that idea? To answer, we must examine Ezekiel 18 in its historical and theological context.
The Context of Ezekiel 18:
Ezekiel was addressing Israelites in exile who were grappling with their suffering and God’s judgment. Some were citing a proverb: “The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge” (Ezekiel 18:2). This proverb suggested that the current generation was being punished for their ancestors’ sins, particularly those of earlier generations that led to Judah’s exile. God, through Ezekiel, rejects this fatalistic view, emphasizing personal responsibility for sin.
- Ezekiel 18:20 clarifies that each person is accountable for their own sins: “The soul who sins shall die.” The phrase “the son shall not bear the guilt of the father” addresses the immediate context of generational punishment, not the broader theological concept of original sin. It counters the idea that individuals are doomed by their parents’ actions without regard for their own choices.
- Ezekiel 18:21-22 (NKJV): “But if a wicked man turns from all his sins which he has committed, keeps all My statutes, and does what is lawful and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die. None of the transgressions which he has committed shall be remembered against him; because of the righteousness which he has done, he shall live.”
These verses highlight God’s mercy and the possibility of repentance. If a person turns from sin and obeys God, they will live, demonstrating that God judges individuals based on their response to His call for repentance, not solely on their ancestors’ actions.
Does Ezekiel 18 Contradict Original Sin?
Ezekiel 18 does not contradict the doctrine of original sin when properly understood. Original sin refers to the inherited sinful nature and the resulting spiritual death that affects all humanity due to Adam’s fall (Romans 5:12). Ezekiel 18, however, addresses personal accountability for individual sins and the opportunity for repentance. These are distinct but complementary theological concepts:
- Original Sin and Inherited Nature: Original sin describes humanity’s fallen state, which inclines all people to sin and places them under God’s judgment. This is a universal condition, as seen in Romans 5:12 and Psalm 51:5.
- Personal Responsibility in Ezekiel 18: Ezekiel emphasizes that individuals are not punished for their parents’ specific sins but are accountable for their own actions. The chapter does not deny the inherited sinful nature but focuses on how God deals with individuals who repent or persist in sin.
- Repentance and Grace: Ezekiel 18 underscores God’s mercy, offering life to those who repent, despite their sinful nature. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative that salvation comes through God’s grace, not human merit, as no one is righteous apart from divine intervention (Romans 3:10-11).
Conclusion
Ezekiel 18:20 does not contradict the doctrine of original sin. Instead, it addresses personal accountability and God’s mercy in the context of individual repentance. Original sin establishes that all humans inherit a fallen nature from Adam, leading to universal sinfulness and spiritual death. Ezekiel 18 complements this by emphasizing that God judges individuals based on their own actions and offers life to those who repent, despite their sinful nature. Together, these truths highlight both humanity’s desperate need for grace and God’s just and merciful character.
This understanding reconciles Ezekiel 18 with the broader biblical teaching on sin and salvation, showing that God’s justice holds individuals accountable for their sins, while His mercy provides a path to life through repentance and, ultimately, through faith in Christ, who fulfills the righteousness Ezekiel 18 describes (Romans 5:18-19).