Bible Reading: Ezekiel 18:4-23
Ezekiel 18:20 starts with the words, "The soul who sins is the one who will die." What is a "soul"? The soul is the innermost part of a person. The soul is the part of each one of us that experiences desire and emotion. It is the part of a person that meets with God's Spirit, speaks with God's Spirit, and is guided by God's Spirit. In Mark 8:36-37 Jesus said, "And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?" The soul is the most valuable possession each one of us has.
Ezekiel explains that while our souls belong to God, our desires and emotions have stopped leading us to do things that please God and instead they often get us into trouble. They lead us into sin.
Thankfully, we are only accountable for our own sin. God won't punish us for the sins of our parents nor for the sins of our children. Each individual is responsible for his or her own behavior and will be punished for any wrongs he or she commits.
Again, thankfully, we can avoid being punished even for our own sins. How? By believing that Jesus took our punishment for us. When we admit to God that we've sinned, ask His forgiveness, and allow Jesus to send His Spirit into our lives, God considers the punishment for our sins to be "paid in full."
Once we've done that, God's Spirit will begin guiding our soul so it no longer desires to do wrong and instead desires to do things that will please God.
I hope you will allow God to reclaim possession of your soul today.
"For every living soul belongs to me, the father as well as the son — both alike belong to me. The soul who sins is the one who will die." Ezekiel 18:4
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for saving my soul. Help me to follow your leading so I will live to please You. In Jesus' name. Amen.