Definition: Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this powerful verse from Ezekiel 18:28. It's a really significant message about God’s love and judgment. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks of God’s unwavering love and forgiveness, even when someone has messed up badly. It suggests that God really loves them, even after they've strayed from the path He wants them to follow. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Because he considereth…” – This is a key part. "Considereth" means to think deeply about something. God is thinking very carefully about what happened. “…and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed…” - This means God has forgiven the person for their wrongdoings. He hasn’t been angry or condemned them. He's completely moved past it. "...he shall surely live, he shall not die." – This is the result of this forgiveness. God promises to keep the person alive, and not die. This isn’t just a simple “it’ll be okay.” It means God will offer them a chance at life and redemption. In simpler terms, it's saying: "Even though someone has made mistakes, God loves them so much that He chooses to forgive them and keep them alive." The Bigger Picture (Biblical Context): This verse often speaks about the Old Testament and is connected to the idea of a covenant between God and Israel. It's a reminder that God’s love is always available, even when people aren't perfect or obedient. It emphasizes forgiveness as a key part of our relationship with God. Important Note: This verse isn't about never having mistakes. It's about God’s willingness to forgive and restore someone after they have fallen short. It highlights the concept of redemption – being set free from sin and restored to a good relationship with Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the meaning of this verse in more detail? Relate it to a specific story or example?