The Solemn Responsibility Of God's Prophets (Ezekiel 3:17-21)

These verses do not imply that we lose our salvation because we fail to warn someone to repent or perish, but it should awaken us to the fact that whether we are ministers in a pulpit, teachers behind a lectern, or any job where we are to be a light in the darkness, we cannot and must not remain silent or coerced into submission and fail to present the Gospel to everyone with whom we come into contact (Mark 16:15; 1 Peter 3;15). We will all be held to account by the LORD for what we did and did not do in terms of obedience and trust in His Word (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10). None of us are exempt and that should stop us in our tracks, repent, and ask God to forgive us of allowing the things of the world and our own self-centeredness to come before His divine will.

God has an encouraging Word to anyone who does turn to Him:

"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. 'Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die?' says the LORD God, 'and not that he should turn from his ways and live? For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies, says the LORD God. Therefore, turn and live!" (Ezekiel 18:21-23, 32, NKJV).

The apostle Peter reflects this same concern when he wrote:

"The LORD is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient towards you, not wishing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9, NASB).

The central theme of the Bible is the call from God to turn away from our sins and embrace the saving grace and mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ. Salvation is freely offered to anyone who comes to Christ. No one is ever turned away (Matthew 11:28-30; John 10:28-30). Is this the message you are hearing from your pastor, trusted friend, or anyone who cares for the welfare of your soul? If not, I plead with you as a minister of the Gospel to turn from your sins and surrender your life to Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9-10, 13; 2 Corinthians 6:2). I want to be certain that this Gospel message is to be read and shared by as many people as possible. Not for the sake of my ego, but for the sake of those who need to hear this glorious message of salvation before it is too late (Hebrews 9:27).

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