Ezekiel:33

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* Verse 1-9 - The prophet is a watchman to the house of Israel . His business is to warn sinners of their misery and danger . He must warn the wicked to turn from their way , that they may live . If souls perish through his neglect of duty , he brings guilt upon himself . See what those have to answer for , who make excuses for sin , flatter sinners , and encourage them to believe they shall have peace , though they go on . How much wiser are men in their temporal than in their spiritual concerns ! They set watchmen to guard their houses , and sentinels to warn of the enemies ' approach , but where the everlasting happiness or misery of the soul is at stake , they are offended if ministers obey their Master 's command , and give a faithful warning ; they would rather perish , listening to smooth things . * Verse 10-20 - Those who despaired of finding mercy with God , are answered with a solemn declaration of God 's readiness to show mercy . The ruin of the city and state was determined , but that did not relate to the final state of persons . God says to the righteous , that he shall surely live . But many who have made profession , have been ruined by proud confidence in themselves . Man trusts to his own righteousness , and presuming on his own sufficiency , he is brought to commit iniquity . If those who have lived a wicked life repent and forsake their wicked ways , they shall be saved . Many such amazing and blessed changes have been wrought by the power of Divine grace . When there is a settled separation between a man and sin , there shall no longer be a separation between him and God . * Verse 21-29 - Those are unteachable indeed , who do not learn their dependence upon God , when all creature-comforts fail . Many claim an interest in the peculiar blessings to true believers , while their conduct proves them enemies of God . They call this groundless presumption strong faith , when God 's testimony declares them entitled to his threatenings , and nothing else . * Verse 30-33 - Unworthy and corrupt motives often lead men to the places where the word of God is faithfully preached . Many come to find somewhat to oppose : far more come of curiosity or mere habit . Men may have their hearts changed . But whether men hear or forbear , they will know by the event that a servant of God has been among them . All who will not know the worth of mercies by the improvement of them , will justly be made to know their worth by the want of them . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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