Ezekiel 33: A Problem for Reformed Theology
“Yet the children of thy people say, The way of the Lord is not equal: but as for them, their way is not equal. When the righteous turners from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, he shall even die thereby. But if the wicked turn from his wickedness, and do that whichh is lawful and right, he shall live thereby.”
Ezekiel 33:17-19
Reformed Theology, or Calvinism, as I knew it growing up, is a very dangerous theology that is simply not compatible with Scripture. This theology prides itself on its logical follow through which makes it more intriguing to Christians who desire a more “intellectual” approach to the Gospel. Unfortunately, when we try to put a human “intellectual” spin on the Gospel, we tend to be easily led astray because one human misunderstanding in our “logic” trail can lead us down a long path to nowhere. Before we know it, we are lost.
The better view is just the biblical view. What does God say about salvation? God’s logic is good enough for me!
This may be anecdotal, but in my life I have seen Reformed Theology grow among the people I meet and know. In fact, I have family members and many other Christians tell me often that they identify themselves as “Reformed.” In fact, never before have I encountered such a theological group that is so excited to define themselves by a distinction other than Christian. This fact to me is alarming by itself.
The entire Bible as a whole does not support the Reformed Theology mindset when it comes to salvation. But certain passages illustrate the problems with Reformed Theology incredibly well, and Ezekiel 33 is one of them.
In Ezekiel 32, Ezekiel is finishing his prophecies regarding the destruction of Judah by Babylon (and some other nations as well). Ezekiel tells Judah that she will fall to Babylon due to people’s sin. Although God has begged Israel to repent, she has not, and therefore, she is now the subject of God’s wrath. Before moving on to the next portion of the book, however, Ezekiel issues an important warning in chapter 33. In fact, this similar or same warning is given in two other chapters in Ezekiel: 3 and 18.
Reformed Theology: What is it?
Instead of going too in depth here, I will point you to this webpage: https://www.gotquestions.org/reformed-theology.html. This page provides a concise but informative article on the basics of Reformed Theology. The main issue in Reformed thinking that I want to address in my post here is regarding salvation, since that is the major place that Reformed Theology errs. Reformed Theology holds to the 5 points of Calvinism (TULIP):
1. Total Depravity: Every person has sinned. Since no man can in his sinful state will seek God, God must call people to salvation.
2. Unconditional Election: God chose a certain number of people for salvation (the elect).
3. Limited Atonement: Christ has atoned the sins of this elect group of people.
4. Irresistible Grace: God will cause his elect to come to him for salvation.
5. Perseverance of the Saints: None of God’s elect will lose their salvation.
So, plainly put, Reformed Theology says that all people are deserving of hell, but since man is sinful and cannot come to God on his own, God has chosen a large group of people (the elect) that he will call to salvation. These people will receive atonement and go to heaven, while those who are not part of the elect, will go to hell. Basically, Reformed Theology has eliminated an individual’s choice in the matter of salvation.
Ezekiel 33: The Wrench
So, I am going to call Ezekiel 33 “the wrench,” because, in this chapter, God basically throws a wrench into Reformed Theology’s approach to salvation. This understanding of salvation just doesn’t work anymore once one reads and understands this chapter! In fact, this chapter is evidence of God’s distain for this line of thinking!
In Ezekiel 33, specifically verses 11- 33, God is issuing a warning to the people of Judah: repent or suffer God’s wrath. In fact, Ezekiel includes this same warning (almost exactly) THREE times in the book (chapter 3, 18, and 33). Not only did God repeat this warning, but he strategically placed the warning. The first portion of Ezekiel’s prophetic book includes chapters 3-32. These chapters deal almost exclusively with the destruction that is to come upon Judah (although some other surrounding nations are included as well). God placed this warning at the beginning of the prophecy of Judah’s destruction (3), the middle (18), and the end (33). Clearly, this passage is very important and should NOT be ignored.
Now, this warning isn’t just a simple ‘repent or die’ warning, although even that is a problem for Reformed Theology. In chapters 18 and 33, God addresses an accusation from the people of Judah that simply says ‘God is not FAIR.’ God directly addresses this accusation with a powerful yet logical answer. Let’s examine what the people say and then what God says.
In Ezekiel 18:2, the people say, “The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge” and “The way of the Lord is not equal.” In other words, ‘why are we being punished for what the older generations did?’ Then, in Ezekiel 33:10, the people ask, “If our transgressions and our sins be upon us, and we pine away in them, how should we then live?” This is basically saying that God is not allowing people to repent and His judgements are not fair.
Both of these accusations assault the CHARACTER of God: JUSTICE!
So, how does God respond to these accusations that he is not equitable in His judgements? In both chapter 18 and 33, God tells the Jews clearly that each individual is responsible for his or her own actions and therefore their spiritual life or death. God emphasizes that this action IS fair. God even adds that He doesn’t want anyone to be wicked and die, but He allows individuals the choice for themselves.
Yet, God takes His answer even further. He says that a wicked man can repent and live (spiritually) and a righteous man can fall away and die (spiritually). Not only can a wicked man choose to repent, but a RIGHTEOUS man can choose to turn to sin and fall away from God.
Reformed Theology’s Problem
So, we have a problem here. Ezekiel 18 and 33 completely destroy many of the TULIP points of Calvinism.
1. Total Depravity: This one is a good point and Biblical. All have sinned. Only those called can come to Christ (EVERYONE is called, however, not a select few).
2. Unconditional Election: This is not Biblical according to Ezekiel 18:23 and 33:11 (and many other passages).
“As I live saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?”
**God does not want anyone to go to hell. If God is selecting a group to go to heaven He is choosing others to go to hell.
3. Limited Atonement: This is also not Biblical. See the verse above: ANYONE can repent and God wants everyone to repent and accept atonement.
4. Irresistible Grace: Yet again Ezekiel 18 and 33 contradict this point too! The individual will choose to accept grace. The wicked can repent and the righteous can turn away.
5. Perseverance of the Saints: Ezekiel 18 and 33 are clear that a saved person can chose to turn away from God and die spiritually as a result!
“When I say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; If he trust to his won righteousness, and commit Iniquity, all his righteousness shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it.”
Ultimately, Judah’s judgement is FAIR because they chose not to repent despite numerous attempts by God to prompt them to stop their idolatry and disobedience. In this way, God’s judgement is just! There is NO ONE TO BLAME BUT THEMSELVES! In an effort to marry how one understands God’s authority and man’s authority, Reformed Theology removes fairness from God’s actions. This is a problem, because this removes JUSTICE from God’s actions.
Reformed Theology: The Danger
‘Is it really that big of a deal that ‘Reformed’ people think that God chose an elect for salvation? I mean, they get a lot of other stuff right.’ YES! It is a very big deal.
This view denies God’s JUSTICE! If God is not just, then we have no reason to place our hope in Him.
Reformed Theology results in two things: fatalism and apathy. Why try if it is already decided? Yes, it is true that ‘Reformed’ people attempt to push evangelism and good deeds in order to fulfill commandments in Scripture…but that really isn’t the logical result of this ideology. There is no need to evangelize or try to be good if it is already decided.
God is not vain in His words. From the beginning of creation to the return of Christ, His word is PERFECT and POWERFUL. In one word, He created the universe, and in one word, He will defeat the wicked. When God begs for people to repent, He isn’t speaking in vain – that just isn’t possible. He isn’t wasting our time or His, for that that matter. He is calling us to repentance because He has given us the authority to decide to love Him or not. We are responsible for that choice!
God calls EVERYONE to repentance. Once we choose to follow God and accept Christ’s atonement, we are part of the elect. As the elect, we have the power through the Spirit to be the Sons of God, eligible to inherit everlasting life thanks to Christ’s perfect sacrifice and resurrection! God is GOOD, LOVING, and JUST. He doesn’t want anyone to perish in hell’s fires, but provided an avenue to receive salvation through His Son Jesus Christ.
Note: There are plenty of other scriptures to study that refute Calvinism (a.k.a. Reformed Theology or Covenant Theology). Ezekiel 18 and 33 are just two passages. If you would like some additional passages to study, please contact me and I would love to discuss this more!