Is God Overly Judgmental in the Old Testament?

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30 “Therefore, I will judge each of you, O people of Israel, according to your actions, says the Sovereign Lord. Repent, and turn from your sins. Don’t let them destroy you! 31 Put all your rebellion behind you, and find yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O people of Israel? 32 I don’t want you to die, says the Sovereign Lord. Turn back and live! Ezekiel 18

I have heard people say, "I don't even read the Old Testament because God is so full of wrath and judgment." The author of Ezekiel explains that it is not because of a person's father or mother that they are punished, but each person is responsible for the own behaviors. 

Time after time in the Old Testament, we see God being incredibly patient with the stubborn Israelites, who turn their backs on God even after he has provided for them so miraculously. In chapter 18, the prophet Ezekiel is still calling the Israelites to repent and turn from their sins. He warns them because he knows these sins will destroy them, just like they still do to us today. 

He also realizes that what they really need is a new heart and new spirit to carry out their obedience to Him. It is Ezekiel who prophesies about the Holy Spirit who will come one day, to give us a new heart and spirit. Importantly we see God's heart when He says, "I don't want you to die. Turn back and live!" 

God loves every person the same. Jesus teaches that God loves us like our parents love us. He doesn't want any to perish but all to come to a knowledge of the truth. Because God is holy and just, He must judge sin fairly.  

When God calls you to repent of the sinful patterns and behaviors in your life, do you see this as His love for you? God realizes these patterns and behaviors will destroy you, and he cares about you so much, he will allow the natural consequences of those behaviors. But his hope that as we face the consequences of our bad choices and His desire to be in a relationship with us, that we will repent and be restored to a right relationship with Him through Christ!




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