Who's Fault Is It?

Shane Williams

A popular concept today is the idea that individuals can't be blamed for what they do or fail to do. We put blame in all sorts of places: heredity, environment, parents, teachers or the government. The individual being at fault, however, is completely out of the question.

God's Word is not shaped by public opinion. It gives the lie to this kind of finger pointing and stresses the responsibility of each person upon himself. The Israelites had a popular proverb that stated, "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge" Ezk 18:2  The idea is, we are punished for the sins of our ancestors but we haven't done anything! They intended this as a reflection upon God's justice.  Yet, they seemed to forget that they were eating the same sour grapes their fathers had eaten. Therefore, their "set on edge" teeth were their own fault! Instead of condemning themselves and justifying God, they condemned Him and justified themselves.

The Lord told Ezekiel they were not to use this proverb anymore (18:3).  Instead, He said that everyone was accountable for his own sin and responsible to turn from it.

"The person who sins shall die.  The son shall not bear the punishment for the father's iniquity, nor shall the father bear the punishment for the son's iniquity; the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.  But if the wicked man turns from all his sins which he has committed and observes all My statutes and practices justice and righteousness, he shall surely live; he shall not die.  All his transgressions which he has committed shall not be remembered against him; because of his righteousness which he has practiced, he shall live" Ezk 18:20-22

Scripture teaches that we are not helpless victims of circumstances.  We will answer to the all-knowing Judge for any behavior that violates His Holy Law. Heb 4:13  Our only hope is to realize that we deserve God's eternal condemnation and to put our faith in Jesus Christ.  Then we can be assured in Paul's words: "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus" Rom 8:1