I would distinguish between the forgiveness of sin and the atonement for sin. Consider my #2 hobbyhorse scripture passage.
The soul that sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son; the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself. (Ezekiel 18:20)
Clear and to the point. How can you reconcile the plain meaning of this passage with the belief that Jesus's death in some way atoned for the sins of mankind?
Clear and to the point. How can you reconcile the plain meaning of this passage with the belief that Jesus's death in some way atoned for the sins of mankind?
Maybe the "himself" is a reference to Jesus. So the righteousness that any of us has is from "himself" and the wickedness was upon "himself."
SD
The soul that sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son; the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself. (Ezekiel 18:20)
Clear and to the point. How can you reconcile the plain meaning of this passage with the belief that Jesus's death in some way atoned for the sins of mankind?
Malakhi ... this proclamation of God through Ezekiel was given in response to the Israelite complaint that they were being punished, not for their own sins, but for their father's sins.Ezekiel 18:1 The word of the LORD came unto me again, saying,It is my contention that, in verse 4, as in verse 20 (wich you referenced), God sets forth His justice.
2 What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge?
3 As I live, saith the Lord GOD, ye shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb in Israel.
4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.
I.e. ... every man/woman is responsible for their own sins. God will not punish me for yours, ... nor will He punish you for mine.
God is very clear here ... almost brutally so ...All souls are Mine (i.e. to do with what I will) ... and ...With this revelation, there seems to be no way out for us ... for who among us has not sinned ?
... the soul that sins shall die.
But ... God, because of His love for us, chose to (per His Word) temper His justice with mercy (as a judge/politician may grant a stay of execution).
God declared a method for the remission (taking away) of sin ... sacrifice.
The Israelites practiced animal sacrifice ... as they had been instructed by God.
But, ... later in scripture it is revealed that the blood of animals is insufficient to take away sins.Hebrews 10:4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.King David was enlightened with as much in Psalms 51 ... where he cries out for forgiveness for his sins concerning Bathsheba ...Psalm 51:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.So, we needed a sacrifice ... but, of one like us, ... except perfect in every way (as was required of a sacrifice).
2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
...
Psalms 51:16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
So JESUS came and gave His life for ours ... the just for the unjust ... that we might be reconciled to God and have eternal life with Him.
To summarize ... God's justice (through Ezekiel) said ... However, God's mercy said ...... but , I love you ... I want to save you ... therefore, ... I will temper my justice with mercy ... I will accept a perfect sacrifice to take away your sins ... not only that ... but ... I will provide it.That sacrifice has been made ... our sins have been taken away ... it is only up to us to accept this great gift ... and live.