A popular concept today is the idea that individuals can’t be blamed for what they do or fail to do. Blame heredity or environment or parents or teachers or the government, but don’t blame the individual himself.

For example, a fired Northwestern University professor was arrested for collecting his mother’s social security checks for 6 years after her death. He blamed “extreme procrastination behavior” caused by depression.

God’s Word gives the lie to this kind of blame-shifting and stresses personal responsibility. The Israelites had a popular proverb that stated, “The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge” (Ezek. 18:2). But the Lord told Ezekiel not to use this proverb. Instead, He said that everyone was accountable for his own sin and responsible to turn from it (vv.20-22).

Scripture teaches that we are not irresponsible victims of circumstances. We will answer to the all-knowing Judge for any behavior that violates His holy law. Our only hope is to confess that we deserve God’s eternal condemnation and to put our trust in Jesus Christ as our substitute. Then we can be assured that there is “no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1).

  — Vernon C. Grounds