God made Ezekiel a watchman for his people to relay His warnings (Ezekiel 33:7). The prophet was to warn the wicked so they could repent (Ezekiel 33:8-9). 
 
God’s desire was for the wicked man to “turn from his way and live” (Ezekiel 33:11). If he did, he would be saved (Ezekiel 33:14-16). Likewise, if a righteous man turned to sin, he would be punished (Ezekiel 33:12-13). 
 
This is the principle of personal accountability. Each one can be saved or lost based upon their response to God’s word. Yet the people did not like this. They said, “The way of the Lord is not right” (Ezekiel 33:20). Rather than accepting God’s gracious offer of deliverance, they wanted to blame others for their sin and ultimate punishment. 
 
This same problem exists today. People want to blame others for their sin. This is seen in the Calvinistic error of inherited depravity and in the claim that one sins because he is a victim of society. But those who want to pass blame ignore God’s gracious offer of salvation to all men. God wants all to turn to Him so they don’t perish (2 Peter 3:9). 
 
So remember that we are each responsible for our own actions. Rather than blaming others for our sins, let’s recognize our individual accountability before God. He will save us if we will turn and follow Him. 
 
Andy Sochor