Ezekiel 33:13
What is written? (ESV)
Though I say to the righteous that he shall surely live, yet if he trusts in his righteousness and does injustice, none of his righteous deeds shall be remembered, but in his injustice that he has done he shall die.
What does it say?
When God tells a righteous person that he will live, if he trusts in his own “righteousness” and does injustice, he will surely die and none of his righteousness will be remembered.
What is its immediate context?
God is speaking to the people of Judah through His prophet Ezekiel and making it clear through this section that their individual life or death will be the result of how they live (either unrighteously or righteously). The issue, God says, is “they hear what you say but they will not do it; for with lustful talk in their mouths they act; their heart is set on their gain” (vs 31).
How Ezekiel 33:13 is applied across Bible answers
Can one fall from grace?
"The righteous" are those who have received God's grace, yet He says if they turn to do "injustice" (e.g. sin), they will die [spiritually].
How are works defined in the Bible?
A person who "does injustice" will spiritually die for it, which is the result of one who "trusts in his righteousness".
The context is that the people believe their way is best and that they will be "okay" in the end, but God is saying otherwise. God goes on to say, "they hear what you say but they will not do it; for with lustful talk in their mouths they act; their heart is set on their gain" (vs 31).
