Ezekiel 18:1-4

It should seem by the scope of reasoning the Lord is pleased to adopt in this chapter, that the proverb here used was an indirect reflection upon God. It was probably the scoffer's comment upon the second Commandment. But so great was the general delinquency of the times, that both Father and Son were involved in it; and, therefore, as all had sinned and come short of God's glory, all were justly exposed to the displeasure of God. And in justifying divine proceedings, the Lord lays claim to His undoubted right, as sovereign creator of all men: all souls are mine. They are so by original creation, and by the mercies of redemption; therefore it must be right for God, as it is for man, to do what he will with his own. This point being settled, the Lord, in the following verses, advances to an illustration of the doctrine.