Preaching to the Exiles

Fathers, sin of the

Synopsis

Children may suffer on account of the sins committed by their forebears, just as they may also be blessed for their sake. Nevertheless, Scripture teaches that each individual must take responsibility for his or her own sin.

Children suffer the ill-effects of their fathers’ sins

Ex 34:6–7

Eze 18:20

Ezekiel 18:20 (NKJV) — 20 The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.

See also Je 31:29–30; Eze 18:1–20

Jeremiah 31:29–30 (NKJV) — 29 In those days they shall say no more: ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes, And the children’s teeth are set on edge.’ 30 But every one shall die for his own iniquity; every man who eats the sour grapes, his teeth shall be set on edge.

Ezekiel 18:1–20 (NKJV)

Children share in the blessing of their fathers

Dt 7:9

Deuteronomy 7:9 (NKJV) — 9 “Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments;

See also Ge 6:17–18; Ge 15:18–19; Ex 2:23–25; Ex 20:4–6; Nu 25:10–13; 2 Sa 7:11–16; 1 Ki 11:12–13; 1 Ki 11:31–34; Lk 1:50; Ro 11:28–29