Ezekiel 18 shows that God does not require perfect obedience but expects us to sin, and that all we need to do is confess and repent to be forgiven.

The assertion that God does not require perfect obedience is countered by the necessity of repentance. If God did not expect His people to adhere to His commands, there would be no need for repentance when they fail. This suggests that God indeed desires His followers to live in accordance with His Law. Furthermore, the Bible clearly states that God demands perfect observance of His commandments, as seen in verses like Genesis 17:1, Deuteronomy 18:13, and Matthew 5:48, which call for blamelessness and perfection. Additionally, the call to love God with all one's heart, soul, and might (Deuteronomy 6:5) reinforces the idea that God expects total devotion and commitment. This is not a mere suggestion but a divine command that highlights the standard of holiness required from believers. The notion that anyone can achieve this perfection is challenged, as only Jesus Christ fulfills this requirement. When examining Ezekiel 18, it becomes clear that the prophet's message is not that God condones sin, but rather that He offers forgiveness to those who genuinely repent and turn from their wicked ways. The passages in Ezekiel emphasize the importance of turning away from sin and living righteously, which aligns with the broader biblical theme of striving for holiness. Therefore, the call to repentance does not diminish God's demand for perfect obedience but rather underscores it, as true repentance involves a sincere commitment to obeying God's commands.