Ezekiel 2:5

Forbear. That is, neglect to heed. Compare the same formula in v. 7; ch. 3:11; cf. ch. 3:27. A failure to heed must not be attributed to an act of predestination. God’s plan of salvation embraces all: “The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men” (Titus 2:11); God is “not willing that any should perish” (2 Peter 3:9). All are given an adequate chance of salvation. Jesus is the light “which lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (John 1:9). All possible influences consistent with free choice and the issues of the great controversy are brought to bear upon men to induce them to accept the proffered redemption. But it is for men to decide whether they will hear or whether they will forbear. The disobedient are without excuse. God will be able to say of every soul who is eventually lost: “What could have been done more . . . that I have not done?” (Isa. 5:4). Thus men destroy themselves by their refusal to accept the salvation of Christ (see 5T 120). As a culminating event in the great controversy the history of the world will be portrayed in panoramic view revealing to each soul his relation to the issues of the great conflict. As a result, all will acknowledge the justice of God and the adequacy of the grace offered them (Rom. 14:10, 11; Rev. 15:3; cf. GC 666-671).

Yet shall know. The crowning evidence that the prophet bears divine credentials is the fulfillment of his word. Yet even while he is delivering his message the Holy Spirit testifies to hardened hearts that the message of the messenger of God is from heaven. To the rebellious captives the Holy Spirit would send conviction that their course of obstinate impiety was unjustified. They might openly mock the divine messenger, but beneath the sneer of scorn would be deep-seated fear that the voice they were spuming was indeed the voice of God. Ezekiel’s messages would be either a “savour of death unto death,” or of “life unto life” (2 Cor. 2:16).