"...The soul that sinneth, it shall die. But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right... he shall surely live, saith the Lord God.

"Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye." - Ezekiel 18:4-5, 9, 31-32

God has given to mankind the ability and freedom to make choices. People do make some pretty bad choices, though.

Throughout God's dealings with Israel, He made many promises to the obedient and also gave many warnings to the disobedient. Sin led to death, while following God's way led to a blessed life.

God does not take pleasure in seeing men fall to destruction. Here He urged the people to repent. It would be for their own good to repent.

"Why will ye die?" He asked. It was the people's choice to repent or not. It was their choice whether or not to stay in the way that leads to death or to turn to the paths of life.

God asks this question still. "God is not willing that any should perish." He "so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." He has provided a way of escape from death. Why do so many refuse to take it?