God is perfect in “steadfast love.” His capacity for forgiveness exceeds our ability to imagine.
Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:7-9)
Later, Jesus showed God’s heart in the parable of the lost son (Luke 15:10-32). God is like the father who yearns for his wayward, sinful son. The moment the boy returns, the compassionate father runs to him and welcomes him with hugs, kisses and celebrations. Despite all we do against Him, God remains eager to restore us to Himself.
At the same time, God is perfect in justice. Those who refuse His mercy, who remain guilty, bring down God’s Judgment on themselves (Exodus 34:7). Even children suffer consequences from the bad choices of their parent —as we see daily in disturbed families. That does not mean the children suffer in eternity, cut off from God. Rather, each person is responsible for his or her own sins. Those who die spiritually, do so against God’s plan and desire for them.
The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself. But if a wicked person turns away from all his sins that he has committed and keeps all My statutes and does what is just and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die…. Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord GOD, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live?… As I live, declares the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. (Ezekiel 18:20-21, 23; 33:11)
God is always dependable. His promises of forgiveness hold true. His promises of Judgment hold true. We cannot change the results of our choices, but we can change our choices. As Moses told the Israelites (Deuteronomy 30:19),
I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live!