QUESTION
What does Ex 20:5-6 mean? Does God really hold the sins of the fathers against their children?
ANSWER
As children, the primary influence on us, is the example and instruction of our parents. Much as
many of us would like to deny it, they have a very profound influence on us. Even as adults, we exhibit many of these
influences in our thought patterns and behaviour. A lady I know, once told me that she must admit that the observance
of Christmas is not commanded in the Bible and in fact comes from pagan worship practices. She then went on to say,
that she would continue to observe it, because she wished to do what her father had done and had taught her to do.
Truly the sins of the fathers continue in their children. For the children are only doing what they have been taught
by their fathers! The key is in verse six. Here God reveals that He will show mercy to all those who LOVE HIM
enough, to turn from the transgression of the law 1 Jon 3:4 and start KEEPING HIS COMMANDMENTS! We must LOVE HIM enough
to turn away from the sins and errors of our fathers and embrace the LAW AND COMMANDMENTS THAT A LOVING GOD HAS GIVEN US;
FOR OUR GOOD! If we do this and turn to Him he will be MERCIFUL and FORGIVE US.
