Christian Family Services Ministry

6-26-2018 – A Word to the Wise:  ARE THERE CONSEQUENCES FOR SIN? Jesus takes on our sin and continually suffers the consequences. Notice His hand and feet, his side. In much the same way we suffer the consequences and they affect us either physically, (sexually transmitted disease as one example), emotionally, (the bipolar effect), mentally, (long acting guilt).

Why are consequences not removed? Because they serve as a reminder of the cost of sin and serve as a warning not to return to them.

So what are the kind of consequences? Well they depend on the sin and its seriousness. Now the seriousness is according to the Lord’s standard not man.

We offer her three examples of sin and consequences. The implication is not that these are the only three sins which have consequence for all sin has consequences rather these are example that reveal the connection between the two.
A Sins against Parents
B Moral sins
C Sins of bitterness

It is noteworthy that the consequences may last, in some circumstances, a life time, while others only endure while the sin is being practiced.

Our first example is sins against the parent. A definition would include outright rebellion against the parent. Bringing shame on the parent by ill behavior dishonoring the parent in word or deed. Both Deuteronomy 5:16, and Ephesians 6:1-2 explain that obedience brings a long life and disobedience shortens the lifespan. So consequences may be either positive or negative.

The second category is moral failure. Failure in this areas brings consequences in seven main areas according to Proverbs 5-7. Those consequences are: financial, emotional (bi polar sequences), disease (STD’s), pregnancy, heritage, inability to reason, and dishonor. It is apparent these consequences last a lifetime in one form or another.

The third category is bitterness. Bitterness arises in the heart of on who perceives that they have been treated unjustly by another. Matthew 18 warns us that the person indulging in bitterness will be tormented by two things; anxiety and depression. These tormentors will not be lifted until one gives up the bitterness at which time the anxiety and depression subsides.

So one may ask what happens when one turns to the Lord. The sins are forgiven, but the consequences remain. Baptism washes away sin, not consequences.

One goes out and murders someone and they are caught, tried and imprisoned. Just because they turn to the Lord in prison does not mean they are going to be released no matter how good they become. The consequences remain.

If you get angry at your spouse, get in your vehicle drive crazy and hit a bridge abutment and lose a leg, you may well repent, and find forgiveness, but you’re not going to grow another leg.

One spends 5 years of their life on drugs, turns to the Lord, they will discover they still pay a heavy physical price for their drug use.

Forgiveness does not remove consequences. However, the impact of consequences may be lessened by a life filled with good deeds, joyful thoughts, repentance, faithful worship.