All of the choices we make in life, from big to small, bring with them consequences. One small decision made thoughtlessly in a moment can destroy a family or save someone’s life. Though the choice we make may be a relatively small one, it can have great consequences. It is the same with sin. Our sin, big and small, has consequences that can linger, sometimes a lifetime, and even into eternity.
Sin has consequences
We tend to make two categories for sin. Little sins and large sins. The not-so-serious sins that don’t even embarrass us, to the highly-sensitive and dangerous sins that we hope no one ever learns of.
We think of little sins as less consequential. The half truth, the mean thought, the snarky reply. Maybe anger while driving, frustration with a child, or our quiet judging of others feel small because they don’t seem to bother us and we certainly don’t think about how they will affect us or others very much. But these “little” transgressions are just as evil as the big sins. They are just more subtle.
The people of Israel didn’t think it was such a big deal to keep some of the spoils of war for themselves. What harm could it do? But disobeying God is always a big deal.
All sins will hurt you. All sins will eat away at your love for God and your love for others. Each sin will cause deterioration in your joy and threaten your peace of mind.
But even if we don’t feel those effects, the fact is that all sin, both the big and the small, is rebellion against God, and a fight with Him over who is Lord of your life.
God calls us to live a holy life, to follow His law and delight in His Word, all for His glory.. Therefore sin is an attack on holiness, perfection and God Himself. Since God is holy and just He cannot ignore sin. That would not be just or righteous. Sin must be punished (Romans 6:23). That leaves us with two choices. Either we have to pay the punishment for our sins or someone else has to be punished in our place.
Sin has a conqueror
While there are consequences for all sin and God must punish it one way or another in order to remain just and righteous, He has provided a way out from all of this mess. Jesus Christ, the Son of God came to conquer sin and death. By His death on the cross He willingly took the divine punishment we deserve for the sins we have committed. By His resurrection He has conquered death, bringing eternal life to all who believe.
If we look to Jesus we will not only escape the punishment that we deserve for our rebellion, but He will take those sins and their consequences and use them in a way that is for our good.
If that is not enough, through faith in Jesus we are empowered to overcome our temptations and turn away from sin.
God has provided literally everything we need for salvation and holiness, we just need to trust Him, fight sin, and be confident that over time, we can have victory.
Looking to Jesus,
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Thank you Jesus!! To be honest, I don’t think I could live during biblical times! The punishment and consequences were so bad and over the top when comparing to modern day. Thank you Jesus for taking all that punishment so that we don’t have to. I also have to admit that I do tend to categorize my sins into big and little categories. It’s hard to comprehend with my human mind that saying a curse word in traffic and killing another person can and do hold the same weight with God. A sin is a sin. This study today and this blog helped to remind me that I really need to constantly keep in mind that I am not getting these terrible punishments because of Jesus and I need to be thankful and show God I love Him and He is Lord of my life by being more mindful of myself and the things I say and do everyday. When I catch myself in a sin, or am reminded of one by the Holy Spirit, I need to immediately repent and ask God for forgiveness and once again thank Jesus for His incredible sacrifices. xoxox
If Jesus has paid the penalty for our sins already, then I think we need to get rid of the fear of bearing the consequences of our sons. This, I believe, will help us serve the Lord in the absence of fear and condemnation.