The Bible teaches that sin is a rebellion against God's holy nature and will, and that it brings consequences and judgment. In Romans 3:23, we read, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Sin is not just a mistake or a weakness; it's a deliberate choice to disobey God's commands.
Consequences of Sin
When we choose to sin, we face God's judgment and consequences. In Romans 6:23, we read, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Sin leads to spiritual death, separation from God, and eternal punishment.
Examples of God's judgment on sin include:
- Adam and Eve's expulsion from the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:23-24)
- The flood in Noah's time (Genesis 6-7)
- The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19)
- The Israelites' exile (2 Kings 17:7-23)
Justifying Sin is Rebellion
Justifying sin is a form of rebellion against God, implying that God's standards are wrong or too harsh. In Isaiah 5:20-21, we read, "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness... who are wise in their own eyes."
Jesus' Call to Repentance
Jesus' message was, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matthew 4:17). He didn't come to condone sin, but to save us from it. In John 8:11, Jesus said to the woman caught in adultery, "Go, and sin no more."
The Gravity of Sin
Sin is a big problem, and that's why Jesus had to die for our sins. In Romans 5:8, we read, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Jesus' death on the cross paid the price for our sins, and through faith in him, we can be forgiven and made new.
Examples of God's Judgment on Sin
- Lucifer's fall from heaven (Isaiah 14:12-15)
- The consequences of David's sin (2 Samuel 11-12)
- The judgment on Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11)
Sin is a destructive force that separates us from God, but through Jesus Christ, we can be forgiven and made new. We shouldn't justify sin or rebel against God's commands. Instead, let's turn to Jesus, confess our sins, and strive to live a life that honors him. As 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
