The Consequences of Sin
Sin has consequences. They may be short-lived. For example, if a child is disobedient, the parents may discipline by “grounding” him/her – maybe the child cannot go out with friends for a week, or they cannot use the car for two weeks, and so on.
On the other hand, the consequences of sin may stay with us longer, maybe for life. As an example, a woman gets pregnant and has a baby out-of-wedlock – that is a consequence for life. Another example is the person who gets drunk and decides to drive, gets in an accident and kills someone – that sin has consequences for life also. Those acts cannot be undone and will be with those persons until death.
Perhaps this is meant by what is referred to as a “sin unto death,” in 1 John 5:16-17 – “If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.”
Sadly, praying for a “sin unto death” cannot undo the sin(s) and its consequences.
It is not profitable for any of us to dwell on our past sins. If we have confessed and repented, then God has forgiven us. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
Recall how David got Bathsheba pregnant and had her husband Uriah killed. She ultimately bore a son, but he died a short time later “on the seventh day.” (Read 2 Samuel chapters 11 and 12). David confessed his sin and wrote about God’s grace and mercy and forgiveness in Psalms 32 and 51. He was remorseful; he repented, prayed and moved on. This is all we can do. We wish we could, but we cannot undue “the sin(s).”
Many of us live with painful mistakes and memories of the past. However, every day is a new day to live for and serve the living and true God. Realizing that we cannot change the past, we strive to “walk in the Spirit” living our life in accordance with the word of God having a desire to please divine persons – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
We think of the many documented sins the nation of Israel committed, as well as many of the kings who did not “follow after the Lord” and who suffered the consequences. The people suffered because of their disobedience. It has happened to all of us, as well.
Thankfully, in the end, we remain sons and daughters of God, sealed with the Spirit unto the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30). “…he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: (Philippians 1:6)
1. “Great is thy faithfulness,” O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee.
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not.
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.
Refrain:
“Great is Thy faithfulness!”
“Great is Thy faithfulness!”
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided.–
“Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!
2. Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness
to Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
3. Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide,
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow;
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
(lyrics by Thomas O. Chisholm; 1866-1960)