The Consequences of Sin (Colossians 3:25)

Today's scripture: Colossians 3:25

Many wonderful attributes describe the triune God. He is gracious, merciful, and loving. He is our Redeemer, Savior, and Teacher. He is our refuge, our stronghold, our strength. He is personal. He is holy, righteous, and just.

Most people can get on board with the majority of these descriptors. But many have a problem with the last. God is just. They say if God is loving, then why does He punish? Why is there a hell? Wouldn't a loving God just let everyone go to heaven?

The fact that God is just goes hand-in-hand with the fact that He's holy and righteous. God cannot co-exist with sin. Yet, because He loved His first created man and woman so much, He gave them the choice to obey Him and remain in intimate communion with Him or to choose their own way. And though it's a mystery to us, the all-holy, all-perfect God allowed sin to enter the world.

It was always God's plan, though, to offer the means of man's reconciliation with Him, first through animal sacrifice and then through the once-for-all sacrifice of God the Son, Jesus Christ. God has revealed Himself to mankind throughout the ages, and He still does so today through the general revelation of His creation and the biblical revelation of the gospel.

We all have the opportunity to choose to follow Him or choose to go our own way. And if we choose the latter, there will be consequences. Those who choose not to follow Christ on earth—to, in essence, separate themselves from Him—will spend eternity separated from Him.

Yes, God is love. Yes, He offers grace and mercy. But He is also holy and righteous and just. And because He is a God of justice, He must deal with sin. He must deal with those who don't choose Him.

And they will reap the consequences.

Hardened Hearts ... (Ps. 95:7b-11)

Today’s scripture: Psalm 95:7b-11

God loves us, of that I’m certain. But make no mistake: God is holy and righteous, and He cannot abide sin. He will rightfully judge those who “harden [their] hearts.”

Relatively few people living on the earth today have the right to say they never heard of God and the sacrificial death of Jesus. Not so long ago, I heard that, sometime in 2013, Wycliffe Bible Translators will begin translating the gospel into the languages of the remaining people groups. Within just a few years, every known language on earth will have a translation of the gospel.

Then there will be no one who will be able to say they never heard.

So why are there now—and will be then—so many who will not commit their lives to Christ? Just as the people of Israel did, many harden their hearts. They refuse to see the truth. They don’t want to give up control. They choose to follow their own will. They think the world offers more than God ever could.

And so, just as holy God rightfully judged the people of Israel by refusing to allow a generation to enter the Promised Land, so He will judge those who choose not to follow Him. He will allow them to remain separated from Him, and they too will not “enter into [His] rest”—eternity with Him in heaven.

You’ve heard God’s truth. You’ve heard the good news of Jesus Christ’s payment for the penalty of your sin. Have you hardened your heart? Oh please, hear me: Allow the Holy Spirit to soften your heart, and commit your life to your loving—and holy—heavenly Father.