Sin has more than one consequence.
On the one hand, it can break or hinder your fellowship with God. On the other hand, it can have consequences for you in this life.
The man who gets drunk at work, not only loses his intimacy with God—he can also get fired. And the woman who covets her neighbor’s things is not only blind to God’s good provisions for her—she can also live in self-induced misery.
In 1 John 1:9, believers are called to confess their sins:
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Confession brings cleansing. It restores your fellowship with God. Confess the known sin and God cleanses you from all unrighteousness (both known and unknown). But 1 John 1:9 does not say that God will save you from the consequences of your actions.
When Israel refused to enter Canaan, God forgave them. But there were still consequences to pay:
Then the Lord said: “I have pardoned, according to your word; but truly, as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord—because all these men who have seen My glory and the signs which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have put Me to the test now these ten times, and have not heeded My voice, they certainly shall not see the land of which I swore to their fathers, nor shall any of those who rejected Me see it (Num 14:20-23, emphasis added).
They were forgiven, but had to die in the wilderness.
At first, you might think it is contradictory for God to say that Israel is pardoned and still punish them. But remember that forgiveness does not preclude suffering the natural consequences of your sins, or being disciplined by the Lord.
Imagine if a female teacher has a sexual relationship with an underage student. She may be able to find forgiveness, but she shouldn’t expect to keep her job or her teaching license!
Likewise, with God, confession and forgiveness restores the relationship, but doesn’t necessarily avert the consequences.
Rod Norville
Dear Pastor Shawn,
Very well and succinctly stated! I needed to be reminded of these truths.
Thank you.
Bruce taub
Thank you
EternallySaved
But the thing that even some free grace teachers scoff at is the fact that once the saved person has confessed their sins, agreed with God that that thing or things is and are sins, then the fellowship between them and God is restored. Some think thats “too easy”.
John W Reed
I don’t agree with the religious tradition that we are out of fellowship when we sin. He said He’d never leave or forsake us. I don’t see God turning away from us because we sinned. That is man made religious tradition.
Alvin
John Reed
Hebrews 13:5 “I will never leave you nor forsake you”
Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear or be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”
Joshua 1:5 “No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you.
6.”Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. 7. “Only Be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. 8. “This Book Of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Numbers 14:39-43 Then Moses told these words to all the children of Israel, and the people mourned greatly. 40. And they rose early in the morning and went up to the top of the mountain, saying, “Here we are, and we will go up to the place which the Lord has promised, for we have sinned!”
And Moses said, “Now why do you transgress the command of the Lord? For this will not succeed. “Do not go up, lest you be defeated by your enemies, FOR THE LORD IS NOT AMONG YOU. “For the Amalekites and the Canaanites are there before you, and you shall fall by the sword; because you have turned away from the Lord, the Lord WILL NOT BE WITH YOU.”
John, when the Lord said He would never leave you nor forsake you, that is not an open end promise. It is conditioned upon obedience. Your mixing apples and oranges. This has to do with discipleship which costs~! Salvation is free, and happened at a point and time. 2 Cor 1:21-22 Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and HAS anointed us is God, who HAS SEALED US, and GIVEN us the SPIRIT IN OUR HEARTS AS A GUARANTEE.
John W Reed
Alvin glad to know I can’t take God at His Word. I need to go through various theologies and man mad denominations and traditions to clear it with them what Jesus actually meant. Wow, Thanks for helping me see and understand clearer. Every Bible sold needs to have the accompanying denominational, differing theologies handbooks to understand the eternal Word which the eternal all mighty God spoke.
Alvin
John
Surprise it’s called taking the Scriptures in there context~!
Andrew
Much needed reminder, thanks Shawn. Once we repent/confess we are eligible for God’s help dealing with the consequences but not an escape from them.