Sin and Punishment

Sin is simple. When you do someone that God has said not to do, you sin (I John 3:4). When you do not do something God has commanded, you sin (James 4:17). That covers a pretty wide area, which is why lists of sins found in scripture do not claim to be complete. For example,

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Galatians 5:19-21

This list teaches that adultery, fornication, uncleanness, and lasciviousness (that is, all forms of lust and sexual activity outside of marriage) are sin. Idolatry (letting anything be more important than God in your life) is a sin. Witchcraft (false religion and applying to “another power” other than God) is a sin. Hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, and strife (all of which are sins against others) are all sins. Seditions and heresies (turning others away from the Lord) is sin. Envying (jealousy over another’s possessions, status, abilities, etc.), murders, drunkenness and revellings, are all sin. And then Paul ends with “and such like,” which means that there are more works of the flesh (in other words: sin), than in this list.

If we choose to sin, there are consequences. It’s that simple. If we choose to do that which God has forbidden, or if we choose to not do that which God has commanded, there is a result. And it’s not a happy one.

And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

Mark 9:43-48

If you live in sin, all you have to look forward to is an eternity of suffering and torment. Of course, the opposite is equally true. If we live for Christ, we have eternal life to look forward to. It shouldn’t be hard to choose which we prefer, and then make up our minds to live accordingly. Do you want to have eternal life with Christ? Do as He says (John 14:15). Do you want to suffer in eternal torment? Then sin. Just remember the consequences.