It's true there are consequences for sin. But God determines those consequences and they vary according to a man's motives, opportunities, and influence (Luke 12:47-48).*
Some people prefer to differentiate between the words punish and discipline because there is no eternal punishment for believers. That's a wonderful truth!
However, the Bible warns believers of earthly punishment as well as earthly discipline.
For thousands of years, Christians never doubted this aspect of God's character. But modern culture defines love as unconditional tolerance and acceptance, and Christians have come to believe that God not only forgives their sins, He also overlooks their sins. Not true.
God is incredibly patient and merciful, not punishing us to the extent we deserve (Psalm 103:8-14), but He still "disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child" (Hebrews 12:6).
The question we each must answer is this: Do we trust our loving God to know what's best for us (Revelation 3:19)?
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* But we must be very careful not to assign blame when a person is going through hardship unless the hardship is a direct result of an obvious sin. See No Karma and What Did They Do to Deserve This?
To read more Scriptures on this subject and do a short Bible study, check out today's Bite Size Bible Study.
I encourage you to check out the Wisdom for Life Devotional. It contains 100 one-minute devotions to challenge, encourage, instruct, and inspire your love for God's Word. Read the story behind Wisdom for Life HERE. And find out about the two free Bible studies with purchase HERE. You can read the first 4 devotions in the book by clicking "look inside" or "read sample" on Lifeway or Amazon.
I also encourage you to sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes and get a free e-booklet. Find out more HERE.
Bible Love Notes
Thank you for all your helpful notes, there are times my mind races and all i can do is use your notes, they are as life raft for me in stormy seas of life, may God bless you much
ReplyDeleteThat blesses me to hear.
DeleteGail : )
Exactly Gail, each of the subjects you post touches hearts and souls of many and really edifying. I most of time share with many church leaders, unfortunately it comes time when some are willing to know what you revealed to them but the English language becomes a barrier. Is there any possibilities to translate some of your Lovenotes in Swahili to reach the majority of Christians in Eastern Africa who have difficulty reading English!
DeleteBy the way we can discuss how this can be done. I believe Swahili version will reach many in this area of Eastern Africa region.
DeleteHi Paul, if you have a subscription to Bible Love Notes, please hit reply to one of your devotions and ask this question. If you are not a subscriber, please email gail@biblelovenotes.com. I'd love to make this possible.
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