Theology Thursday
Q. 19. What is the misery of that estate whereinto man fell?
A. All mankind by their fall lost communion with God, are under his wrath and curse, and so made liable to all miseries in this life, to death itself, and to the pains of hell forever.
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Yep. We skipped a couple of questions. Sometimes the old English Puritans could be a bit too thorough. But that can also be helpful. Such as today’s section. What were the consequences of the fall into sin? In one word, misery. In many words… let’s consider.
The wages of sin are numerous. Let’s do a list:
1. We begin life spiritually separated from God, cut off from His love and joy.
2. Our knowledge of God is twisted, we don’t see Him as clearly as we could.
3. Sinners are under His judgement, His anger at the wrongness of sin.
4. This judgement takes the form of the ravages of sin on the world, sickness, disease, racism, hatred, war, pain etc.
5. It also takes the more ultimate form of death.
6. We are spiritually unclean which causes anxiety and distress.
7. We lose our purpose in life and wander foolishly, latching onto reasons for living that will never satisfy our true needs.
What would you add?
The Puritans would have done a more thorough job.
The significance of the consequences of sin cannot be minimised. Sin is the cause of all things that cause pain and distress in this life and the one to come. It’s a reminder that we should lament it, but also flee sin at all costs because nothing good comes from sin.
But praise be to God for His grace and mercy in Jesus Christ. Through Him, the consequences of sin begin to be undone. In Him we have communion with God, hope for eternal life after death in a paradise where the ravages of sin’s curse are replaced with blessings.
For Today:
Pray:
Passages: Genesis. 3, John 8:34-44, Ephesians 2:12, John 3:36, Romans 1:18, Matt. 25:41-46, 2 Thessalonians 1:9, Revelation 14:9-11
A. All mankind by their fall lost communion with God, are under his wrath and curse, and so made liable to all miseries in this life, to death itself, and to the pains of hell forever.
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Yep. We skipped a couple of questions. Sometimes the old English Puritans could be a bit too thorough. But that can also be helpful. Such as today’s section. What were the consequences of the fall into sin? In one word, misery. In many words… let’s consider.
The wages of sin are numerous. Let’s do a list:
1. We begin life spiritually separated from God, cut off from His love and joy.
2. Our knowledge of God is twisted, we don’t see Him as clearly as we could.
3. Sinners are under His judgement, His anger at the wrongness of sin.
4. This judgement takes the form of the ravages of sin on the world, sickness, disease, racism, hatred, war, pain etc.
5. It also takes the more ultimate form of death.
6. We are spiritually unclean which causes anxiety and distress.
7. We lose our purpose in life and wander foolishly, latching onto reasons for living that will never satisfy our true needs.
What would you add?
The Puritans would have done a more thorough job.
The significance of the consequences of sin cannot be minimised. Sin is the cause of all things that cause pain and distress in this life and the one to come. It’s a reminder that we should lament it, but also flee sin at all costs because nothing good comes from sin.
But praise be to God for His grace and mercy in Jesus Christ. Through Him, the consequences of sin begin to be undone. In Him we have communion with God, hope for eternal life after death in a paradise where the ravages of sin’s curse are replaced with blessings.
For Today:
- How are you experiencing the ravages of sin?
- Spend some time reflecting on the terrible nature of death and hell.
- Rejoice in what you have in Christ.
Pray:
- Praise the Father for His mercy and grace, offering sinners hope and blessing.
- Give thanks for Jesus, that He was willing to forgive and save sinners like us.
- Ask God to help you stand firm and continue looking to Jesus as Lord and Saviour.
Passages: Genesis. 3, John 8:34-44, Ephesians 2:12, John 3:36, Romans 1:18, Matt. 25:41-46, 2 Thessalonians 1:9, Revelation 14:9-11
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