43-year-old Ravi Kumar was arrested at Chennai International Airport. He was returning from Dubai after twenty long years. In fact, he went away to a foreign country to avoid being arrested for several crimes including theft. After twenty years, he thought, no one would recognize him, and returned from self-exile. However, the lookout notice issued by the police was with the immigration officials. (Daily Thanthi 26 August 2022) Bible teaches: “Your sin will find you out.” (Numbers 32:23)
Sin has consequences: Violation of God’s Law, disobedience, rebellion against God, evil deeds, trespasses, wickedness and all unrighteousness are termed as sin. All humans have committed sin and come short of the glory of God. The wages of sin is death. (Romans 3:23; 6:23)
Sinners will be punished: In the world people who sin will be punished. It could happen as a natural sequence of events. Parents have authority to punish children. Institutions like schools could punish students. Paul writes that God appoints rulers who are to punish evil and protect good. (Romans 13:4) People will be punished according to the law of the land. Corrupt rulers may not do this faithfully, yet there are many who do righteous deeds.
Judgment is sure: “God is the righteous judge. No one could escape his scrutiny or judgment.” (Psalms 11:7) Lord also evaluates the intentions and motivations of the heart. (Proverbs 21:2) Even those who escape human punishment will surely face eternal judgment and punishment.
Forgiveness in Christ alone: For sinners there is only one hope. When sinners repent, forsake sin, and accept Lord Jesus Christ who died on the cross of Calvary for human sin, will receive forgiveness. God is faithful and just to forgive sinners because of the blood of Lord Jesus Christ, that cleanses a person from all sins. (I John 1:7-9) They receive eternal life.
Warning: Nevertheless, sinners even when they receive forgiveness from the Lord, would face the consequences for their action according to the law of the world.
Do I realize, unless I repent, I perish?