THE RESULTS OF SIN

The act of disobeying God is called sin. One definition of sin is to "miss the mark," as when you fail to hit the target in a sporting event.

Obviously the Bible's understanding of sin is much more serious than that. In fact, Scripture has a couple different ways of expressing this idea. Sin is sometimes described as a "trespass," something that involves crossing forbidden lines or boundaries that God sets up for our protection.

The concept of "iniquity" speaks of sin's most troubling and destructive result: to twist and pervert our inner nature. This is gravely serious because the Bible says God's nature is "holy" -- that is, completely free from evil or defect, absolutely pure in love and goodness.

1. What state does the Bible describe us as being in? Ephesians 2:1 -- Dead

2. Why ultimately is our sin so serious to God? Leviticus 11:44 -- Because he is holy

3. What does iniquity do to our relationship with God? Isaiah 59:1-2 -- Separates you from God

4. Describe sinful humanity's desperate condition. Romans 3:9-20, 23 -- The law revels that the world is guilty before God. Shows how sinful we are.

5. Describe the impact sin has on our heart. Jeremiah 17:9 -- The heart is the most deceitful

6. What are the "wages" of sin? Romans 6:23 -- Death

7. What does the Bible say happens after we die? Hebrews 9:27 -- Judgement Day

8. How does the Bible describe eternal judgement?
    Matthew 25:41 -- Eternal fire w/ the devil & demons
    Revelation 20:11-15 -- Lake of fire for anyone's name not in the book of life
    Revelation 21:8 -- Fiery lake of burning sulfur

9. What does Paul, the writer of Romans, call himself? Romans 7:24 -- A miserable person

In Romans 7, Paul describe's his own state and cries out on behalf of all humanity with the most important question ever asked: "Who will rescue me from this body of death?" Humanity's deepest need is for salvation -- not just from the evil in the world, but from the evil in our own hearts. 

Obviously God takes sin very seriously. What about you? What do you think you deserve for your sin?

(The Purple Book by Rice Broocks and Steve Murrell - Chapter 1 - Lesson 2 - P.14)