Memory Work:
Q1. Will God allow this disobedience to go unpunished?
Indeed not, for he is displeased with both our original and actual sins and will punish them in time and in eternity. (Matthew 10:28)
Q2. Is not God unjust in requiring of us what we cannot perform?
No, for God made man capable of obeying him, but man willfully sins against God.
Q3. But is not God merciful?
God is indeed merciful, but he is also just. Therefore all sin against the most high majesty of God will be punished with extreme, that is everlasting, punishment in body and soul. (2 Thessalonians 1:9, 10)
Things to Look Up:
- Mention the several ways in which God punishes sin in this life. Jeremiah 7:20
- How does the Bible describe the unity of the human race? Acts 17:26
- When and how will God reveal his wrath against man’s sin? 2 Thessalonians 1:7b-9
- How does Jesus describe the eternal punishment of sin? Matthew 13:41, 42
- How does God show both his justice and his mercy? Belgic Confession article 16