Today you should read: Ezekiel 39
The nations will then know why Israel was sent away to exile—it was punishment for sin, for they were unfaithful to their God. Therefore, I turned away from them and let their enemies destroy them. I turned my face away and punished them because of their defilement and their sins. (v. 23-24)
Does God punish us for our sins? Are there punitive charges for what we do wrong? I’m asked this question in one form or another very often. Obviously, you can see here that was clearly the case for the Israelite people. God was punishing them (after many many warnings) for their sin of idolatry.
What about us? If you’ve come into a relationship with God through Jesus, then Jesus took all your punishment for you on the cross. He was our “substitutionary atonement”. HE paid for OUR sins. So no – you don’t have punishment for your sins – it was already paid by Jesus if you have invited Him into your life.
However… sin still has consequences and God still reserves the right to discipline you to help you learn to avoid dangerous things. Even though we’re completely and totally forgiven by the cross, there are still consequences for our actions. If you commit a crime – the law has certain punishments for each and every act. If you have an affair – you will damage your family. If you lie, or act unkindly to others – they will not see you in the same light. Sin always has consequences – and they’re always greater than we like.
Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay.
God also will discipline His children out of love for us.
For whom the LORD loves He reproves, Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights. Proverbs 3:12
FOR THOSE WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES, AND HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES.” Hebrews 12:6
God uses discipline as corrective action to get our attention and turn our affection back to Him. He always know the perfect amount – He’s never too lenient or too severe. It’s always for our good and growth.
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11
Thank you Lord for being the perfect parent!
By: Tim Parsons — Lead Pastor
God is honored when we intentionally seek Him in prayer. As a church, we want dependent prayer to be something that marks us. Use the comment section to post prayer requests and experiences of how God has answered prayer and/or changed you through prayer! If you would like to be enrolled to get weekly prayer reminders, text @cpclex to 81010.
JumpstartCPC.com 