Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, the concept of consequences is deeply intertwined with the principles of divine justice, human responsibility, and moral order. The Bible presents consequences as the natural and divine outcomes of human actions, both good and evil. These consequences are often portrayed as a reflection of God's righteous character and His desire for humanity to live in accordance with His will.
Old TestamentThe Old Testament frequently addresses the theme of consequences, particularly in the context of the covenant relationship between God and Israel. In
Deuteronomy 28, the blessings and curses are laid out as direct consequences of obedience or disobedience to God's commandments.
Deuteronomy 28:1-2 states, "If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all His commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings will come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the LORD your God."
Conversely, the consequences of disobedience are severe, as outlined in
Deuteronomy 28:15 : "But if you do not obey the LORD your God by carefully following all His commandments and statutes I am giving you today, all these curses will come upon you and overtake you." This passage underscores the principle that divine blessings and curses are contingent upon human actions.
The account of Adam and Eve in
Genesis 3 illustrates the immediate and far-reaching consequences of sin. Their disobedience resulted in spiritual death, separation from God, and the introduction of pain and toil into human existence.
Genesis 3:16-19 details the specific consequences for Adam and Eve, highlighting the profound impact of their actions on all of creation.
New TestamentIn the New Testament, the theme of consequences is further developed through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus often spoke of the consequences of one's choices, particularly in relation to the Kingdom of God. In
Matthew 7:13-14 , Jesus warns of the consequences of choosing the broad path that leads to destruction versus the narrow path that leads to life: "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it."
The apostle Paul also emphasizes the principle of sowing and reaping in
Galatians 6:7-8 : "Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life." This passage highlights the moral and spiritual consequences of one's actions, reinforcing the idea that choices have lasting effects.
Divine Justice and MercyWhile the Bible clearly presents consequences as a result of human actions, it also emphasizes God's mercy and grace. The consequences of sin are ultimately addressed through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.
Romans 6:23 states, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." This verse encapsulates the ultimate consequence of sin—death—and the divine provision of eternal life through faith in Christ.
The balance between justice and mercy is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. While God is just and holds individuals accountable for their actions, He is also merciful, offering forgiveness and restoration to those who repent and turn to Him. This duality is evident in passages such as 1
John 1:9 : "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Practical ImplicationsThe biblical understanding of consequences serves as a moral compass for believers, encouraging them to live in accordance with God's will. It underscores the importance of making choices that align with biblical principles, knowing that actions have both temporal and eternal ramifications. The concept of consequences also serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the ultimate accountability each person has before Him.
Topical Bible Verses
Deuteronomy 28:1-68And it shall come to pass, if you shall listen diligently to the voice of the LORD your God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command you this day, that the LORD your God will set you on high above all nations of the earth:
Topicalbible.orgRomans 13:4
For he is the minister of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid; for he bears not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath on him that does evil.
Topicalbible.org
Matthew 5:38-39
You have heard that it has been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
Topicalbible.org
Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Topicalbible.org
Matthew 26:52-54
Then said Jesus to him, Put up again your sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
Topicalbible.org
Greek
265. hamartema -- a sin... [265 () emphasizes the
consequences of making any decision (action) by
rather than of faith ("God's inworked ," cf. Ro 14:23).].
...878. aphron -- without reason, foolish
... 878 ("") describes someone because they fail to grasp -- ie in understanding
what (consequences). Word Origin from alpha (as a neg....
1168. deiliao -- to be cowardly
... Cognate: 1168 -- to be timid (fearful), living in dread (paralyzing fear of
consequences). 1168 ("living in fearful dread") is used only in Jn 14:27....
Library
Circumstances andConsequences
... VIII Circumstances andConsequences. 'And fears shall be in the way.'
(Ecclesiastes 12:5.). The man who wrote these words was specially...
TheConsequences of Sin.
... XLVII. THECONSEQUENCES OF SIN. 10th Sunday after Trinity. S. Luke 19, 42.
"If thou hadst... it brings. Thoseconsequences we overlook. We...
TheConsequences of the Creation of the New Testament
... THE ORIGIN OF THE NEW TESTAMENT II. TheConsequences of the Creation of the
New Testament. From the very moment that the New Testament...
Whether theConsequences of the External Action Increase Its...
... OF GOODNESS AND MALICE IN EXTERNAL HUMAN AFFAIRS (SIX ARTICLES) Whether the
consequences of the external action increase its goodness or malice?...
Two Coverings and TwoConsequences
... Two Coverings and TwoConsequences. A Sermon (No.3500). Published on Thursday,
February 24th, 1916. Delivered by. CH SPURGEON,. At [8...
Two Coverings and TwoConsequences
... Two Coverings and TwoConsequences. A Sermon (No.3500) by CH Spurgeon, April
4th, 1875, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington....
Of theConsequences of Human Actions by Reason of their Goodness...
... OF THECONSEQUENCES OF HUMAN ACTIONS BY REASON OF THEIR GOODNESS AND MALICE
(FOUR ARTICLES). We have now to consider theconsequences...
The Civil War --Antecedents andConsequences.
... A HISTORY OF AMERICAN CHRISTIANITY. CHAPTER XIX. THE CIVIL WAR"ANTECEDENTS
ANDCONSEQUENCES. IT has been observed that for nearly...
What areConsequences of Backsliding in Heart.
... IV. What areconsequences of backsliding in heart. The text says, that
"the backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways."...
Argument: that the Roman Auspices and Auguries have Been Neglected...
... Chapter VII."Argument: That the Roman Auspices and Auguries Have Been Neglected
with IllConsequences, But Have Been Observed with Good Fortune....
Thesaurus
Consequences (9 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Consequences (9 Occurrences). Colossians 3:25
But he who does wrong will receive again for the wrong that
...Retribution (14 Occurrences)
... Strictly speaking, the laws of Nature cannot be broken, but let a man fail to keep
in harmony with them, and the naturalconsequences will be trouble...
Righteousness (442 Occurrences)
... There are some, of course, who would have us believe that what we experience as
inner moral sanction is nothing but the fear ofconsequences which come through...
Conscience (36 Occurrences)
... on earth putting aside the bribes or self-interest or the menaces of authority and
paying tribute to conscience by doing the right and taking theconsequences....
Restoration (4 Occurrences)
... By the time of Jesus the conception became more or less spiritualized, and the
anticipation of a new order in which theconsequences of sin would no longer...
Calculate (7 Occurrences)
... by mathematical or astrological computations the time, circumstances, or other
conditions of; to forecast or compute the character orconsequences of; as, to...
Redemption (46 Occurrences)
... life, which he surrendered for them, is the "ransom" by which the deliverance of
his people from the servitude of sin and from its penalconsequences is secured...
Ascension (1 Occurrence)
... but a great factor in the life of Christ and Christians, and no complete view of
Jesus Christ is possible unless the Ascension itsconsequences are included....
Redeemer (42 Occurrences)
... He would have men delivered not only from the law, but also from theconsequences
of evil doing and from the spirit of evil itself (Romans 8:2). 2. Redemption...
Judaeus
... Taking the Old Testament for text, he applied the "allegorical" method,
with curiousconsequences.... But with one of twoconsequences....
Resources
If Jesus paid the price for our sin, why do we still suffer the consequences of our sin? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about rescuing people from the consequences of their sins? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the consequences of sin? | GotQuestions.orgConsequences: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
