What Are the Results of Sin?

We usually are quick to point out death (Romans 3:23) and that is a correct answer but what is interesting about sin is that this death can be a very slow, gradual process. This is very much in line with the song “Slow fade” by Casting Crowns. Death yes, but in the meantime sin takes its toll.

Scripture is clear that sin has consequences while we are living that don’t have to wait until we die. Here are some that the Bible mentions:

1. Darkening of our hearts (Roman 1:21)
2. Being given over to our desires (Romans 1:24)
3. Corrupted minds (1 Timothy 6:5)
4. Being unable to understand the truth (1 Corinthians 2:14 & 2 Corinthians 4:4)
5. Hostility toward God (Romans 8:7-8)
6. Love of darkness (John 3:19)
7. Slavery (John 8:34)
8. Disconnected from community with God and others (2 Corinthians 6:14)
9. Enemies with God (Romans 5:10)
10. Death (Romans 6:23)

Sin is the opposite of what God wants for us. Sin doesn’t wait until we die to start killing us. It can be a long and slow process that results in the exact opposite of God’s design. Notice how what God wants for us is the exact opposite of this list:

1. Give us light (John 8:12)
2. Freed from earthly desires (1 Peter 4:1-2)
3. Renewed minds (Romans 12:2)
4. Convicted of the truth (John 8:32)
5. Friendship with God (John 15:15)
6. Love of the light (1 John 1:7)
7. Freedom (2 Cor 3:17)
8. Perfect community with God and others (Hebrews 8:10)
9. Children of God (1 John 3:2)
10. Life (John 10:10)

In the end, sin is set to undo all that God intended for our lives. It is more than an “oops” or an “uh oh.” It is important that we recognize the serious consequences of sin in our lives and its destructive force and power to murder us slowly. Credit to Stanley Grenz’s, Theology for the Community of God for help with the sin list. It is a great book if you don’t have it I would highly recommend purchasing it.