Can forgiveness of sin stop sin’s consequences?

2 Samuel 12:13-14Then David confessed to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Nathan replied, “Yes, but the Lord has forgiven you, and you won’t die for this sin. Nevertheless, because you have shown utter contempt for the word of the Lord by doing this, your child will die.”

David was forgiven of his sins against Bathsheba and Uriah, but there remained consequences—in this case, the death of the child of the adultery. Believers no longer face condemnation for sin (because of Jesus’ sacrifice), but they must face their sin’s consequences, which are often irreversible. God often allows the natural consequences of your actions to happen. These consequences should serve as a powerful reminder for you when you face temptation again.

1 Chronicles 21:7-14God was very displeased with the census, and he punished Israel for it. Then David said to God, “I have sinned greatly by taking this census. Please forgive my guilt for doing this foolish thing.” Then the Lord spoke to Gad, David’s seer. This was the message: “Go and say to David, ‘This is what the Lord says: I will give you three choices. Choose one of these punishments, and I will inflict it on you.’” So Gad came to David and said, “These are the choices the Lord has given you. You may choose three years of famine, three months of destruction by the sword of your enemies, or three days of severe plague as the angel of the Lord brings devastation throughout the land of Israel. Decide what answer I should give the Lord who sent me.” “I’m in a desperate situation!” David replied to Gad. “But let me fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is very great. Do not let me fall into human hands.” So the Lord sent a plague upon Israel, and 70,000 people died as a result.

King David knew he wasn’t supposed to take a census, but he took one anyway—not thinking about the consequences of sinning against God. Sometimes you can justify sinful behavior in your mind, but instead of doing that, consider the consequences of what you’re about to do—the short-term and long-term results. Doing this before you sin should be enough incentive to help you avoid the sin altogether.