What are the consequences of sin?

Psalm 51:1-6Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just. For I was born a sinner—yes, from the moment my mother conceived me. But you desire honesty from the womb, teaching me wisdom even there.

Sin infects us from the moment of conception. We are born sinners and confirm our condition as soon as we are able to act sinfully.

Isaiah 59:2It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore.

Sin alienates and separates us from God, so that we are not able to enjoy a relationship with him.

Matthew 15:18-19“But the words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you. For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander. But evil words come from an evil heart and defile the person who says them. For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all other sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander.”

James 1:13-15Remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.

Our sins make us impure and turn our hearts toward doing wrong.

Exodus 34:7“I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations. I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin. But I do not excuse the guilty. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children and grandchildren; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations.”

Leviticus 5:17“Suppose you sin by violating one of the Lord’s commands. Even if you are unaware of what you have done, you are guilty and will be punished for your sin.”

Proverbs 11:21Evil people will surely be punished, but the children of the godly will go free.

Ecclesiastes 12:14God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.

Isaiah 13:11“I, the Lord, will punish the world for its evil and the wicked for their sin. I will crush the arrogance of the proud and humble the pride of the mighty.”

Ezekiel 18:4“For all people are mine to judge—both parents and children alike. And this is my rule: The person who sins is the one who will die.”

Malachi 4:1The Lord of Heaven’s Armies says, “The day of judgment is coming, burning like a furnace. On that day the arrogant and the wicked will be burned up like straw. They will be consumed—roots, branches, and all.”

Sin brings God’s punishment because it is a violation of his laws and holiness. There are generational consequences for sin, and God makes it clear that he will hold us responsible for our sins.

Numbers 32:23“But if you fail to keep your word, then you will have sinned against the Lord, and you may be sure that your sin will find you out.”

Proverbs 5:22An evil man is held captive by his own sins; they are ropes that catch and hold him.

Our sins always come back to haunt us. We always harvest what we plant. Sin always has negative consequences, both for us and those around us.

Luke 23:41“We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man [Jesus] hasn’t done anything wrong.”

Romans 2:9There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on doing what is evil.

Romans 6:23The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

Ephesians 2:1Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins.

2 Thessalonians 1:9They will be punished with eternal destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from his glorious power.

Revelation 20:15Anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire.

Death is the penalty for our sins—physical death, and eternal judgment by God. The only way of rescue is offered by God through Jesus Christ.