The Consequences of Sin

JEFF TURNER

Throughout the Bible, God consistently calls people to turn from their sins and believe in Christ. This message is clear and repeated often. However, there is a passage in the final chapter of Revelation that, at first glance, seems confusing. It says: “Let the one who does wrong still do wrong, and the one who is filthy still be filthy; and let the one who is righteous still practice righteousness, and the one who is holy still keep himself holy.” (Revelation 22:11, NASB).

At first, it might appear as if sinners are being encouraged to remain in their sin. But that is not the true meaning. The message here is about the lasting consequences of a person’s choice in response to the Gospel. Those who reject the truth and continue in sin will remain that way for eternity, separated from God. In contrast, those who accept the Gospel, live righteously, and show true faith will continue in holiness forever in God’s presence.

Nowhere in Scripture does God invite people to keep sinning. Every call to sinners urges them to leave behind what is evil and pursue what is good through faith in Jesus Christ. The decisions made in this life will set one’s eternal future.

And just as it is destined for people to die once, and after this comes judgment,

Hebrews 9:27