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

Homosexuality, Sin and Redemption

JEFF TURNER

The discussion about homosexuality and the Bible centres on one key issue: does Scripture approve or reject it? For those who trust the Bible, the answer is direct. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, the Apostle Paul lists behaviours that prevent people from inheriting the kingdom of God, including homosexuality. However, he also speaks of hope and change, saying, “such were some of you,” but through salvation, people were washed, sanctified, and justified.

These three words are important. Washed means cleansed from sin. Sanctified refers to being set apart from the control of sin. Justified is God declaring a person righteous, crediting them with Christ’s righteousness. Together, they describe the moment of salvation — a complete spiritual transformation.

This passage, however, does not claim a believer will never struggle with sin again. Even those saved by grace are warned to live holy lives and avoid sin. The Bible encourages Christians to actively pursue righteousness, knowing that while sin’s total power is broken, its temptations may still appear.

Therefore sin is not to reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts,

Romans 6:12

The Final Warning of Hebrews: Embracing Faith in Christ

JEFF TURNER

Many Christians wrestle with sin throughout their lives. At times, this fight leads to moments of deep sorrow, and even painful failure. Some passages in the Bible can feel especially heavy during these times—Hebrews 10:26 is one of them. It warns that if someone continues to sin willfully after knowing the truth, there is no longer a sacrifice that can take away those sins. Instead, what remains is the dreadful certainty of judgment and a consuming fire for those who stand against God.

This warning in Hebrews is not aimed at Christians who struggle and repent, but at a specific group: Jews who had heard the gospel, understood its message, and may have even agreed with it intellectually—but never truly committed to Christ. They were still holding on to their old religious practices, unwilling to let go and trust in Jesus fully.

The entire book of Hebrews urges these individuals to take that final step. The message is clear: once you know the truth about Jesus and still choose to walk away, there is no other path to forgiveness. There is no backup plan. Rejecting Christ means rejecting the only hope of salvation.

Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6

The Struggle Against Sin in Christian Life

TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

A true follower of Christ detests sin. It disrupts worship, damages relationships, and obstructs the path to holiness. Sin is the greatest enemy of a believer. Although Jesus has removed both the power and the penalty of sin through His sacrifice on the cross, its presence remains a daily struggle. The Bible tells us in Romans 8 that those who live according to their sinful nature will face death, but those who, through the Holy Spirit, reject sinful actions will experience life.

This process, known as putting to death the deeds of the body, requires a daily commitment. A Christian must intentionally seek holiness, pursue righteousness, and resist the devil. This means actively looking for the way out of temptation whenever it arises, as Scripture promises there is always an escape (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Though believers are covered by Christ’s righteousness, they still live in a fallen world. The full redemption of the body has not yet taken place. Paul describes this struggle in Romans 7, explaining that while his spirit delights in God’s law, another force within him still desires sin. This inner battle leads him to cry out, “O wretched man that I am!”

Victory over sin is only possible through the Holy Spirit, the guidance of God’s Word, and a heart motivated by love for the Lord. The key is what fills the mind. As David wrote in Psalm 119:11, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Immersing oneself in Scripture strengthens the believer’s resolve, allowing them to honour God and reject sin daily.

Misuse of Noble Pursuits

DAVID INGRAM

Throughout history, leaders have committed atrocities in the name of religion. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that all religion is inherently evil. A parallel can be drawn with science, where unethical experiments like the Tuskegee syphilis study have been conducted in the pursuit of knowledge.

The issue lies not with religion or science themselves, but with flawed individuals who use these noble pursuits to justify their immoral actions. Often, it’s a lack of morality and an overwhelming desire for success that drives such wrongdoing.

It’s interesting that these individuals may not always be consciously deceiving others; they might be blind to their own malevolent actions.

Consider what is written in Proverbs 21:2, “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.”