Week 4 - Day 4

Is Suffering Punishment for Sin?

So, what’s the verdict? After this week’s intense study, have you come to a conclusion?

If you’re like me, your answer is less than definitive… Well… maybe… sometimes… Let’s face it – our actions have natural consequences and at times our suffering is self-inflicted. We must also remember that "the Lord disciplines those He loves" (Hebrews 12:6). This same passage admonishes us to "endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?" (Heb. 12:7). Discipline proves your legitimacy in Christ (Heb. 12:8). Discipline teaches you God's ways (Psalm 94:12). God's discipline calls us to earnest repentance, so we will not be condemned with the world (Revelation 3:19, 1 Corinthians 11:32). No discipline is pleasant, but the Lord reminds us that it "produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." (Heb. 12:11) If sin is the cause of suffering, the only way to endure it is to turn to God in repentance. God disciplines to this end so that we may have relief from trouble (Psalm 94:13), not continue in it!

Sometimes though, we wear the guilt of confessed and forgiven sin like a badge, too quickly forgetting the mercy and grace of God! I love that the author brought in Romans 8:1-3 and asked us to define what it means to “not be condemned.” (Need a clue? – Read the whole chapter!) “No condemnation” is the place of confidence and peace for those who are in Christ – a place that’s free of confusion and conflict, free from God’s wrath. David Guzik writes, “Romans 8 begins with no condemnation, ends with no separation and in between there is no defeat… We receive this glorious declaration from God’s court: ‘no condemnation’. We don’t receive it because we don’t deserve condemnation; we certainly do deserve condemnation. We receive it because Jesus bore the condemnation we deserved, and our identity is now found in Him. As He is condemned no more, neither are we.”