This is a common question for many Christians. On one hand, we believe that Jesus’ death on the cross paid the penalty for our sins and reconciled us to God. Yet, on the other hand, we still experience pain, suffering, and consequences in this fallen world.
Though Jesus’ sacrifice was completely sufficient for salvation, sin still has an impact in our earthly lives. The Bible teaches that while believers are forgiven and redeemed in Christ, we still live in a fallen creation groaning under the weight of sin (Romans 8:22). Though we are new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), we await the full redemption of our bodies that will come at the resurrection (Romans 8:23).
Why do believers still sin?
Though Christians are a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), we still struggle with sin in this life. Our struggle with sin is evidence that we are still living in our fallen, sinful nature that wars against our new spirit (Galatians 5:17). Though we are redeemed, we are not yet fully sanctified and glorified.
As long as we are in our earthly bodies, we will struggle with sin to varying degrees as we await the redemption of our bodies (Romans 8:23). Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers can have victory over sin, but not perfection. We will continue to need to repent, confess our sins, and rely on Christ’s forgiveness until we receive our glorified bodies at the resurrection (1 John 1:9).
Why do believers still suffer?
Jesus’ sacrifice means that believers will never face eternal condemnation (Romans 8:1). However, His sacrifice does not completely remove suffering in this present age. Followers of Christ are still subject to physical death and illnesses. We still experience pain, grief, and heartache in various trials.
However, God can use painful circumstances for our growth in Christlikeness (James 1:2-4; Romans 5:3-5). Suffering highlights our dependence on God, draws us into greater intimacy with Him, and refines our character. As we walk with Christ through trials, we can rest, knowing our suffering is temporary and pales in comparison to the coming glory (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).
Examples of consequences we may face
Here are some examples of painful consequences that believers may still face in this life due to the continuing effects of sin:
- Physical illnesses, disabilities, or genetic conditions
- Mental and emotional struggles like depression, anxiety, addiction
- Relational brokenness and loneliness
- Loss of loved ones through death
- Poverty, lack of basic needs
- Persecution for one’s faith
- Victimization through violence, abuse, or trauma
- Natural disasters
These consequences are part of living in a fallen, sin-tainted world. They are not necessarily tied to any specific personal sins, but rather stem from the overall brokenness of creation.
Consequences tied directly to personal sin
In some cases, suffering can be a direct consequence of a believer’s personal sins, mistakes, or poor decisions. Examples include:
- Strained relationships due to anger, lies, infidelity, etc.
- Financial struggles due to overspending or poor money management
- Legal penalties for unlawful or unethical behaviors
- Health problems related to long-term unhealthy habits
- Addictions that take control due to ongoing substance abuse
Even when suffering is a consequence of personal failings, God can still use it redemptively in a believer’s life. The pain of reaping these consequences can lead to repentance, growth in wisdom, restored relationships, dependence on God’s strength, and deepened faith.
God’s purposes in allowing suffering and consequences
As believers face various sufferings and consequences, we can trust God’s good purposes behind what He allows:
- To humble us and highlight our dependence on Him (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)
- To refine our faith and develop Christlike character (1 Peter 1:6-7; Romans 5:3-5)
- To equip us to comfort others in their pain (2 Corinthians 1:3-7)
- To draw us into deeper relationship with Himself (Psalm 63:1-8)
- To make us long for the perfect world to come (Revelation 21:4)
Suffering is always difficult and we should pray for relief in distress (James 5:13). But we can trust God’s wisdom and sovereignty, knowing He works all things for our good (Romans 8:28) and will use pain for eternal glory.
How believers should respond to consequences of sin
When facing consequences in this life, believers can respond in faith, hope and love:
- Repent of any sins connected to the consequences (1 John 1:9)
- Accept the limits of living in a fallen world marked by sin
- Bring our pain and laments to God (Psalms 13, 88)
- Trust God’s character and promises in the midst of suffering (Romans 8:18-39)
- Look to the cross and see that God understands human pain (Isaiah 53:3)
- Find hope in the coming resurrection when suffering will end (Revelation 21:4)
- Rely on the Holy Spirit’s strength and comfort in distress (John 14:16-17, 26)
- Receive God’s mercy and forgiveness through Christ (Ephesians 1:7-8)
- Allow God to use the pain to refine and mature our faith (1 Peter 1:6-9)
- Gain wisdom from consequences to live more faithfully (Hebrews 12:7-11)
Most importantly, we look past the suffering to Jesus and His finished work on our behalf. Though we still experience consequences, His death secured our eternal redemption. One day we will be free from all sin and suffering in His presence (Revelation 21:4).
As we walk with God through trials, He compassionately shares in our burdens and produces eternal blessings from the pain. Our current light and momentary afflictions cannot compare with the coming glory of eternity with Christ (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
We do not endure the effects of sin alone. God walks with us and will help us persevere by His Spirit and grace. His powerful resurrection life works within us, even as we suffer (Philippians 3:10). He promises to use all circumstances, even consequences of sin, for our growth in becoming more like Jesus.
Key points
In summary, here are some key points to understand:
- Though forgiven, believers still live with the effects of sin in this fallen world.
- We temporarily suffer and experience consequences until the resurrection.
- Not all suffering is tied to personal sin; some is simply due to overall brokenness.
- In cases where sin directly leads to consequences, God can still redeem the pain.
- God allows consequences and suffering for good purposes to spiritually mature us.
- We respond by turning to Christ in repentance, faith, hope for the future, and relying on the Spirit.
- God empathizes with our pain and produces eternal fruit from earthly afflictions.
No matter what consequences or sufferings we face due to lingering sin, our hope is in Jesus. We can walk confidently in God’s love, care, and sovereignty knowing He will work all things for our growth in grace and redemption in Christ.