Lord’s Day 4
Q10. Will God let this disobedience and turning away from him go unpunished?
No. God is very displeased with both the sin we are born with and the sins we choose to do. He will punish them with a fair judgment, both now and forever, as he has said: "Cursed is everyone who does not obey all things written in the Book of the Law."
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Exodus 34:7
“Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.”
Romans 1:18
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness.”
Ephesians 5:6
“Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.”
Hebrews 9:27
“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.”
Galatians 3:10
“For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.”
Deuteronomy 27:26
“Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen.”
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
Will God let sin go unpunished?
- 2
Why does God punish sin so seriously?
- 3
How does knowing about God's punishment make you feel about your own sin?
Illustration
When someone breaks the rules at school, the teacher gives a consequence. If the teacher never did anything about rule-breaking, the classroom would fall apart. God is perfectly fair. He cannot look at sin and shrug. His justice means every sin will be dealt with.
Application
Do not rush past this question to get to the comfortable parts. Sit with it. Ask God to show you how serious your sin is in his eyes. The guilt section of the catechism is here to help you feel your need for rescue.