The Destruction of the Sinner
The sinner brings destruction upon himself by his own choices and rebellion (Romans 6:23; 5:12; James 1:15; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11). When a person neglects to pay attention to the invitations, reproofs, and warnings of the Holy Spirit, his conscience becomes partially seared, and the next time he is warned, it is harder for him to obey than the time before (1 Timothy 4:2). And eventually, he reaps the results of his own evil actions (Revelation 21:8; Numbers 32:23). Sin is deadly, when man clings to it, he suffers its deadly effects. “For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).
The Old Testament
When Saul’s heart strayed away from God, the Lord respected his decision and the “Spirit of the Lord departed from” him. Then, an evil spirit, took control of his heart. “For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins” (Hebrews 10:26). The sinner is like a man who is suffering from a horrible sickness, yet refuses medical treatment.
Ancient Israel destroyed themselves with their pride, idolatry, immorality, and unbelief. For sin is ever suicidal (Proverbs 8:36; Ezekiel 18:20; 33:10, 11). Israel’s destruction was caused by their own evil deeds. They had ample time to change their course of action and return to God but they refused. The Lord said, “O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me is thine help” (Hosea 13:9).
The New Testament
The story of Judas Iscariot, Christ’s disciple, is an illustration to the deadly consequences of rejecting the convictions of the Holy Spirit. When Judas finally ignored every appeal to his soul, he betrayed his Lord (Luke 22:3; John 6:70; 13:27). And later on, he hanged himself for his evil act (Matthew 27:1-10).
The Lord withdraws from the person that rebels and rejects Him. He withdraws His Spirit, and then gives up that person to his own mistakes, and allows sin to bring forth its unavoidable fruitage of death. Therefore, the Lord invites His children saying, “Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion” (Hebrews 3:15).
A Message of Hope
While throughout the whole history of mankind destruction and defeat are the just consequence of sinful man, goodness and mercy are the dispensation of a righteous, loving God (Romans 5:8). All what the sinner needs is to open his heart to the Lord. For the Lord declared, “I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?’” (Ezekiel 33:11).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
