So many times, the questions are asked; Why do bad things happen in this world; Why do bad things happen to good people; and why is there so much pain, hatred, and hurt? The simple answer to all this is because of sin. These are the consequences of sin.
The fall
Genesis chapter 1 verses 26-28 reads; “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”
Genesis chapter 2 verse 7, “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”
After this Yahweh saw that it was not good for Adam to be alone so he made Eve from the rib of Adam.
Adam and Eve were in good standing with Yahweh, they had an unbroken relationship. There were no barriers separating them from Yahweh’s bountiful love and care.
God gave Adam a specific command, in Genesis chapter 2 verses 16-17, “And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.”
Consequences
Whatever God’s instruction is to us, it pays to be obedient. He will never tell us anything to harm us. Adam and Eve disobeyed God and ate the fruit, and, as a result, their eyes were opened.
Adam and Eve now knew how to differentiate good from evil; all of this caused them to be separated from God.
Since then, sin and all the different abominable acts mentioned in scripture became a consequence of the disobedient acts of Adam and Eve.
Redemption
But, Yahweh being the caring and loving father He is, did not want to see humanity go like that. He had a plan of redemption which he did execute. Romans chapter 6 verse 23"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Yahweh sent His only son Jesus Christ to die for our sins. He paid the ultimate sacrifice; His death not only paid for our sins but by accepting Jesus as Lord and Saviour of our lives- our connection with God the Father is also restored. We can go boldly before him in prayer. We do not have to bring sacrifices or burnt offerings as was once the custom. All he wants is our hearts.
Jesus paid it all, all to him we owe. So yes! We are redeemed. Our sins are forgiven once we repent and accept Jesus Christ. However, the world still remains a sinful place. This will not change until the second coming of Jesus Christ when Satan will be cast into the lake of fire where he belongs.
Those who continue in sin and reject Jesus Christ will join the devil and his angels in the lake of fire. Then, the earth will be eradicated of all sin.
As Christians that continue living in this sinful world, do not lose heart. We have hope, Jesus Christ is our living hope, and we have eternity awaiting us, let us hold firm to that.
Revelation chapter 21 verse 4, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will no longer exist; grief, crying, and pain will no longer exist, because the previous things have passed away.”
I am Victoria Richards, a fourth-year medical student at the University of the West Indies, Jamaica. Serving the Lord brings me joy. I enjoy sharing the gospel through singing, writing poetry and encouraging others.