The consequences of sin affect us and those around us like ripples in a pond. After Adam and Eve fell into sin, people began to drift away from the Lord, refusing to follow God’s instructions, which led to increasing sin in the world. Yes, there was always a remnant like Noah, but most of the people rejected God.
Genesis 6:5 The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.[1] Because man had fallen into such sinfulness, God was sorry He had created humanity (Genesis 6:6). Genesis 6:13 And God said to Noah, “I have determined to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence through them. Behold, I will destroy them with the earth.[2] In God’s grace, the Lord told Noah to build an ark that would save Him and His family.
When Consequences Catch Up with Us
Sin is like erosion because it is gradual, and we are not always aware of how far we have drifted from the Lord. Over time, we can become so callous to sin that we may not think there are any consequences, and this is where the people were in Noah’s days. Noah is called a preacher of righteousness in 2 Peter 2:5. He was to awaken the people from their sin, but it seemed to do little good. Unfortunately, when we ignore God, we tend to keep going deeper into sin, exhausting His patience.
The Lord paints a clear picture of how sins affect our relationship with Him. Isaiah 59:2 But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear. [3] Based on Genesis 6:3, many scholars believe it took 120 years to build the ark, giving people time to repent. God is merciful, but his patience has come to an end. Genesis 7:4 For in seven days I will send rain on the earth forty days and forty nights, and every living thing that I have made I will blot out from the face of the ground.” 5 And Noah did all that the Lord had commanded him. [4]
What About Today?
There will come a day when our lives will be over, and we will reap what we have sown. Paul warns us. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. [5] The wages we deserve is death, but it doesn’t have to end that way. We can repent of our sins, place our faith in Jesus as our Savior, and have eternal life.
Noah entered the safety of the ark and was saved, and we need to enter into a relationship with Jesus to be saved. Take Jesus’ hand and let him lead you to salvation. To learn more about the consequences of sin, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/a-divine-reset
[1-5] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). Crossway Bibles.