Why is there a punishment?

"For the wages of sin is death;" - Romans 6:23

   The bible makes it clear in several areas that there's a punishment for sin. In the verse above, we're told that death is a direct result of sin. But, throughout the bible, there are two deaths described. The well-known physical death, but also a lesser known spiritual death. This spirtual death, also known as the second death, is a direct result of sin and later a soul being cast into hell. But, why exactly is there a punishment?

   One major detail which many overlook concerning God: he is just. Most people would agree that God is loving, kind, merciful, all knowing, perfect, etc... But many people tend to forget that in God's perfection, he is a just God. His justice is always sure and true.
   For a moment, lets suppose you're a car theif. You steal a car, the police bust you, and you end up in court. All the evidence makes it clear that you stole the car. Everyone knows you're guilty. You've even admited guilt and understand that there are consequences. If you were to look at the judge and say "I'm sorry, I won't do it again" he would be insane to let you go. If the judge were to pardon you knowing that you clearly and willfully commited the crime, he wouldn't be a just judge, now would he? In fact, it would be pointless to have someone reside as a judge.

"And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:" - Hebrews 9:27

   You see, there is coming a day when every soul will stand before God. God is just and he will judge everyone with perfection, by perfection. The bible says in Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" If you've ever lied, used God's name in vain, stolen anything, etc... you're guilty before God. The Ten Commandments reveal to us what sin is. However, not one person can ever say they've been sinless, except for God's son, Jesus Christ. When's the last time you told a lie? There's no little "white" lie before God. In reality, the bible makes it clear that all liars will be cast into the lake of fire for eternity.
   If a person were to die without being saved (placing their faith in Jesus Christ who died for their sins), they would face God on the day of judgement, be found guilty, and cast into hell. God never meant for us to spend eternity in hell. God created man perfect, but man chose to rebel against God. Hell was created for Satan and the angels which rebelled against God. Satan doesn't have a savior, however we do. Jesus Christ, God's son, was perfect. He was born of a virgin, he was crucified for our sins, and rose from the dead on the 3rd day. If a person repents (changes their mind) and places their faith in Jesus Christ, God will not cast them into the lake of fire. Instead of looking upon our lives and seeing the evil we have done, he will see Christ's righteousness and find us perfect.














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