Catechism Question 16
Will God allow such disobedience and rebellion to go unpunished?
No. In His holiness, love, and integrity God judges all sin, both now and in eternity.
Focus and Purpose of this Question
In this question, we are making the point that God will not simply overlook our sin. His character – note the repetition of holiness, love, and integrity again – will not allow this. God’s very Being demands that sin be punished. This question shows that God’s response to sin is to punish the sinner; future questions will explore how this is done.
Furthermore, note that it is not even one part of God’s Being that demands this, but rather all of His character. Since sin violates God’s holiness and is in fact evil, He must punish it. To do so would be unholy and unjust. Because sin destroys the universe He created, His love for His creation demands that sin be punished. To simply overlook it would be hateful and unmerciful. Since God’s character does not change, and because He has announced that He will punish sin, He can not simply look the other way. If He did so, He would violate His own character and would be shown to be a liar.
This question shows us that every single sin must be punished. Many proclaim that a God of love would not punish people, but this is utter foolishness. God’s holiness, love, and integrity demand that sin be punished fully – and it will be. If there is hope for us (and there is!) it will not be found in God merely overlooking our sin.
Additional Questions:
Will God just forget about our wickedness?
Will my sin go unpunished?
Will sin go unpunished forever?
Scripture References:
Habakkuk 1:13
Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrong.
Psalm 5:4-5
You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil; with you the wicked cannot dwell. 5 The arrogant cannot stand in your presence; you hate all who do wrong.
Galatians 3:10
All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.”
Romans 1:18
The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness.
Isaiah 3:11
Woe to the wicked! Disaster is upon them! They will be paid back for what their hands have done.
Romans 2:8-9
But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. 9 There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.
Hebrews 9:27
Man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.
2 Thessalonians 1:8-9
He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power.
Questions for Further Discussion:
If God is loving, why does He judge sin?
If God is perfect in holiness, love, and integrity, why does this necessitate that He judge sin? Why can’t He just forget about it and forgive?
Why does God’s holiness demand that He judge sin? Why does His love demand that He judge sin? Why does His integrity demand that He judge sin?
How does God judge sin during this life? How do we see His wrath against sin in this fallen world?
How does God judge sin in eternity?
Additional Information:
This question is based on question 10 of the Heidelberg Catechism, question 19 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism, and question 18 of the New City Catechism. Any resources you find on the Heidelberg, Westminster Shorter, or New City Catechisms will have a good discussion on this question.
For additional information, see the teachings “The Consequences of the Fall on Mankind” (April 22, 2007), and “Preparing for the Judgment” (September 23, 2007).
Suggested Worship Song:
O God Our Lord (by Keith Green)
(Note: This song speaks of the awesome and terrible reality of hell – a terrible thing to ponder).
Who you gonna throw in the lake of fire,
O God our Lord?
Who you gonna throw when the flames get higher,
O God our Lord?
The Devil and the man with the dark desire,
O God our Lord.
The Devil and the man with the dark desire,
O God our Lord.
O God our Lord, O God our Lord.
Who you gonna throw in the lake of fire,
O God our Lord, O God our Lord.
Will my name be there when the books are opened,
O God our Lord.
Will my name be there when the books are opened,
O God our Lord.
You better know now, don’t just be hoping,
O God our Lord.
You better know now, don’t just be hoping,
O God our Lord.
O God our Lord, O God our Lord.
Will my name be there when the books are opened,
O God our Lord, O God our Lord.
Who’s outside of the Holy City,
O God our Lord.
Tell me, who’s left out of the Holy City,
O God our Lord.
The liar and the thief and the ones half ready,
O God our Lord.
The liar and the thief and the ones half ready,
O God our Lord.
O God our Lord, O God our Lord.
Tell me who’s left out of the Holy City,
O God our Lord, O God our Lord.
My, My, My Lord. I’m crying out to you master, oh Lord, Don’t you know I need you, oh Lord. Have mercy on a poor sinner like me, Oh Jesus. Don’t you know I need you, Oh Lord.