In 1996 a grain ship, “Bright Field,” was heading down the Mississippi River near New Orleans, when it lost control, veered toward the shore and crashed into a riverside shopping mall. The impact demolished parts of the wharf and injured 116 people. According to the Coast Guard investigation, the ship’s owner and crew had failed to repair long-standing engine problems. This is a clear example of not doing what you should do and receiving the consequences of bad decisions.

            The Devil deceived Eve into thinking that there would be no consequences for eating the forbidden fruit (Gen. 3:1-7). God said, “But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, ye shall not eat of it lest ye die” (v.3) The Devil said, “Ye shall not surely die.” (v.4) Eve dilly-dallied with the temptation and contemplated the possibilities that the Devil had suggested and threw away all restrain and ate the fruit!  Why?  The Devil deceived her into thinking that there would be no consequences for sin.

            The Devil continues to lie to us today and tells our society that a little sin won’t hurt, a little indulgence is not a problem, a little transgression will never hurt anybody! The Devil tells us that we are only human and go ahead and enjoy sin. The Bible says, “The way of the transgressor is hard.” ( Prov. 13:15)

            Our society believes that it can live in disobedience to God’s will by practicing homosexuality and never suffer the consequences. The scriptures teach that there will be consequences for our actions. “Be not deceived: God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth unto his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption: but he that soweth unto the spirit shall of the spirit reap eternal life.” (Gal. 6:7-8) This basic principle applies to the physical world and spiritual realm as well. The word, “mocked” is a Greek word (mukterizete:) which means to turn one’s nose up at God. The point is that if a person sows to the flesh (homosexuality and sinful living) and turns up his nose at God, he shall go the way of all flesh, -- die and face the judgment of God where there will be consequences. (reap destruction – Gal. 6:8)

The scriptures emphasize the consequences of sin in other verses. Ezekiel said, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” (Ez. 18:4) Paul said, “The wages of sin is death.” (Rom. 6:23)  Over and over, again and again, the Bible under all circumstances, emphasizes that we reap what we sow and that sin is always followed by consequences.

            There is rebellion in the hearts and in the behavior of many people in our society today. In view of the fact that sin will always have consequences, what can we predict for the future? According to the basic law of sowing and reaping, the answer can best be given in the words of the prophet Hosea, “They sow the wind and they shall reap the whirlwind.” (Hos. 8:7) There is one time of sowing (while alive), and there will be two times of reaping. We reap in this life and also reap beyond this life in the hereafter. Sin brings forth its consequences both here and hereafter.

            People may do things without realizing the consequences of their actions, but one day there is going to be an accounting! (Rev. 21:8)                                                                                                                                                                                           

SIN IS STILL SIN by Earl Sutton


The most tragic word in the English language is the word SIN. It is a deceptive word, a discouraging word, a disappointing word, a disturbing word.

In the New Testament, the word that is used more for the word SIN than any other word is the Greek word, Hamartia. The Apostle Paul used this word that simply means SIN some 60 times in his writing. In Greek, the word originally meant “the idea of failure.” Sometimes it is translated as “to miss the mark.” The illustration is of a soldier with a spear, but he misses the mark. The New Testament Greek word, Hamartia, suggests the idea of unrighteousness.

One of the ways that our society falls into unrighteousness and wickedness is to rename their sins.  SIN used to be called SIN, and people actually felt bad and were convicted and tried to change their ways. Today we have so many new names for SIN so we can keep from feeling bad and be convicted of it. SIN is SIN whether it be a failure on our part to do right (omission – James 4:17) or doing that which is not right (commission – I John 5:17). Instead of SIN, we now call it an addiction, a dependency, a mental disorder, a chemical imbalance, an obsession, a phobia, a disease, a quirk, an indiscretion, a mis-spoken word, a mistake.

We notice today how Americans have changed the names of its SINS. The rich don’t steal; they confiscate. People are not greedy; it’s just business. People don’t curse but rather speak adult language. People are not drunks but rather alcoholics. People are not called liars, but rather they are creative. Women are not whores but call girls. People are not whoremongers but are players. Radical, left wing people that kill babies are now called abortionists. People don’t fornicate anymore but co-habitate. Homosexuals are called gay people. Pedophilia is being renamed as “intergenerational attraction/” Convicted felons are called “justice involved people.”

How often do the wicked justify themselves and their SINS. They have abortions, because they are too young or can’t afford to have the baby. They are drunks, thieves, or homosexuals because they were born this way. They commit fornication outside of marriage, because they want to make sure he/she is the right one for them. Rapists often are portrayed as those who were molested as a child.

How many times when Christians try and correct anyone, who refuses to turn away from their SINS, they are called derogatory names. If they speak out against riotous women, they are called sexists. Glorified names such as cougars and players draw many into sinful lifestyles.

Is it any wonder to see our society today who kill preborn babies without regret. Is it any amazement to see so many who are living together outside of marriage without shame. Is it any wonder to see homosexuals blending into this wicked society so perfectly, and now are being allowed the privilege of marriage.

SIN is defined as a “transgression of the Law of God.” “Whosoever committeth SIN transgresseth also the Law: for SIN is the transgression of the Law. (I John 3:4). SIN is transgression of God’s will. It is breaking the law. SIN is putting one’s desires in the place of the Law of God. Lawlessness and SIN are the same. SIN is disregarded for the will and authority of God. SIN results in immoral behavior.

SIN, no matter its name, is still SIN! Changing the wording doesn’t change the SIN. The wages of SIN is death (Rom. 6:23). All who SIN and refuse to repent of them and obey the gospel plan of salvation will burn in an everlasting hell! (Rev. 21:8) Here, SIN brings sorrow, sickness, suffering and death; but in the hereafter, brings eternal condemnation.                                       ----  Earl Sutton, Ed.D.