Q. 26. What are the just consequences of our sin and rebellion?

• WSC 19, 84
• Heidelberg Catechism 10–11

Wrath. Because God is infinitely good and just, he hates evil and punishes injustice (see Notes on Q. 5). In our sinful condition, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31). “For those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury” (Romans 2:8). The early Methodist societies asked potential members, “Do you desire to flee from the wrath to come, and to be saved from your sins?” (see Matthew 3:7).

Curse. To be under God’s curse is the opposite of being under God’s blessing or favor. The thrice-holy God cannot be in holy, happy fellowship with sinners.

Miseries of this life. While not all suffering is the direct result of personal sin, it is the result of Adam’s rebellion in which all have participated. Even in this life, sin has its own inherent consequences, and God sometimes directly punishes sinners.

Death. “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Christ died for our sins and rose from the dead to set us free from sin and death (see Q. 31–33). While Christians still die physically, death becomes the entrance into eternal life (Heidelberg Catechism, 42), with the certain hope of bodily resurrection (see Q. 55–56).

Hell forever. Jesus warned of “eternal punishment” (Matthew 25:46) in “the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41). God did not create hell for human beings and has made a way for all to be saved; however, those who persist in sin and unbelief will endure this terrible fate.