Bible Question:
Hi wos, Yes, David suffered the consequences of his evil acts, but his suffering was effected before he realised his wrong doings and asked for forgiveness. Your comments, please. In connection with the above, would you like to advise whether there is a difference between the following two systems with regard to punishment. A 1 Commit sin 2 suffer consequences 3Ask for forgiveness. B 1 Commit sin 2Ask for forgiveness 3Suffer consequence? Thanks. FytRobert |
Bible Answer: Dear FytRobert, You state: “but his suffering was effected before he realised his wrong doings and asked for forgiveness.” Do you believe that David thought adultery and murder were acceptable? I’m quite sure he knew it was wrong as he tried to hide and cover what he had done from the eyes of men. Look at Psalm 51, written after or during the events that took place in 2Samuel 12. The chronology (lacking of a more identifying term) of these events as put forth by God in His Word is that David sinned (2Sa 11:4, 2Sa 11:15), was convicted and acknowledged and confessed his sin (2Sa 12:7, 2Sa 12:13), was forgiven (2Sa 12:13) but still suffered the consequences immediately and for years to come (2Sa 12:10, 2Sa 12:11, 2Sa 12:14). That’s how it is recorded as I read. Note that 2Sa 12:10 and 2Sa 12:11 were announced prior to David’s confession and 2Sa 12:14 was after. Nathan announced the death of the child after David’s confession. Concerning your two “systems” as stated, the need to ask for forgiveness is not appropriate. Forgiveness is granted through Christ. If I would insert confession in place of forgiveness, I see both “systems” as being applicable. My friend, just look around you and it won’t be but a minute before you see the consequences of sin in both the saved an unsaved. For the saved however, these consequences are temporal. For the lost, I would surmise that they could be both temporal and spiritual. Not to go too far off track, we still suffer the consequences of Adam’s sin do we not? Just my thoughts. WOS |