Using Biblical Examples to Illustrate Consequences of Choices
The Bible provides numerous examples illustrating the consequences of choices, serving as a guide for Christians to make informed decisions. One key concept is that of cause-and-effect, where actions have repercussions. The biblical principle that behavior merits judgment is illustrated through the harvest metaphor [9].
In the biblical narrative, the story of Adam and Eve serves as a prime example of the consequences of choices. Their disobedience led to sin entering the world, resulting in death and suffering for humanity [3]. This event demonstrates how a single decision can have far-reaching and devastating effects.
The Bible also highlights the importance of self-denial and resignation to God's will. Christ set an example of self-denial, demonstrating that it is necessary for following Him [2]. The biblical account of Job's life showcases his resignation to God's will, even in the face of immense suffering and loss [1]. These examples illustrate the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and providence.
The consequences of sin are a recurring theme in the Bible. one tradition notes that those who commit sin are rebellious and arrogant, and that sin is a fundamental aspect of human nature [7, 5]. The apostle Paul explains that both Gentiles and Jews are under sin's power and cannot find favor with God through their actions [8].
In contrast, the Bible also highlights the benefits of making godly choices. The book of Proverbs warns against the dangers of sin and encourages readers to live righteously [6]. The example of Moses choosing to suffer with the people of God rather than enjoying the pleasures of sin demonstrates the importance of making deliberate and informed decisions [11].
The biblical examples of the consequences of choices serve as a warning and a guide for Christians. They illustrate the importance of living a life of self-denial, resignation, and obedience to God's will. By examining these examples and their interpretations, Christians can gain a deeper understanding of the biblical principles that guide their decisions [1, 2, 4].
The Reformed tradition, as represented by Calvin, emphasizes the importance of understanding God's sovereignty and providence in relation to human choices. Calvin notes that God's election is not rendered ineffective by human sin, but rather, it is through God's mercy that believers are preserved [10].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Resignation — Christ set and example of -- Mt 26:39-44; Joh 12:27; 18:11. Commanded -- Ps 37:7; 46:10. Should be exhibited in Submission to the will of God. -- 2Sa 15:26; Ps 42:5,11; Mt 6:10. Submission to the sovereignty of God in his purposes. -- Ro 9:20,21. The prospect of death. -- Ac 21:13; 2Co 4:16-5:1. Loss of goods. -- Job 1:15,16,21. Loss of children. -- Job 1:18,19,21. Chastisements. -- Heb 12:9. Bodily suffering. -- Job 2:8-10. The wicked are devoid of -- Pr 19:3. Exhortation to -- Ps 37:1-11. Motives to God's greatness. -- Ps 46:10. God's love. -- Heb 12:”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Denial — Christ set an example of -- Mt 4:8-10; 8:20; Joh 6:38; Ro 15:3; Php 2:6-8. A test of devotedness to Christ -- Mt 10:37,38; Lu 9:23,24. Necessary In following Christ. -- Lu 14:27-33. In the warfare of saints. -- 2Ti 2:4. To the triumph of saints. -- 1Co 9:25-27. Ministers especially called to exercise -- 2Co 6:4,5. Should be exercised in Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. -- Ro 6:12; Tit 2:12. Controlling the appetite. -- Pr 23:2. Abstaining from fleshly lusts. -- 1Pe 2:11. No longer living to lusts of men. -- 1Pe 4:2. Mortifying sinful lusts. -- Mr ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Death, Natural — By Adam -- Ge 3:19; 1Co 15:21,22. Consequence of sin -- Ge 2:17; Ro 5:12. Lot of all -- Ec 8:8; Heb 9:27. Ordered by God -- De 32:39; Job 14:5. Puts an end to earthly projects -- Ec 9:10. Strips of earthly possessions -- Job 1:21; 1Ti 6:7. Levels all ranks -- Job 3:17-19. Conquered by Christ -- Ro 6:9; Re 1:18. Abolished by Christ -- 2Ti 1:10. Shall finally be destroyed by Christ -- Ho 13:14; 1Co 15:26. Christ delivers from the fear of -- Heb 2:15. Regard, as at hand -- Job 14:1,2; Ps 39:4,5; 90:9; 1Pe 1:24. Prepare for -- 2Ki 20:1. Pray to be prepar”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Afflictions Made Beneficial — In promoting the glory of God -- Joh 9:1-3; 11:3,4; 21:18,19. In exhibiting the power and faithfulness of God -- Ps 34:19,20; 2Co 4:8-11. In teaching us the will of God -- Ps 119:71; Isa 26:9; Mic 6:9. In turning us to God -- De 4:30,31; Ne 1:8,9; Ps 78:34; Isa 10:20,21; Ho 2:6,7. In keeping us from again departing from God -- Job 34:31,32; Isa 10:20; Eze 14:10,11. In leading us to seek God in prayer -- Jdj 4:3; Jer 31:18; La 2:17-19; Ho 5:14,15; Jon 2:1. In convincing us of sin -- Job 36:8,9; Ps 119:67; Lu 15:16-18. In leading us to con”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 58:3: 58:3 All human beings are born sinners (see 51:5); however, whereas the wicked indulge their sinful nature, the godly fight against it (Rom 7:19-23; Jas 4:1-10).”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 30:8: vanity--all sorts of sinful acts (Job 11:11; Isa 5:18).”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 19:13: 19:13 An individual who commits deliberate sins does so with an insolent (86:14) or arrogant (119:21, 69) attitude. • The great sin is rebellion (see 32:1).”
- Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 1:18: 1:18–3:20 Paul delays exploring the theme of righteousness through faith (see 3:21) until after he first teaches about universal sinfulness. Gentiles (1:18-32) and Jews (2:1–3:8) are equally under sin’s power and cannot find favor with God by any action of their own (3:9-20). 1:18 God’s anger is not a spontaneous emotional outburst, but the holy God’s necessary response to sin. The Old Testament often depicts God’s anger (Exod 32:10-12; Num 11:1; Jer 21:3-7) and predicts a decisive outpouring of God’s wrath on human sin at the end of history. While Paul usually de”
- Job (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Job 4:8: 4:8 The harvest metaphor illustrates the scriptural principle that behavior merits judgment (Prov 22:8; Hos 8:7; Rom 2:9-11; Gal 6:7-8). The New Testament describes the final judgment as a harvest (Matt 13:39). Jesus rejected simplistic attempts to analyze people’s lives by this principle (Luke 13:4; John 9:1-3).”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Genesis, Vol. 2 (Gen 24-50), section 12.19: that the election of God might seem to be of no effect. Satan endeavors, by whatever means he can, to pervert the grace of God in the elect; and since he cannot effect that, he either covers it with infamy, or at least obscures it. Hence it happens that disgraceful examples often steal into the Church. And the Lord, in this manner, suffers his own people to be humbled, that they may be more attentively careful of themselves, that they may more earnestly watch unto prayer, and may learn entirely to depend on his mercy. Moses only”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 11:25: He balanced the best of the world with the worst of religion, and decidedly chose the latter. "Choosing" implies a deliberate resolution, not a hasty impulse. He was forty years old, a time when the judgment is matured. for a season--If the world has "pleasure" (Greek, "enjoyment") to offer, it is but "for a season." If religion bring with it "affliction," it too is but for a season; whereas its "pleasures are for evermore."”