28 Oct Will Your Sin Send You to Hell? What You Need to Know

Whatever your religious convictions and beliefs, you likely have questions regarding topics covered in the Bible. Perhaps one of the most unpleasant topics to discuss is the afterlife. The possibility of hell is a terrifying reality. How can we be sure that we will go to heaven after we pass away? Can one simple sin actually send you to hell? As Christians, it is important that we study these topics in depth so that we are able to accurately discuss them with other individuals that we encounter.

Will your sin send you to hell? The Bible clearly states that only perfection is allowed to enter heaven. Regardless of how “good” a person is in this life, they will undoubtedly sin. There must be consequences for this sin. However, through the gracious gift of salvation, we are forgiven of our sins and granted eternal life in heaven. Through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, our sins are forgiven and we are saved from eternal punishment in hell.  

But what happens to those who reject the gift of salvation? Do “good people” go to hell as a result of their sins? In this post, we will answer these questions and more. It is important to develop an understanding of the consequences of sin as it helps us deepen our appreciation for and dependence on our Saviour. 

Everything You Need to Know About the Consequences of Sin

Are all sins viewed equally? Does something as seemingly harmless as a white lie really deserve eternal punishment in hell? Unfortunately, all sin must have a consequence – whether in this life or in eternity. 

In Romans 6:23 we read, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”. Let’s take a closer look at what the Bible says about sin in the lives of both believers and unbelievers. 

What is Sin?

Merriam-Webster defines sin as “an offense against religious or moral law; transgression of the law of God; a vitiated state of human nature in which the self is estranged from God”. This definition does an excellent job of encapsulating sin. However, as with every area of our lives, our view of sin should be shaped by what the Bible has to say on the topic. 

We find perhaps the most straightforward definition of sin in 1 John 3:4, “Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.” Sin is defined as lawlessness. It is anything that is contrary to the perfection of God. 1 John 5:17a says, “All wrongdoing is sin…”.  There are countless sins: envy, sloth, lying, greed, gluttony, lust, adultery, the list goes on. We find one of the most famous passages about sin in the book of Romans. 

Romans 3:23-26 reads, “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” 

Each one of us is a sinner who has fallen short of the glory of God. We deserve death. Our sin deserves a consequence. However, this isn’t the end of the story. God, in His gracious love, offers each person the gift of salvation, the forgiveness of our sins. 

The Grave Consequences of Sin

As we read earlier in Romans 6:23, “…wages of sin is death…”. Because of our sin, we must face a consequence. No matter how minuscule or how major our sins are, a price must be paid. We may experience some consequences of our sin immediately or years down the road. For other sins, an earthly consequence may never present itself. However, one thing is certain, because of our sin, we deserve an eternity in hell – the final consequence for sin apart from God’s grace.

But, there is good news! God sent His son to earth to die for our sins on the cross. Through this selfless act, Jesus became the propitiation of our sins. He took each one of our sins upon His shoulders, providing us with access to salvation and an eternity in heaven. To receive this gracious gift, we must simply believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, repent of our sins, and admit our need for a Savior. 

While salvation provides us with an eternity in heaven, it does not provide us with a life free of sin. Unfortunately, we will continue to be tempted (and to fall into that temptation) until the day we pass on from this world to the next. With each passing day, we must strive to be more Christ-like, fighting temptation and fleeing from sin with every fiber of our being. When we sin, we must be quick to repent of our sins and understand our ever-present need for salvation. 

However, for individuals who reject God’s gift of salvation, or fail to admit their need for a savior while here on earth, the consequence of sin is eternal punishment in hell, forever separated from God and His glory. 

Understanding the Reality of Hell

Hell is perhaps the most unpleasant topic to discuss. Whether you have accepted Christ into your heart or not, the reality of hell is harsh. How could such a loving God create such a horrible place? Do “good people” really go to hell just because they did not repent of their sins and their need for a savior? Is hell real? These are hard topics to reason through. 

Is Hell Real?

Religions around the world differ in their beliefs on the reality of hell. As Christians, we believe that the Bible is the true word of God. The Bible clearly states that hell is a real place. Our sin deserves punishment. In hell, individuals suffer eternal separation from God in a real place full of anguish and torment.

There are countless verses throughout the Bible detailing the reality of hell. Some of these verses include:

• Ezekiel 26:20
• Ezekiel 31:16
• Ephesians 4:9
• Matthew 12:40
• Psalm 139:25
• 1 Samuel 28:14-15

How Can a Loving God Allow Hell to Exist?

Many skeptics question how a loving God could allow people to suffer eternally in hell. While God is a loving God, he is also just. God is pure perfection. Because of this, He cannot allow anything sinful to dwell in His presence. 

When someone rejects God’s gift of salvation and forgiveness of their sins, they must face the eternal punishment that their sin deserves. However, in God’s great grace, He provided a way for us to escape this eternal punishment and separation from Him. 

Romans 5:6-11 states. “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”

Christ died for us to save us from the eternal wrath of God. Because of this, our sin does not automatically send us to hell! As Christians, we have been reconciled through the death of God’s Son, granted forgiveness and an eternity in Heaven.

Eternal Redemption Through the Repenting of Your Sins

If you have not yet accepted God’s gift of salvation, you are likely terrified at the reality of eternity in hell. Fortunately, God extends this gracious gift to each one of us, despite our sins and shortcomings. Each one of us has access to salvation and the forgiveness of our sins. 

We must admit our great need for a Savior, ask for forgiveness of our sins, and commit our lives to follow the Lord. While this does not mean we will no longer struggle with sins, it means that our sins have been forgiven. Because of salvation, our sins will no longer result in an eternity in hell. 

At Liberty Justice HQ, we are passionate about inspiring believers to live a life that reflects God’s calling. We believe that a focus on the foundational Christian truths that our country was founded upon will allow us to pursue a future of equality, liberty, and justice for all. If you have questions about the consequences of sin in the lives of all people, or how you can accept Jesus into your heart, contact our team here.