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I another person started discussing situations, such as the death penalty, etc. So as to not derail the thread, I've decided to start a new thread on this discussion.
Me: "If you knew you would be stoned to death for adultery, would you be more likely to commit it?"
His Response: "It doesn't seem to stop murder in our culture."
My Response: "The thing is, I don't usually see murderers get killed until maybe years down the road, if even then. And instead, those waiting for death row, end up in prison, living the good life quite frequently. And then frequently, their judgement get overturned. Now, if our culture actually showed they meant what they said when it came to crimes, I think you would see a lot of change."
His response back: "I've heard both arguments: yours in this post, and the one Jesus uses when He writes in the sand."
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So now, the discussion continue.
That woman came with a repentant heart, and the very people condemning her were quite likely also committing the sin with her. When a person refuses to repent, God does not exonerate their sins. Instead, they are still condemned to Hell, until such time they chose to repent from their sins. And for those who accepted Christ as Savior, God doesn't let us do whatever we want, without having to face the consequences. Yes, we do receive forgiveness, but most of the time, we still have to face the consequences, as they are already in play. For example, someone who drives drunk and as a result, has serious wreck that kills his child. He may plead to God with a repentant heart, and God will forgive him, but the consequences are still there, and he has to live with it.
Me: "If you knew you would be stoned to death for adultery, would you be more likely to commit it?"
His Response: "It doesn't seem to stop murder in our culture."
My Response: "The thing is, I don't usually see murderers get killed until maybe years down the road, if even then. And instead, those waiting for death row, end up in prison, living the good life quite frequently. And then frequently, their judgement get overturned. Now, if our culture actually showed they meant what they said when it came to crimes, I think you would see a lot of change."
His response back: "I've heard both arguments: yours in this post, and the one Jesus uses when He writes in the sand."
--------------
So now, the discussion continue.
That woman came with a repentant heart, and the very people condemning her were quite likely also committing the sin with her. When a person refuses to repent, God does not exonerate their sins. Instead, they are still condemned to Hell, until such time they chose to repent from their sins. And for those who accepted Christ as Savior, God doesn't let us do whatever we want, without having to face the consequences. Yes, we do receive forgiveness, but most of the time, we still have to face the consequences, as they are already in play. For example, someone who drives drunk and as a result, has serious wreck that kills his child. He may plead to God with a repentant heart, and God will forgive him, but the consequences are still there, and he has to live with it.