1. What is sin?

Sin is rejecting or ignoring God in the world he created, not being or doing what he requires in his law.

 

Scripture

I John 3:4

Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.

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2. What is idolatry?

Idolatry is trusting in created things rather than the Creator.

 

Scripture

Romans 1:21 and 25

For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. . . . They exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator. . . .

 

 

3. Will God allow our disobedience and idolatry to go unpunished?

No, God is righteously angry with our sins and will punish them both in this life, and in the life to come.

 

Scripture

Ephesians 5:5-6

For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.

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4. Is there any way to escape punishment and be brought back in to God's favor?

Yes, God reconciles us to himself by a Redeemer.

 

Scripture

Isaiah 53:10-11

Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him;
he has put him to grief;
when his soul makes an offering for guilt,
he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days;
the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.
Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied;
by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant,
make many to be accounted righteous,
and he shall bear their iniquities.

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