Are All My Problems Due to Past Sins?
Absolutely not! God has forgiven them all through the death of Jesus. It is when we become impenitent that causes problems in our lives. God does not punish us for past sins. As God says in the Bible, he wants us to prosper rather than harm us. When bad things happen to us our first thought might be to ask, “What past sins am I being punished for now?” Instead, it is better for us and our soul to pray to God for help and understanding. He states in his Word that all things will work for the good of those that put their trust in him. God does not “punish” his children for their sins – he punished Jesus on the cross for all of our sins. We have been cleansed of all our sins.
However, God does “discipline” his children. God allows us to experience pain when we sin against him, but his purpose is not to punish. His purpose is to train us. For example, if I touch a hot stove burner, I get burned. If there wasn’t any pain, I might do it again and soon lose my hand. But since there was pain, when I see that hot burner, I don’t put my hand on it because I remember the pain. God disciplines us for our good to keep us from running headlong into sin and losing our salvation. Isn’t this truth amazing? It is hard for us to fathom, but, for God, this is his unconditional love for us. The unbeliever does not have this comfort. Now, without fear, we can be looking forward to the day we leave this world and meet the one who loves us unconditionally. What peace and joy this brings to Christians every day! Thanks be to the one true and faithful God! He is ours and we belong to him. What a wonderful truth!
God’s Word on past sins. NIV
Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Romans 8:28: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Also see: Isaiah 53:5; John 9:1-3; Luke 13: 1-5; Genesis 50:15-20