When the Sentence is Not Executed Quickly: Notes on Ecclesiastes 8:11 (Excerpt)

Vanity of Vanities (cover)Ecclesiastes 8:11

Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed quickly, therefore the hearts of the sons of men among them are given fully to do evil.

Civil authorities have the divine obligation to punish evildoers. They are to be a “cause of fear” for those who do evil (Romans 13:3-4). But in order for this to be the case, the wise man says that the punishment for evil must be “executed quickly.” When the execution of justice is not swift, it has a corrupting influence upon society. Punishment is not just for the evildoer. If it were, the timing of it would not matter so much. Punishment is also meant to deter those who might later do evil. When the punishment is swift, the memory of the crime is still fresh in the people’s mind, impressing upon their minds the connection between the crime and the punishment. When punishment is delayed, the connection is not as apparent; or one may believe he can escape punishment, thus making the crime more attractive.

You can read more comments on the book of Ecclesiastes in Vanity of Vanties: Notes on Ecclesiastes. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!

The Root of the Problem: Chapter 20 – No Fear of God (Excerpt)

The Root of the Problem (cover)What kind of fear should we have of God? Most are quick to answer that this is to be a reverent respect for God. The Hebrew writer spoke of this kind of fear when he said we are to “offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe” (Hebrews 10:28). Respect for God will cause one to listen to the word of God and seek to do what He says. This type of fear is absolutely necessary.

Yet there is another type of fear that we should not ignore. Fear of God should include respect for Him, but we should remember the terror of God for what He can do to us.

“It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31).

You can read more about developing a healthy fear of God to help you overcome sin in The Root of the Problem: Why We Sin & How We Can Overcome. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!

The Root of the Problem: Chapter 3 – Failing to See Sin for What It Is (Excerpt)

The consequences and punishment for sin are too great for God to simply allow us to suffer this fate without any hope of escape. As horrible as Jesus’ death on the cross was, we stand to face something far worse than crucifixion – an eternal separation from God in a place filled with agony and pain. This is what we are due for our sin.

Sin is not to be taken lightly. God knows how terrible the wages of sin are, so He was willing to watch His only begotten Son suffer. Jesus clearly understood the severity of sin in that He was willing to lay down His life for us. We must recognize what sin is and remove it from our lives. (p. 14-15)

You can read more about the consequences and punishment for sin in The Root of the Problem: Why We Sin & How We Can Overcome. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!