Temporal Consequences and Eternal Ones
Living in fear of temporal consequences is an evil that distracts from living reverently in the fear of God.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the vital connection between our actions and their consequences, asserting that both temporal and eternal outcomes are significant in the lives of believers. He points out that while it is commendable to live with an awareness of eternal consequences, living solely in fear of temporal repercussions is detrimental and unjustifiable. Tozer warns that this fear has cast a shadow over the church, leading to a moral decline that undermines true faith and reverence for God. He calls for a return to a mindset that prioritizes eternal truths over immediate fears.
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There is a close cause-and-effect relationship between deeds and consequences. No right-thinking person would try to deny this.
The whole scheme of rewards and punishment is a solid and substantial part of the belief of both Jews and Christians, as well as of many moral philosophers and of religions other than the Judeo-Christian. The human race at first was put on probation with the words, ?but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die? (Genesis 2:17). This is truth so generally accepted by Christians everywhere as to call for no further comment here.
To live our lives reverently in the fear of God and in view of eternal consequences is right and good, but to live our moral lives in fear of temporal consequences is an evil, a great and injurious evil for which not one shred of justification can be found. Yet the shadow of the fear of consequences lies dark across the church today and its blight is seen almost everywhere.
Sermon Outline
- Temporal Consequences vs. Eternal Ones
- The Relationship Between Deeds and Consequences
- The Universal Acceptance of Rewards and Punishment
- Living in Fear of God vs. Fear of Temporal Consequences
Key Quotes
“The human race at first was put on probation with the words, ?but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die? (Genesis 2:17).” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We should strive to live our lives reverently in the fear of God, rather than in fear of temporal consequences.
- The fear of consequences can be a blight in the church, causing us to focus on earthly rewards rather than eternal ones.
- We must recognize the difference between living in fear of God and living in fear of temporal consequences, and choose the former.