SCRIPTURE REFERENCES » Luke 16:19-31

Catechism Insight – Doctrinal Standard WSC #19

Doctrinal Standards WSC #19

  • Q. What is the misery of man’s fallen condition?
  • A. By their fall, all mankind lost fellowship with God and brought His anger and curse on themselves. They are, therefore, subject to all the miseries of this life, to death itself, and to the pains of hell forever.

Memory Verses

  • “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it? I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings” (Jeremiah 17:9-10 ESV).

Study Passage: Matthew 25:31-46

Support Passages: Deuteronomy 28; Lamentations

Bible Story: Luke 16:19-31

Thoughts

  • We always need to be reminded that sin has resulted in a separation from or broken relationship with God. Because of our sins, we all deserve the full wrath of God. God would be just and righteous in condemning every single human being to hell for the punishment of their transgression. This truth is extremely important to understand. God does not have to save a single individual from the punishment they rightly deserve. But He does choose to save some. The fact that He saves some when He is not obligated to do so clearly expresses the true meaning of God’s grace and mercy.
  • After Adam and Eve sinned against God, they were told that as a consequence they would experience misery and pain for the remainder of life (Genesis3:14-19). This misery, like sin, is passed down from generation to generation. Suffering, heartache, frustration, and a longing for things to be perfect is a result of sin entering into the world.

Discussion Questions

  • What is sin?
  • What is the punishment for sin? Explain.
  • Is it both a physical and spiritual death? Explain.
  • Besides death, what other effects does sin have on life?
  • Would God be just to punish and send every single human being to Hell? Why?
  • If God can justly send every human being to Hell for their sins, why doesn’t He?
  • After answering the previous two questions, explain God’s grace and mercy.


"Him we proclaim,
warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom,
that we may present everyone mature in Christ."
(Colossians 1:28, ESV)

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