This was a question I received recently. Without knowing anything else, the question alone broke my heart because I was reminded how I once felt when I believed the same thing.
I was young in my faith (but old enough to have extreme guilt) when God rescued me from the heavy weight that daily rested upon my heart. I didn’t know then what I know now: that God loves us unconditionally, that the devil is the culprit of all accusations and the one constantly reminding us of our past mistakes, and that I needed to forgive myself because God already had.
God didn’t send Jesus to condemn the world.
The first thing we must understand is that God is not in the business of punishing anyone. The Bible says, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promises, as some count slackness, but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance [and the knowledge of truth]” (2 Peter 3:9, 2 Timothy 2:4). This isn’t speaking of salvation only. It speaks of a relationship with God as well.
I think the deep, tangible, pains of regret are often the reason we believe God is punishing us. But in reality, we are simply punishing ourselves at the hand of Satan– much like a bully who grabs our wrists and swings our hands at our own face yelling, “Quit hitting yourself!” The problem is, we believe the enemy because we can’t take back our shame.
But this is exactly why Jesus died for us.
You and I could never cover our shame.
Think about Adam and Eve. If they had been left exposed, it would’ve been a continual reminder of their treason against God. But in His mercy, He covered them. And in a second act of mercy, He put them outside the garden until He made a way for eternal deliverance.
Colossians 3:1 says, “For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” This is what God sees—not your shame, regret, or sin—God sees you in Christ. “Then He adds, ‘Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more’” (Hebrews 10:17).
God would be a liar if this were not true.
Jesus told us who the real liar is– “[The devil] was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he speaks from his own nature, because he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). It’s not in God’s nature to lie. But it is in the devil’s nature and he’s the one whispering contrary thoughts of God to you.
The question I was asked is, how long does God punish us for doing wrong?
Here’s the answer: if you’re a Christian, He never will. The Bible says, “Whom the Lord loves, He chastens…” (Hebrews 12:6). The word chasten doesn’t describe punishment at all. It means to educate or train. God will help you and I when we approach Him in faith. He will show us the path of righteousness.
What about God’s wrath?
Clearly this is mentioned in the Bible, but what does it mean? Romans 1:18 says, “For God’s wrath is revealed from heaven against all godlessness and unrighteousness of people who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.” God’s wrath is this: allowing man to do as he pleases without intervention or help. God’s wrath isn’t punishment. God is love and His nature is to help. So when He is rejected, He steps away leaving people to their own devices.
This is better understood when you read Romans 5:8-9, which says, “But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. How much more then, since we have now been justified by His blood, will we be saved through Him from wrath.” In other words, those who have put their faith in Christ will be saved and helped! God proved His love by saving us when we were undeserving. He certainly isn’t going to abandon you and I now.
For clarity, God isn’t punishing unbelievers either– but unless they repent and receive Jesus as their Savior, they will one day be eternally separated from the love of God.
This, and only this, is the ultimate punishment for anyone.
The Old Testament speaks of God’s vengeance on His enemies and sometimes this confuses people. For example, I was sad to read how the New Century Version translates Psalm 94:1 as: “The Lord is a God who punishes.” All other versions say, “Oh Lord God, to whom vengeance belongs…” This passage is speaking of the enemies of God. And more importantly, the original Hebrew language says NOTHING of punishment in its definition of vengeance.
The bottom line (and answer to this important question) is, God DOESN’T punish us when we fail. In fact, what He says is: “I am faithful and reliable. If you confess your sins, I will forgive them and cleanse you from everything you’ve done wrong” (1 John 1:9, author’s first person interpretation).
One translation says He will be true to His own nature and forgive— not punish.
My best encouragement to anyone struggling with this thought is to believe God’s Word, not your feelings or your thoughts. Forgive yourself (by faith). And remember the words of Jesus concerning your true enemy: “The thief [Satan himself] comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that [you] may have life and have it in abundance” (John 10:10).
La culpa es muy común en la vida de las personas cristianas, que provoca mucho desaliento y debilidad en la vida espiritual, y en mucha ocasión hace que la persona se aleje de Dios.
Por eso es como usted escribe auto perdonarnos es algo que debemos aprender hacerlo, pues si nuestro Señor Jesucristo nos perdona, también debemos practicar la fé de creer en el perdón de nuestro Señor Jesucristo a nuestra vida.
Amen! You are so right! Learning to forgive myself was one of the biggest hurdles I jumped– but with God’s grace and help, He revealed so much truth to me. Knowing others struggle with these same things motivates me to keep writing, keep telling people the truth of God’s love.
I found your article on a day where I was crying out to God…how long may I be punished from my sins? Your words made me reread Hebrews. Thank you! Today I’m am back in perspective.
Kathy, I’m so glad God used this article to help you. I love the verse that says those who call on Him will not be put to shame (Romans 10:11). I know God wants to show you many wonderful truths in His Word! So keep your new perspective!
God does allow punishment. The innocent, including children, are often the victims of severe trauma. Why is this? Jesus tells us in Matthew, Chapter 24, that in the End days believers will be afflicted, persecuted and killed. Jesus is our Witness.
In Matthew 24, Jesus foretells us of persecution– not punishment. Sadly, there is severe trauma in our world, but it is all at the hands of the “god of this world” (Satan) not God. Jesus said in John 10:10 that the thief (the devil) comes to steal, kill, and destroy — not God. The enemy is the one attempting to turn hearts away from the love of God by planting destructive lies in the hearts of people (saved or yet to be saved) because they lack knowledge and understanding of His Word.
I have a series of posts entitled “Is God in control of everything?” that may help clarify some misunderstandings. https://daphnedelay.com/faith/god-in-control-1/
When the Lord tells you to stop sleeping with this person an u have delayed obedience which is. Disobedience an the punishment comes on your whole family especially kids an then u repent from that sin and I never do that sin again how long will Gods punishment last? It’s been 7 years now an the punishment continues
I think it’s important to know the difference between consequences and punishment. For example, if I have sex outside of marriage, even if I repent, I may still have the consequence of getting pregnant. Some consequences can’t be reversed. But that doesn’t mean God is the author of it or punishing you because of it. Sadly, people are harsher and less forgiving than God. I would encourage you to pray for them and keep turning your heart and eyes on Christ so His light will shine through you. The Bible says love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8). This is first and foremost God’s love toward you. Then it is His love in you towards others. As a pastor, I’ve seen this many times over the past 25+ years. When one person turns their heart to God and begins to fully allow Him to become everything in their life, family and friends who were distant see the difference and eventually come around because they too have been searching for that kind of love. It takes time but it’s worth it. Keep following Jesus. He loves you.
I understand people’s need to not believe that God is a vengeful God. The fact is based on what I have seen and experienced is that God does punish us. I’m not saying it is deserved We as a people are very sinful. I am a person probably deserves every bit of punishment that our Lord wants to inflict on us. My only question is will he allow us mercy if we can find a way to pay for our sins.
To answer your question, yes— God showed us all mercy through Jesus. Our sins were paid by Him. God only asks us to believe to receive His mercy. My favorite verse is 2 Corinthians 5:21, which says God made Jesus, who knew no sin, to be made sin on our behalf, so we could be made righteous as an exchange. This verse perfectly describes the Gospel— and God’s heart. Our sins was great, no doubt. And sin brings consequences (what some call punishment). But God knew none of us have the ability to pay for our own sin. In His love and mercy, He gave us Jesus. The blood of Jesus paid for and covers all our iniquities. Faith in Jesus brings us into right-standing with God. And when we fall short, as we will at times (while growing spiritually closer to God), we have His blood and His name as a continuing advocate. 1 John 1:9 says when we confess our shortcomings, God is faithful and just to forgive us AND cleanse us from all unrighteousness. In other words, when we are open and honest with God, He is true to His nature to forgive and put us back in right-standing with Himself. He is not trying to keep us at a distance. “But now in Christ Jesus, you who were once far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:13).