In what ways does a believer's sin differ from an unbeliever
In what ways does a believer's sin differ from an unbeliever’s?
Sin always grieves God, no matter who commits it. However, when an unbeliever sins, a record is kept in heaven in view of the Great White Throne judgment. There, the books will be opened and all unrepentant sinners will be judged according to their works and punished with everlasting destruction in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:12,13). When a believer sins, it also grieves the Lord; however, the Lord Jesus endured the full punishment on the cross for the sins of every believer (Romans 8:1). If a believer's sin is intentional and persistent, the Father in love chastises His child for his restoration. A believer filled with sorrow, repentance, and confession values the provision God has made for us: "If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous: and He is the propitiation for our sins" (1 John 2:1, 2). "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1:9).