January 30 – LD 5, Day 2: Is there Escape from Punishment?

Deuteronomy 27:26, “Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen.”

We now move from temporal and eternal punishment to the possibility of escape.

We must understand the question. Escape is mentioned here, not to belittle the consequence of sin. The word is used that way sometimes, e.g. a man escapes from jail. Not here, rather the idea of “escape” here is the jailor taking the key and unlocks the door. This is important because the question of escape from punishment is before GOD!  He has the right to punish the guilty sinner, so if there is any escape from that punishment, it is God Who must not only sanction it ,but also provide it.

We can look at this question from two points of view.

From the human point of view, it is most discouraging. May God place the words of the above quoted text upon our hearts. CURSED is he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. Once more, the word “curse” rings with the horror of punishment. The curse is before God, it is His holy response to our guilt for sin. Not only that, the text also includes our response, “And all the people shall say, Amen.” We not only hear God say to us “guilty” and that implies worthy of punishment, but it also means that we agree with that pronouncement of God. Such language carries with it the horrors of God’s wrath all our life and for all eternity.

From God’s point of view, the question holds forth hope. The question raised by the catechism helps us hold onto something which may lead to deliverance. “Is there no way of escape from that punishment and be received into favor?”  The answer assures us there is a way of escape.  True, it is on God’s terms and not ours. Nevertheless, the door begins to open a little bit and the light of God’s favor begins to shine forth and we begin to see the darkness of wrath dispelled by the light of the gospel. It is in the way of the satisfaction of that justice of God.

It follows from this answer that escape is impossible with man.

The hope for salvation must focus on God and God alone.

Does this question put hope in your heart?