Every choice you make brings you closer or further from God. Each time you choose to follow the example of what you believe Jesus would feel, think, or do in your place, you become a better person, and will more easily perceive and choose subsequent decisions that more closely align with his example. Rebellion from God begins to affect you the moment you engage in it. Every time you turn away from God, you make future and larger rebellion easier. Each time you choose to deviate from his example, you become a worse person, and will more easily perceive and choose worse things in the future. You can repent of sins you slip back into,561 but it becomes more difficult and carries a greater penalty with each repeated transgression.
The Lord does not continuously extend mercy to those who refuse to obey him.562 The consequences of sin come to you if you do not repent, and they can be eternal.563 To turn away from God after obeying him is a terrible offense that carries penalties so severe that it is better not to be born.564