Departing from God, as depicted in the Bible, results in a series of spiritual, moral, and often physical consequences. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings that illustrate the gravity of turning away from the Lord and the repercussions that follow such actions.

Spiritual Consequences

1. Separation from God: The most profound consequence of departing from God is spiritual separation. Isaiah 59:2 states, "But your iniquities have built barriers between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear." This separation is not merely a physical distance but a spiritual chasm that affects one's relationship with the Creator.

2. Loss of Divine Favor: Departing from God often results in the loss of His favor and blessings. In Deuteronomy 28, the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience are outlined, emphasizing that turning away from God leads to a withdrawal of His blessings.

3. Spiritual Blindness and Deception: Those who turn away from God may fall into spiritual blindness and deception. Romans 1:21-22 describes this condition: "For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools."

Moral Consequences

1. Moral Decay: Departing from God often leads to moral decay and a decline in ethical standards. Judges 21:25 illustrates this during the time of the judges: "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes." Without God's guidance, moral relativism prevails.

2. Increased Sinfulness: Turning away from God can lead to an increase in sinful behavior. Romans 1:28-32 describes how God gives those who reject Him over to a depraved mind, resulting in a litany of sins and vices.

Physical and Societal Consequences

1. Suffering and Hardship: The Bible often links disobedience and departure from God with suffering and hardship. In the history of Israel, periods of apostasy were frequently followed by oppression and calamity, as seen in the cycles of the Book of Judges.

2. National Decline: Departing from God can lead to the decline of nations. Proverbs 14:34 states, "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people." The fall of Israel and Judah serves as a historical example of how national apostasy leads to downfall and exile.

3. Divine Judgment: Ultimately, departing from God invites divine judgment. Hebrews 10:26-27 warns, "If we deliberately go on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins remains, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume all adversaries."

Examples from Scripture

1. Adam and Eve: The first instance of departing from God is found in Genesis 3, where Adam and Eve's disobedience leads to the fall, resulting in spiritual death, physical toil, and expulsion from Eden.

2. The Israelites: Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites repeatedly turned away from God, resulting in periods of suffering, captivity, and exile. The Book of Jeremiah, for instance, chronicles the consequences of Judah's unfaithfulness.

3. The Prodigal Son: In the New Testament, the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) illustrates the personal consequences of departing from the father, symbolizing God, and the resulting destitution and despair.

The Bible consistently warns of the dire consequences of departing from God, urging believers to remain faithful and obedient to His commandments. Through these teachings, the Scriptures emphasize the importance of maintaining a close relationship with God to avoid the spiritual, moral, and physical repercussions of turning away from Him.