What are the consequences of sin? In the Bible the consequences are sufferings, and even death. There are passages in the Bible where God directly and indirectly punishes people who had sinned.
But does God cause this suffering, or do we bring it upon ourselves? Most societies imprison or punish the evil by the judicial system. Others let religious laws determine the fate of those committing sin.
Some believe in causality, or the law of cause and effect. Good thoughts bring forth joy, and evil thoughts and actions lead to future sufferings. In this system, it is a self-regulatory process of removing evils (greed, arrogance, and self love) from our minds. Some say that this is God’s law.
In summary, whether or not one believes in causality, most religions believe that sin should be punished. This is in essence a belief in cause and effect. Whether, it is regulated by God, man, or self regulated, the results are the same, someone suffers.
But what is the purpose for man to suffer on this earth?