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The "talking heads" on dozens of news and political talk shows have weighed in for and against the president on the issues. Countless opinion surveys have measured the ever-changing mood of the American people. The outcome of this scandalous scenario is yet to be determined and may still drag on for months.

Yet there are some clear truths that can be drawn from what we already know. In the midst of a postmodern political tragedy, the ancient words of scripture are amazingly relevant as they help us identify some lessons which can be learned from the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal, the first of which is sin cannot be hidden forever.

On his CNN television show "Both Sides," the Rev. Jesse Jackson and his guests (including Phil Wogaman of Foundry United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C., where the Clintons attend) alluded to the Old Testament story of King David and his adulterous affair with Bathsheba. They cited the story as an example of forgiveness, but that's not the only truth that can be drawn from the story. Of equal importance is the lesson that sin cannot be hidden forever. Sooner or later, the reality of our actions will see the light of day.

King David thought his tracks were covered after his seduction of the beautiful (and married) Bathsheba. His attempt to hide his sin even cost the life of Bathsheba's husband, one of David's own soldiers. Even though David thought his sin was effectively covered up, he forgot that there was one who knew exactly what David had done: God. As a result, David was confronted by the prophet Nathan, who posed the dramatic indictment: "You are the man!" The most foolish assumption any of us can make is that our own sins can be hidden. While we may be able to delay and obscure the revelation of the truth for a time, ultimately the reality of our sin will be known. Even as Moses told the tribes of Israel, "You may be sure that your sin will find you out" (Numbers 32:23).

Fortunately, most of us will never have to face a pack of barking reporters inquiring about our actions. Yet we will, each of us, answer for what we do - to loved ones, friends, co-workers, and to the one we face in the mirror each morning. And, ultimately, we will stand before a holy God to answer for our sins. And nothing we do is hidden from Him. There's another lesson to be learned from the present scandal: Sin has consequences.

We appear to live in a culture that has installed a "disconnect" between our personal actions and the spiritual meaning of our lives. Surveys by Barna and others demonstrates a jarring dichotomy between our professions of spirituality and our increasingly secular approach to personal behavior. More and more, we claim to love God while, at the same time, condoning or even participating in behavior that is morally impure. As a result, persons who claim to be quite religious nevertheless can dabble in lying, cheating, adultery and more. Yet there's one reality we haven't been able to overcome: sin has consequences. When Nathan confronted King David about his sin (as recorded in 2 Samuel 12), David openly confessed, "I have sinned against the Lord." To put it in terms understood by modern reporters and politicians, he said "I'm sorry" right away! And even after the dramatic confrontation, David showed genuine contrition and repentance.

Yet as Nathan told David, even repented and forgiven sin still has consequences. David's sin had resulted in Bathsheba's pregnancy, but the son born to he and Bathsheba would die. In addition, David would never again experience peace, either in his own life or in his kingdom. Not only did the consequences of his sin impact David personally - they also brought suffering and pain to the entire nation.

When we violate the laws which God has set out for us - laws designed for our benefit and protection - we will inevitably face the consequences of that sin. If I commit murder, even though I may be forgiven I cannot restore the life I have taken. If in anger I slash someone with a knife, even repentance on my part will not remove the scar that remains. If I commit adultery, it leaves a scar of betrayal and lost trust that may never be overcome. Even repentance and genuine sorrow for my actions does not eliminate the consequences of my actions.

If there is any lesson for America's young people to carry away from this sordid story, it is this one: actions have consequences. Sin leaves scars. God's law is not meant to unfairly limit or abuse us; it is designed to guide us in ethical and successful living. When we turn our backs on God and go our own way, the inevitable consequences will follow. There's a third lesson, however, that should be reminded of in the midst of this story: Sin can be forgiven.

The reason the stories of Jesus in the New Testament are called "gospels" is that the word gospel literally means "good news." The good news is that sin, though revealed and destructive in its consequences, can be forgiven. King David's sincere repentance for his sin did result in forgiveness. That did not alter the consequences that resulted from his sin, but it did alter David. He was able to again experience the joy of God's presence and power in his life. Forgiveness has the power to restore. One of the things David had to realize, as do we, is that forgiveness is not earned; it is a gift. David earned punishment; God gave forgiveness. If we are ever to experience the joy of forgiveness and restoration, it will not be because of anything we are able to do; it will be, as Max Lucado puts it, because we are "in the grip of grace."

It is not yet clear how the American people will respond to President Clinton as a result of the Starr report and its various charges. The president is already experiencing some of the consequences of sin, and that is not likely to end soon. But there is one thing he, and we, can know with absolute assurance: that God is willing to forgive where there is a sincere and repentant heart. That's not spin or wishful thinking; that's God's promise. And whether you are a president or a pauper, it can make all the difference in your life.