We continue to explore the topic of eternity and are focusing our meditations on Hell. Although writing and reading about an afterlife in Hell is uncomfortable, this is an essential subject. I believe there are different degrees of punishment in Hell. Chuck Swindoll, the Bible teacher, discusses the varying degrees of retribution, stating, “There will always be some who will not receive as much divine input as others. Because that is true, I believe there will be degrees of eternal punishment. Before you pick up stones to stone me, examine closely the words of Jesus:
47That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. 48But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked (Luke 12:47-48).
Swindoll continues: “Let’s understand that no one without Christ spends eternity in heaven. But the specifics of how God handles those without Christ because they heard so little might very well be answered by the idea of degrees of punishment. But we know that heaven will not be their home.”[1]
Do you believe that the degree of influence one has on Earth affects one's eternity? I think so. The greater the influence over others, the greater the accountability and responsibility that comes with it. Some individuals are in the media spotlight and serve as role models for the young, yet they lead immoral lives. God will judge them more strictly because of their influence over many. May I suggest being cautious before stepping into a position of influence over others? Jesus taught that we should be quick to remove the plank from our own eyes before helping others with the speck in theirs (Matthew 7:3-5). All of us believers in Christ are already in a position of influence, especially if you are known as a Christian in your neighborhood or workplace. People observe how you live your life, and their eternity can often hinge on their response to the message of Christ that they perceive from your words and actions. While we all teach to some degree, not everyone is a teacher. For a teacher to be truly effective, they must also live the kind of life they advocate for:
Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly (James 3:1).
Christian leaders will be judged more strictly because of the light they have received and their influential position. For those without Christ, the higher their influence rises, the greater their level of accountability at judgment. It makes sense that just as there are different levels of reward for the righteous, there will also be different levels of punishment for those in Hell. My prayer for you today is that you reflect on the kind of life you are living before God and others. Live according to the light you have received. To whom much is given, much is expected. Place your trust in the Lord Jesus—do it today! Your eternity and that of others depend on it. Keith Thomas
Taken from the series Insights into Eternity. Click on study 4 or this link: The Truth About Hell.
YouTube video teachings at: https://www.youtube.com/@keiththomas7/videos
[1]Charles R. Swindoll, Growing Deep in the Christian Life, Published by Multnomah Press, 1987. Page 324.