We are continuing to look at the topic of eternity and specifically meditating on the topic of Hell. Although it is difficult to write and read about such things as an afterlife in Hell, this is a very important topic. I believe that there are different degrees of punishment in Hell. Chuck Swindoll, the Bible teacher, writes about the degrees of retribution, saying, “There will always be some who will not have 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, look closely at 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 who are without Christ because they heard so little might very well be answered by the idea of degrees of punishment. But we do know for sure that heaven will not be their home.”[1]
Do you think the degree of influence one has on earth has any bearing on their eternity? I believe so. The greater the influence over others that one has, the greater the accountability and responsibility for that influence. Some people are in the media's spotlight and are role models for our young, yet they are living immoral lives. They will be judged more strictly due to their influence over many. Can I advise you to be slow to jump into a position of influence over others. Jesus said that we should be quick to take the plank out of our own eyes so that we can take the sliver out of other people's eyes (Matthew 7:3-5). Every one of us who are believers in Christ is already in a position of influence, especially if you are known in your neighborhood or workplace as a Christian. People are watching to see how you live your life. Their eternity can often depend on their response to the message of Christ read from what you say and do. We are all teaching to a certain degree, but not all are teachers. For a teacher, it is crucial to live the kind of life that honors God:
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).
At the judgment, Christian leaders will be judged more strictly due to the amount of light they have received and their influential position. Even those who are without Christ, the higher their influence rises, so does the level of accountability. It makes sense that just as there are different levels of reward for the righteous, there will be differing levels of punishment for those in Hell as well. My prayer for you today is that you reflect upon the kind of life you are living before God and before others. Live your life 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 depends on it. Keith Thomas
Taken from the series Insights into Eternity. Click on study 4 or this link: The Truth About Hell
[1] Charles R. Swindoll, Growing Deep in the Christian Life, Published by Multnomah Press, 1987. Page 324.
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