I have struggled with this topic for as many years as I have been driven to find the truths that Jesus left us in the scriptures and through HIS Holy Spirit that HE sent to us. The Holy Spirit of Jesus causes me to question and then answers my questions... MOST TIMES. Sometimes I am left to wonder. I have noticed that as time passes HE answers my questions but it seems that HE must ready me through experience and understanding. Then "out of the blue" the thought and answer to an old question comes into mind and I know. This happens! Sometimes HE just sends explanations immediately. At this writing I still have unanswered questions, I am waiting and expect to know the answers in time... if I live long enough and if it is necessary for me to know for my understanding and explanation to others.

It is distressing to see so many people ignore important things that my Lord has shown me to tell them. Sometimes I struggle with the thought that... that may even be a form of blasphemy. Probably not and many would scold me severely for that statement. I am never afraid to publish these thoughts, even though it gives the adversary ammunition to attack me. It is as though my Lord encourages me to give the enemy the opportunity to extend their claws and convict themselves by slandering and trying to destroy a Witness... a truth from God through a Messenger.

As I understand scripture and the lessons taught us, it is in this manner that those who are hell bound are given the opportunity to convict themselves as God never convicts any person to hell. They do it themselves! Freedom of choice - your greatest power, the power to choose. "Choose today whom you will serve." Sound familiar?

NOTE: At this very moment... as I write this I am compelled to site this scripture ^{LUKE 8:16} “No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a bowl or hides it under a bed. A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house. ¹⁷ For all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all. ¹⁸ “So pay attention to how you hear. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what they think they understand will be taken away from them.”

Jesus spoke of punishment... is it punishment in hell or do the righteous get punished? I have heard different thoughts, I leave that for you to ponder. It is clear that there are different degrees of punishment. LUKE 12:⁴⁷ “And a servant who knows what the master wants, but isn’t prepared and doesn’t carry out those instructions, will be severely punished.⁴⁸ But someone who does not know, and then does something wrong, will be punished only lightly. When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.

Here's my thought... A child molester who murders the innocent is thrown into hell with a person who lived a decent life but never accepted Jesus, therefore that person was never "born again" of the Spirit... both are in hell but if there is any justice in hell, the degrees of punishment would be different...

BUT WAIT!! With that scenario we are describing a "just" system that would be administered by a Godly entity... HELL IS NOT GODLY! If you are there you will receive no justice of any kind. You are in the care and custody of Satan. The same entity that caused the child molester and murderer to commit horrible deeds. Do you really think this same Satan will be just? NO! Therefore, the example given in Luke 12 must concern those who escape hell. There - - - that's the answer.

From Jesus' example in Luke 12, we can assume that there is a type of punishment even for the souls who escape hell.

My concern for people is this.... I am afraid too many people are taught and believe we are all going to a better life and heaven. Yet Jesus was clear that "few will make it." When HE explained that "only a few would make the Kingdom," HE was speaking to people who were attending HIS sermon on the mount... in other words, HE was speaking to people who were truly trying to find the path and even to them HE warned that few of them would ever find the path to the Kingdom, or heaven. WOW!! Time to get serious and nurture the most important decision you will ever make! Don't you think? I mean we're talking eternity!

I talk to people all the time who talk about their relatives and friends and think they are all going to heaven. Clearly these people have never received Christ, have never been "born again" and stand no chance of avoiding hell. If they do avoid hell, then the entire bible is a lie! I can promise you that the bible is no lie! If they are this blind, are they also blind to their own salvation? Time to get real and really apply the word of God,, apply the scriptures to your own life and take the test. Is your fruit good? Do you keep God's commands? Remember, there is hell to pay. I ask myself every day in every situation; Am I doing God's will?

So should we all.

Your friend,

John
www.john33.com