His Servants' Ministry

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Last Days Prophecy

HIS SERVANTS' MINISTRY

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Degrees of Punishment

Are there really degrees of punishment in Hell? I believe that there are, but most people never consider eternity, let alone that there are degrees of punishment in Hell, just as there are degrees of reward in Heaven. Some Passages below show that there are indeed degrees of punishment in Hell.
Matthew 11:21-24 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. 23 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee. (KJV) http://www.godcannotlie.org/matthew_ch11.html
Luke 12:47-48 And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. (KJV) http://www.godcannotlie.org/luke_ch12.htm

Judged According to Works:
Matthew 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. (KJV)
http://www.godcannotlie.org/matthew_ch16.html
Romans 2:6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds: (KJV) http://www.godcannotlie.org/book_of_romans_ch.2.htm
1 Cor. 3:8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. (KJV) http://www.godcannotlie.org/1_cor_ch3.htm
2 Tim. 4:14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: (KJV) . . . . . . . . . . http://www.godcannotlie.org/1_tim_ch4.htm
1 Peter 1:17 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: (KJV)
http://www.godcannotlie.org/1_peter_ch.1.htm
Revelation 2:23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. (KJV) http://www.godcannotlie.org/rev_ch2.htm
Revelation 18:6 Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double. (KJV)
http://www.godcannotlie.org/rev_ch18.htm
Revelation 20:11-15 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (KJV) http://www.godcannotlie.org/rev_ch20.htm
Revelation 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. (KJV) http://www.godcannotlie.org/rev_ch22.htm

It is not directly stated that a person's degree of punishment is based on the severity of their sins, but it IS implied in several places. It is also implied by the different degrees of punishment given for different sins in the Mosaic Law. Exodus 21:23-25 And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life, 24 Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe. (KJV)
Deut.25:2-3 And it shall be, if the wicked man be worthy to be beaten, that the judge shall cause him to lie down, and to be beaten before his face, according to his fault, by a certain number. 3 Forty stripes he may give him, and not exceed: lest, if he should exceed, and beat him above these with many stripes, then thy brother should seem vile unto thee. (KJV) . . . This is a command about not punishing those who deserved to be whipped, with more lashes than is right.

Do all sins deserve the same punishment? The Bible does not seem to teach that as far as I understand it. YES! Absolutely, sin, any sin is hated by God, and any sin shall be punished by Him if the person has not accepted God's Escape Plan . . . JESUS!
1 Cor. 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. (KJV)
http://www.godcannotlie.org/1_cor_ch15.htm . . . ALL people are destined to Hell without Jesus!

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (KJV)
John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (KJV)
John 3:35-36 The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. 36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. (KJV)
http://www.godcannotlie.org/john_commentary_ch3.html

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (KJV) http://www.godcannotlie.org/john_commentary_ch14.html

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (KJV)
http://www.godcannotlie.org/book_of_acts_ch4.htm

1 John 5:11-12 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. (KJV) http://www.godcannotlie.org/first_john_ch5.htm . . . You either believe God and what He states in the Bible OR you shall be condemned to Hell. Please believe this!

Reasons for Unequal Rewards or Punishment

The Bible plainly pictures certain people being awarded unique and distinguished positions in Heaven.
Revelation 15:3 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. (KJV) http://www.godcannotlie.org/rev_ch15.htm . . . I believe that Moses is one of those 'certain people' who will have a special, reserved place in the Home of God. There will not be many who compare with this humble and obedient man. He will be highly exalted in Heaven.

Luke 16:19-31 portrays Abraham as having more prominence and authority in the after-life than Lazarus. My friend, this is just common sense!
Mark 10:40 But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared. (KJV) http://www.godcannotlie.org/mark_ch10.html . . . When James and John asked the Lord to allow them to sit next to Him in glory, Jesus was very quick to straighten them out. Some glorified humans will occupy a place of distinction beside the Saviour . . . BUT THAT is NOT up to any person to decide! Only the LORD shall decide that! I believe that there will be a unique and special place reserved solely for those who are chosen for that specific place. The LORD knows hearts . . . we do NOT . . . and He will NEVER do anything that is not right!

Some argue against different rewards by saying Heaven will be perfect and in that case, rewards cannot be improved or diminished. I personally think the principle of degrees of heavenly rewards is taught in Scripture, and that this should motivate every Christian. John 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. (KJV) . . . If this applied to Jesus, it should also apply to us. And it is only common sense that there shall be different rewards. Consider a person who served the Lord faithfully for many years, and then think of the person who was saved on their death bed. They both shall in Heaven, but both will not receive the same reward. Again, my opinion.

Degrees of Eternal Punishment in Hell

SO . . . since there are degrees of rewards in Heaven, it is only logical that there will also be degrees of punishment in Hell. Several times, when speaking of eternal torment, the Bible mentions those who will suffer to a lesser or greater degree. And each time the punishment is in proportion to the opportunities missed or rejected. Those who are blessed with many opportunities to obey the Gospel and still boldly reject it, will receive a greater condemnation (judgment) than those who had little or no occasion to accept Christ. Jesus echoed this sentiment in His rebuke to the inhabitants of the cities of Bethsaida and Chorazin.

Matthew 11:21-24 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. 23 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee. (KJV) http://www.godcannotlie.org/matthew_ch11.html . . . Jesus gave this rebuke to those Jewish cities where He had done much of His teaching, and performed miracles. The people IN those towns had more opportunity to accept the Messiah than those living around them, yet they persisted in rejecting Him. The Gentile cities of Tyre and Sidon . . . known for their wickedness, would receive a lesser punishment on Judgment Day because they did not have direct exposure to Christ’s message and miracles. ALL would be punished, for ALL had rejected God’s law, BUT it would NOT be the exact, same punishment.

Hebrews 10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? (KJV)
http://www.godcannotlie.org/book_of_hebrews_ch10.htm . . . Think of the Bibles laying on shelves, covered in dust, that IF opened could save the souls of the owners from eternal Hell.
2 Peter 2:20-21 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. (KJV) http://www.godcannotlie.org/2_peter_ch2.htm . . . What fate awaits unfaithful, backsliding Christians? Doesn't this Passage teach degrees of punishment? Peter is speaking about false teachers in this chapter. Some apostate teachers may have a head knowledge of Christ . . . but even if they may know about Him, they have NO love of the Truth (2 Thes.2:10). They reject what they once were taught and professed . . . thus becoming enslaved in the devil’s heresies and corruption. See our article: . . . . . . . . . . . . . http://www.worldlychaos.org/w_c_apostate_christianity.1.htm

Many people say, “I’m a Christian.” These people THINK they are very religious. They belong to a church and attend regularly. BUT . . . they do NOT believe the Bible is really the Word of God. These people and these modern churches talk a lot about love and brotherhood and teach the damnable heresy of the Word Faith movement. They have a beautiful church and the pastor preaches a lovely sermon (?) that makes everyone feel good. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. (KJV) . . . They THINK that they have escaped the pollutions of the world . . . but they have NOT escaped its corruptions. People today simply turn their backs on the only Truth that can save them . . . and continue in their sins! BEWARE!!!

There are many who have heard the Gospel, but they admit that they do NOT believe it. Some even doubt that there is a God. Multitudes do NOT believe that Jesus is God, including some preachers who email me. Peter deals with the apostasy that was coming into the church through false teachers who were creeping in and teaching false doctrines, teaching that which is contrary to the Word of God (2 Pet.2:21; 3:17). Jesus really IS God!

For apostasy see:
2 Thes. 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; (KJV)
http://www.godcannotlie.org/2_thes_ch2.htm
1 Timothy 1:19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: (KJV)
http://www.godcannotlie.org/1_tim_ch1.htm
1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; (KJV)
http://www.godcannotlie.org/1_tim_ch4.htm
1 Timothy 5:12Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith. (KJV) http://www.godcannotlie.org/1_tim_ch5.htm
2 Timothy 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. (KJV) . . . . . . . . . . http://www.godcannotlie.org/2_tim_ch4.htm
Hebrews 3:12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. (KJV) http://www.godcannotlie.org/2_tim_ch4.htm
Hebrews 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, (KJV)
http://www.godcannotlie.org/book_of_hebrews_ch10.htm

Peter says that false teachers distort the Truth of God, and they do it for their own advantage. So many rich preachers! What did Jesus have? NOTHING! Matthew 8:20 And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. (KJV)
Another convincing argument for the idea of degrees of punishment comes from Jesus’ parable of the wicked servant.
Luke 12:42-48 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? 43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 44 Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath. 45 But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; 46 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. 47 And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. (KJV)
http://www.godcannotlie.org/luke_ch12.htm . . . The meaning of the last part is very clear! ALL the wicked will be punished; but, those limited in their opportunities to learn about Christ will be punished less, “with fewer stripes” than those who knew the Truth and yet refused to obey.

Does the Bible teach degrees of reward in heaven? Yes, it does. Does it also teach degrees of punishment in Hell? Yes, it does. The good news, of course, is that Heaven’s offer of salvation is open to everyone.
John 3:15-16 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (KJV)
http://www.godcannotlie.org/john_commentary_ch3.html
John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (KJV) http://www.godcannotlie.org/john_commentary_ch5.html
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (KJV) . . . . . . . . . . . http://www.godcannotlie.org/book_of_romans_ch.6.htm
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. (KJV) http://www.godcannotlie.org/eph_ch2.htm

NO one has to go to Hell. When Christ went to the cross on our behalf, He paid a debt He did not owe, because we had a debt we could not pay . . . WHY? So that we could live forever in the Presence of our awesome and Almighty Creator. God takes absolutely NO pleasure in the death of the wicked.
Ezekiel 18:23 Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live? (KJV)
Ezekiel 33:11Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? (KJV)
It is God’s will that none should perish. 2 Peter 2:3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. (KJV) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . http://www.godcannotlie.org/2_peter_ch2.htm

When I realized that I was saved from the eternal torment of Hell, I was so grateful that my compassion and concern for the lost became an extremely important issue to me. When a person is truly saved, we SEE just how awful the hideous nature of our sin really is to God. We not only want to save ourselves from this evil generation, we want to reach out and tell others of our blessing. Some may think I am obsessed with the topic of Hell. Maybe I am! I KNOW what God clearly states in the Bible about Hell, and I BELIEVE it! When I was saved, it was almost immediately that I knew what my gift was . . . and that was teaching His Word. I have done that faithfully and very willingly since that time in the early 1970's. I teach the WHOLE Bible, not just what people want to hear. I teach the awesome heritage of Heaven, but I also teach and greatly stress the agonies of Hell, because I am SO glad the LORD woke me up to the Truth long ago.

Acts 2:40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. (KJV) http://www.godcannotlie.org/book_of_acts_ch2.htm
1 Timothy 2:3-6 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. (KJV) http://www.godcannotlie.org/1_tim_ch2.htm . . . We should have sincere compassion and warn unbelievers of their impending doom.

Ezekiel 3:17-19 Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. 18 When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. 19 Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. (KJV) . . . Just as Ezekiel was appointed a "watchman" over Israel, I believe it is the task of every TRUE believer today to be "watchman" over all those around them. There are not many who agree with me about this, and sometimes I am highly criticized for my exposing false doctrine and false teachers, but I take my job very seriously, and I shall continue as long as the Lord gives me strength, because HE has NOT told me to stop! So I shall go on until HE tells me to stop, and dear one, that will not happen!
Mark 16:15-16 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. (KJV) http://www.godcannotlie.org/mark_ch16.html . . . Every TRUE believer in Christ, must “Go ye.” IF we do not, we disobey the Lord! We also must WARN people when we see danger. IF we do not warn them, we shall be held accountable! BEWARE!!!