As I’ve said before (yesterdays’ post), I believe in divine judgment; however, I do not believe in the eternal hell that’s more likle a creation than Hollywood than of the church- though I believe the church did create it. I’ll go in to all those reasons after I review the three judgments. The Bible speaks of eternal torment, annihilation, and reconciliation. One can (and many do) use those Scriptures to justify the position taken: don’t we all? I’m not claiming I am right, I’m just stating where I am after a couple of decades of study. We all read the Scriptures, and then seek the Holy Spirit for their meaning. After doing that, here’s what I’ve discerned.
The three judgments relate to our concept of TIME. Obviously God isn’t limited by time, nor space. Lucky Him! I agree with the Hurley model, which many others have adopted over the years as well.
First we have been (PAST) judged as SINNERS. But here’s the GOOD NEWS. Jesus took care of that nearly 2,000 years ago! As Romans 8:1 says, that’s past, done! II Corinthians 5:21 says basically the same thing. Jesus took that sin on Himself. He became sin for us. I don’t know how that works. I’ve never really understood it:however, until or unless I get some new illumination from the Holy Spirit, that’s where I am.
Second, we are (PRESENT) judged as SONS (and daughters). I John 3:2 among others confirms that we are now SONS of God. In this present tense we have a couple of options. We can judge ourselves and repent, or we can have others judge us. Can you say God? I Corinthians 11:31,32 is pretty clear on that one. It’s better for us to fess up, repent, and move on than to leave a thing “undone” and force God’s hand, karma, or your worst enemy!
If you’d like a second opinion on that, I’d refer you to Hebrews 12:5-11.
Third, we are (FUTURE) judged as SERVANTS. This is the future reward for our works here on earth- those good ones. And as I read the Word, it’s going to be based on our faithfulness in the service and calling that we were given- not what we choose to do. Ouch! All that other stuff, good as it might have been, if not God, is a little wood, a little hay, and a lot of stubble! 
Matthew 16:27 is pretty straight forward about this future judgment. Even
</a> got this right way back in the Old Testament.</p>
<p>So we get a free pass from the <strong>PAST as sinners</strong>! We’re currently paying the price for our sins in the <strong>PRESENT as Sons</strong>. And, there will be a day to come, when we will be judged in the <strong>FUTURE as SERVANTS</strong>. You know, that’s enough for me to not need an eternal, burn your buns unendingly (for what purpose)? I have not a clue as to what that punishment will look like, but the next day I post, I’ll take a look at what I think it might mean in light of <strong>how I see God</strong>. </p>
<p>That’s just <strong>me</strong> of course. Everyone has an opinion., Pick one! <img src='http://www.lrchouston.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':-)' class='wp-smiley' /></p>
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Man Ernie, thank you so much. This one wasn’t hard at all to swallow. In fact, it sort of reminds me of cliff notes. What us long distance members have to utilize if we don’t have the option of hearing you out loud and in person.:):):)
Pastor Ernie- I believe that hell is to be cut off from God’s prescence… people too often have associated hell with the firey underground cavern they watched as children on cartoons. However, I do believe that when Christ returns all who are saved will live in paradise and those who have never heard about Christ will some time be offered to have a relationship with God’s son. The people who will be cut off into the outer darkness will be those who rejected the gospel… for Christ Jesus desires that all should enter heaven.
Peace.
James R. Graspo