Punishment of the Wicked

When we hear that the wicked people will be punished by God we usually think about those individuals that murder, maim, steal, etc. We all agree that unrepentant people like this should not get to go into heaven but rather to hell where they will suffer an eternity in punishment. But have you ever stopped to really look at what the Bible says concerning those that will end up in hell? The Hebrew writer said: “And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation.” Paul told the Thessalonian brethren: “dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. And these will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power” (2 Thessalonians 2:7-9). If we “do not obey” God (keep His commandments), then we will receive the same punishment as those awful immoral people. Punishment is certain (Psalms 9:17; Revelation 21:8). Punishment is also eternal (Matthew 25:41). Therefore, knowing this, we should strive to do ALL of God’s will so we can ensure that we will be with Him forever. Live life for Christ -- making the choice to go to heaven!