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Why is hell an eternal punishment? How does an eternity in hell fit the crime of a single seemingly “innocent” sin?
We need to understand that there is no innocent sin. God doesn’t compare our “little” sins against others’ “big” sins. He compares them to His standard of righteousness. Even what we consider little is still sin.
Isaiah 64:6
6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
James 2:10
10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
There’s a lot to unpack in those verses. But the point I want to make is that breaking the law is breaking the law. Sin is sin, no matter how trivial we may feel it to be.
Ecclesiastes 10:1
1 Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour.
Galatians 5:9
9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.
No matter what good we do, our sins will not go unpunished. God doesn’t weigh our goodness on a scale next to our sin to see which way it tips. Our goodness is like bread with the mold of sin. It may have some good in it, but it is still poison.
Eternal Sin
But aside from that, there is something not many people understand. Sin isn’t as contained as they think. Its effects are actually eternal. That’s why eternal punishment is justified.
Romans 5:12
12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
Adam took a bite of the fruit that God said not to eat. What’s the big deal? Why should Adam be punished for all of eternity? That may be what someone looking at the single event might think.
But what were the effects of that sin? Men throughout history have murdered, lied, stolen, and done all kinds of things to one another as a result. Sin isn’t as finite as we think. It is a cancer that spreads.
Every sin man commits is connected like a web. Adam’s sin was the starting point—it set in motion a chain reaction leading to the sins of every person who followed. His disobedience created a ripple effect.
Adam isn’t just responsible for his sin. He is responsible for influencing the entire human race to sin. People are in hell because Adam paved the way.
When I say that, I am not saying people are guilty of his sin. We already covered the topic of original sin and showed that to be untrue. I am saying they are guilty of their own sins, and Adam is guilty of leading them to sin.
This is the tragic reality of sin: Adam’s sin leads others to sin. Their sin leads them to hell. Every moment they suffer in hell is another moment Adam had a hand in causing. That results in Adam having to suffer for each moment they do as well.
Because their sin causes him to suffer longer, they are guilty of causing his extended suffering. As a result, their punishment must also be extended. Adam’s suffering increases because of their sins, and their suffering increases because of his.
The consequences of sin create an eternal loop. No matter how much time passes, the ripple effects of sin cannot be stopped. Every sin perpetuates more sin and judgment, making the debt of sin impossible to pay. The price is infinite.
This cycle is why there is eternal punishment. Every moment someone suffers in hell adds to Adam’s debt, and every moment Adam suffers adds to theirs. The weight of sin builds endlessly, with no escape from its consequences.
Eternal Mercy
Still, God doesn’t want anyone to be in hell. He has set a specific amount of time for people to either continue in sin or repent. But the time is fixed for when He will bring judgment.
Lamentations 3:22-23
22 It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
God is full of mercy. He gives everyone a chance to turn back to Him. While justice requires eternal punishment, mercy offers eternal forgiveness. This forgiveness is available to everyone.
Those who end up in hell cannot claim that those in heaven should be punished with them. Everyone had the same opportunity to receive forgiveness and salvation.
The choice is clear. Hell is a real place, and it lasts forever. Choosing to reject the mercy of God leads to that result. However, there is also a home filled with joy and free of suffering available to those who accept His mercy. Be sure of your final and eternal destination.
Our next study will introduce us to our one hope to avoid hell.
Unit 2:14 – Justice and Mercy: The Sacrifice of Jesus OR
Return To Christianity 101 Unit 2 – Sin and Eternal Judgment