The following "Question" was asked by a member of the congregation at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, and "Answered" by their pastor, John MacArthur Jr. It was transcribed by Anjela Paje of Spokane, WA, from the tape, GC 1301-X, titled "Bible Questions and Answers Part 26."  A copy of the tape can be obtained by writing, Word of Grace, P.O. Box 4000, Panorama City, CA 91412 or by dialing toll free 1-800-55-GRACE.  ©1983. All Rights Reserved.

Questioner

My question is based on Matthew, chapter 11, verse 21. Jesus said, “Woe to you, Korazin!, Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles had occurred in Tyre and Sidon, which occurred in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. Nevertheless, I say to you it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you.” Now, how can it be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon when in the book of Revelation chapter 20, verse 15, it simply says, “And if anyone’s name was not found written in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the Lake of Fire.” It doesn’t seem it would make any difference.

John MacArthur's Answer

There are degrees of punishment. Now, they’re all bad. But, the key verse you want to look at is Hebrews 10:29. Can you read it there, Hebrews 10:29?

Questioner

“How much severer punishment, do you think, he will deserve who has trample underfoot the Son of God and has regarded as unclean, the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified and has insulted the Spirit of grace?”

John MacArthur's Answer

What are the first few words of that verse?

Questioner

“How much severer...”

John MacArthur's Answer

See, there are degrees of punishment. Some more severe than others, depending on how much knowledge of Christ you had. And, the greater judgment is rendered on Korazin and Bethsaida because they had Jesus Christ right there. Tyre and Sidon didn’t. So, there are degrees of punishment. There must be degrees of punishment. We don’t understand what that means any more than we understand the degrees of reward because how much more can you have than perfection? But, that’s what scripture says.

Added to Bible Bulletin Board's "MacArthur's Questions and Answers" by:

Tony Capoccia
Bible Bulletin Board
Box 119
Columbus, New Jersey, USA, 08022
Our websites: www.biblebb.com and www.gospelgems.com
Email: tony@biblebb.com
Online since 1986