Paidion wrote:FofF, you seem to be saying that, in the afterlife, everyone will be in the same boat, since Jesus is "the Savior of the world."
This is not the case, according to our Lord, and according to Paul.
In the parable of the sheep and the goats, Jesus said:
Matthew 25:46 And they[the goats]will go away into correction that goes from age to age, but the righteous into life that goes from age to age."
Romans 2:6-10 For He will render to everyone according to his works.
To those who by perseverance in well-doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, He will give life that goes from age to age, but for those who are self-seeking and are not persuaded by the truth, but are persuaded by unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.
Affliction and anguish for every person who does evil, but glory and honour and well-being for every one who does good... for God shows no partiality.
The results that go "from age to age" apparently extend well beyond this present life!
Paidion,
I am glad you brought up the sheep and the goats because it supports "the 4th view" very well. I will explain.
First, Christ began his judgment at the Day of Pentecost and it continues unto this day. The separating of the sheep and the goats is a picture of what happens in this judgment - it happens every day. There are two groups of people. The first group is the goats. These people are selfish because they have opportunity to help others and bear their burdens but, because they are self-seeking, they do not. Therefore they are punished by God - not after they are dead, but while they are still living. What is their punishment?... It is guilt and shame! This punishment will not abate as long as these people continue in their selfishness. Their punishment will continue right up until their death (unless they repent and find their salvation in Christ).
The second group is different. They, by nature know the law of Christ, that we should love one another as ourselves and that we should bear one another's burdens. These people help others and are rewarded by the Holy Spirit with the satisfaction one gets from helping others. They feel peaceful inside and joyful and their souls find rest. This is eternal life. Eternal life does not refer to the length of time one has life but to the quality of that life. Eternal life is one that has peace with God.
Todd