Rich,RICHinCHRIST wrote:My only point was that if Hitler received his punishment in this life, it doesn't seem like it was very "punishing" for him considering he was a dictator. Even if his soul was tormented over the evils he did, is that really God's just and holy dealing with the man?
You bring up reasonable objections when dealing with an extreme case like Hitler. It would seem to me that Hitler was most likely a tormented soul who died an untimely death brought about as a result of his wickedness. This was God's wrath against him. But your objection is that this result (God's judgment against Hitler) is not sufficient for all the evil he did. I would agree that there is no equity here; from our viewpoint equity would only be accomplished if he suffered that same fate a million times. But I don't believe God works that way. Once a man is dead he can no longer sin or do harm to others. What good could be accomplished by further punishment? After all, if justice is about doing the right thing, what righteousness is there in additional torment when God has the power to simply raise him in a sinless state?
I agree that wickedness sends shock waves throughout society, which is why God has established the governing authorities to act as His agent to execute wrath against the evil doers. A good example of this is what happend to Sadaam Hussein and his two sons.
But some will ask, what about those who never get caught in their crimes? My only answer here is that they have to live with themselves and the torment of their own conscience along with any shame or condemnation inflicted by their associates.
The bible teaches that we reap what we sow; it is in this way that we are rewarded according to our works. Consider the Old Testament where God poured out His wrath upon the living with no mention of additional post-death punishment.
Todd