Gehenna Fire and Judgment on Christians

De: Don Pirozok

Narrado por: Virtual Voice

The Sermon on the Mount, as recorded in Matthew chapters 5 through 7, stands as one of the most penetrating revelations of the standards by which Jesus Christ will judge His own disciples. Often mistaken as a generic moral code for the world or as an impossible ideal for the Church age, the Sermon is, in fact, a blueprint for kingdom readiness. It is a royal proclamation from the King to His own subjects, instructing them how to live in view of the coming kingdom and the judgment seat of Christ. This judgment, though not related to eternal salvation, is no less solemn—for it concerns entrance into the kingdom of heaven and the rewards of reigning with Christ. The language of the Sermon is unmistakably directed to believers, those who call Jesus "Lord," and warns them that their position in the kingdom will be determined by their obedience to His commandments.
The opening of the Sermon begins with the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3–12), describing the character traits of those who will be "blessed" and who will "inherit the kingdom." These are not the conditions for receiving eternal life, which is freely given by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9), but are instead qualities that describe those who are approved and rewarded in the kingdom age. “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3) is not a statement of general salvation, but of kingdom inheritance. The kingdom is promised to those who have recognized their spiritual poverty and have walked humbly before God. It is not enough to merely be saved; the disciple must be poor in spirit, merciful, meek, pure in heart, a peacemaker, and willing to suffer for righteousness’ sake if he is to enter the kingdom as a ruler and co-heir with Christ.
Throughout the Sermon, Jesus draws a sharp distinction between mere profession and true obedience. He intensifies the law, not to reestablish legalism, but to reveal the inward righteousness God demands from His disciples. “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time... But I say unto you…” (Matthew 5:21–22, 27–28) is repeated throughout chapter five. This contrast shows that Jesus is not merely calling His followers to avoid outward sins like murder and adultery, but to purge their hearts of anger, lust, and deceit. The final judgment for believers will consider these hidden sins. Jesus warns that one who is angry with his brother without a cause will be “in danger of the judgment,” and one who says “Thou fool” will be “in danger of hell fire” (Matthew 5:22). This is not a reference to the eternal damnation of the unsaved, but rather the severe chastening of a believer whose works are found unworthy when judged by the Lord.
The term “hell fire” in Matthew 5:22 is Gehenna—the place of fiery judgment outside Jerusalem where refuse and corpses were burned. It symbolically points to a place of divine retribution, a figure of judgment upon the unfaithful servant. Gehenna is reserved for those who, while redeemed by grace, lived carelessly and brought shame to the name of Christ. It is not the Lake of Fire, which is reserved for the second death and the finally condemned (Revelation 20:14–15). Gehenna judgment, as presented in the Sermon on the Mount, warns of temporary exclusion and severe discipline for those who disobey Christ’s laws in the coming kingdom.
Jesus makes it clear that even believers may find themselves in danger if they do not walk in righteousness. He said, “Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great” (Matthew 5:19). This verse proves the setting is within the kingdom—not outside of it. .