But there is another set of outcomes, the set emphasized in the writings of the Apostle Paul. This set is composed of cause and effect, sowing and reaping relationships. These outcomes are not rewards, strictly speaking. They are the inviolable results of specific behaviors. These are not affected by grace or mercy. They occur naturally and inevitably.

The Christians of today appear to be almost totally ignorant of the cause and effect relationships of their present behavior to their state in the Day of Resurrection, supposing by "accepting Christ" they will escape Hell and go to Heaven, and this is all they need be concerned about.

Let us give some examples of cause and effect relationships in daily life on the earth and see how they differ from rewards and punishments.

If a person eats a balanced diet and exercises he will feel better, probably live longer, and avoid the illnesses sometimes attributed to improper diet or lack of exercise. If a person eats more than his body requires there are specific results. There is weight gain and possibly diabetes or other illnesses often associated with being overweight.

We do not think of good health or sickness as being rewards or punishments, although they could be considered that way.

Cigarette smoking is associated with a number of health problems. Again, there is a cause and effect relationship.

If a person drinks alcohol his perception will be affected. This change of perception is a cause and effect relationship. If he gets in his car and drives, his reflexes are not normal due to altered perception. This is a cause and effect relationship. If he causes an accident while he is drunk, this is a cause and effect relationship due to subnormal reflexes. We usually do not think of altered perception, subnormal reflexes, or an accident as rewards or punishments. They are cause and effect relationships.

However, if the car accident resulted in considerable damage and someone was killed, there will be suitable punishment administered. So punishments and cause and effect relationships are connected in this manner.

Conversely, if someone trains his body for a number of years for participation in an athletic event, the effect will be improved performance. If he then competes in an event and wins, he will be rewarded for his improved performance. Again there is a connection between cause and effect relationships and rewards.

Hell and the Lake of Fire (Gehenna) are mentioned in the Gospels and the Book of Revelation. But Hell is not mentioned in the Epistles as being the destiny of the Christian who continues to sin. The warnings of the New Testament, for the most part, have to do with perishing, death, corruption, and receiving the direct consequences of our behavior.

It is of the greatest importance that the Christians of today come to understand that even if they escape Hell, what they will encounter in the Day of Resurrection will directly reflect their behavior in the present life. God's grace and mercy will not intervene in the Day of Resurrection so as to cancel the Kingdom principle of sowing and reaping.

To be continued.