𝖜𝖔𝖗𝖙𝖍𝖞 𝖎𝖘 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖑𝖆𝖒𝖇 ♰

St. John Chrysostom, as he is relevant here, is very clear in his belief that there is a punitive aspect to the justice of God, and that the purpose for our subjection to His wrath in the life to come is retributive, rather than corrective. ‘“For the wrath of God,” he says, “is revealed from heaven.” Whence is this evident? [...] And yet this frequently happens even in the present life, as in famines, pestilences, and wars; for each person individually, and all collectively, are subjected to punishment. What, then, will be different at that time [the Eschaton]? This: that the punishment will be more grievous, that it will be universal, and that it will not be inflicted for the same purpose. For now these things come to pass for the sake of correction (διόρθωσις), but then for retribution (τιμωρία). This is what Paul also indicated when he said: “We are chastened now, that we may not be condemned with the world” (1 Cor. 11:32). And now it seems to many that much of what happens occurs not on account of the wrath from above, but through the malice of men. Then, however, the punishment inflicted by God will be manifest, when the Judge, seated upon the dread judgement-seat, shall command some to be dragged to the furnaces, others into the outer darkness, and others to yet further punishments, inexorable and unbearable.’ –St. John (Chrysostom), Serm. 3 on Romans