GOD
REWARDS AND PUNISHES NOW
In my opinion everything we do has a consequence; either good or bad. There are some who believe that once saved by Jesus Christ, grace will prevent all punishment. The most they will admit is that God rebukes us as a pedagogic method not as a penalty. I understand that He uses both, sometimes one, others the other, and on occasion both at the same time.
“Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.” (Ephesians 6:8)
In this passage we at least see that whatever good one does he will receive it from the Lord, whoever he is. In Galatians 6:7 we see that all that a man sows, he will also reap. In this case it refers to the good as to the bad. And this is said after the crucifixion; that is, that even after the sacrifice of Jesus it continued to be effective.
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” (Galatians 6:7)
In I Corinthians 11:29-32 we see that in consequence for the sins of some Christians, they found themselves ill and some had even died (30). In verse 31 it says if we were to examine ourselves to not commit that sin, we would not be judged, but being judged (32) we are punished.
“29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. 30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. 31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.” (I Corinthians 11:29-32)
If the rebuke were only pedagogic, it would not have to be preceded by the judgment. If it is preceded by a judgment it is because it is something punitive.
Afterwards, it seems to make reference as to why we need to be punished here and now: to not be condemned with the world. As the world will be condemned in the other life, it is evident that Paul wants to say that we are charged here so that our “bill” does pass to “there”. Or that is to say, that we are punitively rebuked and not only pedagogically. The bad things the Christian does after his conversion, he will pay here; and they will be charged by justice, not only by pedagogy. Sin has present and eternal consequences. Christ died for the eternal, but the present consequences still reach us.
You may believe that since you converted you are immune to electricity, and you may have much faith in it and “strongly believe it,” but as soon as you touch it will realize your mistake. Of course, you can persist to say that what you felt was not electricity; but that would not change reality. Also like this when you suffer God's punishments, you can persist to say that that is not a punishment; but that would not change reality.